Conwy was a royal building project with a clear chain of command. Edward I retained direct control, John Bonvillars managed the daily work, and Master James of St George oversaw construction across the region. Workers built the exterior curtain walls and towers in 1283-84, then focused on the interiors and neighboring town walls in 1284-86. This sequence put the castle's defensible shell ahead of accommodation and civic enclosure. The castle was complete by 1287.
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Managing the royal building program
Edward I's direct control, John Bonvillars's daily management, and Master James of St George's oversight reveal an organized royal construction hierarchy.