Flint was the first landing point for Edwardian forces entering this part of Wales. Hawarden was only about two and a half hours away on foot, a distance cavalry could cover much faster. Together the castles controlled the River Dee crossings and access between England and Wales. The importance of these crossing sites continued into the modern period. Hawarden lacked a port of its own, but its proximity to Flint made it difficult to cut off from maritime support. The relationship to Flint's landing place helps explain why the other castles occupied their particular positions.
Chapter · 6:47-8:23
How Hawarden and Flint controlled Dee crossings
Hawarden and Flint worked as a paired strongpoint system controlling River Dee crossings and the main access route between England and Wales.