Caernarfon

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Administrative centre of Gwynedd, north Wales, situated on the southwest shore of the Menai Strait; population (2001) 9,700. Formerly the Roman station of Segontium, it is now a market town, port, and tourist centre. Industries include the manufacture of plastics and metal-working. 88% of the population of Caernarfon is Welsh-speaking.

Caernarfon castle, one of the finest examples of medieval fortifications in the British Isles, lies to the west of the town. It was built by Edward I in 1284, and is a World Heritage Site. The first Prince of Wales (later Edward II) was born in Caernarfon Castle (1284). The castle was besieged by Owen Glendower in 1402. Edward VIII was invested in Caernarfon in 1911 and Prince Charles in 1969.

Red, white, and blue recall the French tricolour. Red, yellow, and green are the pan-African colours. Red represents the common blood of mankind which links African and European nations. Effective date: 1 December 1958. >>