Criccieth Castle a distant relation of Llywelyn ap Gruffudd, began an uprising against English rule that spread quickly through Wales. Several English-held towns were razed and Criccieth (along with Harlech Castle and Aberystwyth Castle) were besieged that winter. Its residents survived until spring when the castle was resupplied. In the 14th century the castle had a notable Welsh constable called Hywel ap Gruffydd, known as Howell the Axe, who fought for Edward III at the Battle of Poitiers in 1356. The castle was used as a prison until 1404 when Welsh forces captured the castle during the rebellion of Owain Glyndŵr. The
Peterston-super-Ely its name suggests, the village lies on the River Ely, on the other side of which is the Coryton estate. The local parish church (in heavily restored simple Perpendicular style) is dedicated to Saint Peter. There are small remains of a castle. The oldest structure in the conservation area is the remains of Peterston Castle situated beside Castle Bungalow. The castle was built by the Norman lords of the manor, Le Sor family probably in the mid 13th century. It replaced an earlier structure destroyed by the Welsh and in turn was sacked and destroyed by Owain Glyndwr in 1403.