The first reference to the castle appears in the rolls of the Royal Wardrobe, referencing that Edward had sent 100 marks to Daffyd on 12 November 1278 towards the castle, however there is debate between scholars whether this was to aid the initial construction or to help in the upkeep of an already extant building. Notable features included two D-shaped towers and a great circular keep overlooking the approach to the south-east. It has been speculated that Dafydd employed English masons to work on the castle, which was apparently unfinished when Dafydd revolted in 1282. Edward gathered an army to invade Wales in June. He sent Reginald de Grey, 1st Baron Grey de Wilton to take Caergwrle Castle. When forces under his command arrived on 16 June, they discovered Dafydd had already retreated and abandoned the location.