HARLECH, ancient capital of Merionethshire, Wales, 38 m. from Aberystwyth by G.W.R. Pop. (1921) 1,096. (Parish of Llandanwg). Ruins of a fortress crown the rock of Harlech, about half a mile from the sea. Roman coins have been discovered in the neighbourhood and there are associations with Bronwen, daughter of Bran Fendigaid, and the Mabinogion generally. In the loth century, Harlech castle was, apparently, repaired by Colwyn, lord of Ardudwy, and thence called Caer Colwyn. The present structure dates from 1285 and is a good example of an Edwardian concentric castle. Edward made Harlech a free borough. Owain Glyn Dwr held it for four years. Dafydd ap Ieuan ap Einion held it for the Lancastrians, until famine made him surrender to Edward IV. From this time is said to date the air Rhy f elgyrch gwyr Harlech. The castle was the last to be held for the king in the civil war. The town is a tourist centre. In 1927 Coleg Harlech was established, for adult education on a residential basis.