This 'GoT'-Style Iron Ring Sculpture Has Offended The Welsh Here's Why

This striking sculpture may look like something out of a Game of Thrones episode, but in fact it’s been crowned as the winning design to celebrate Wales’ ‘Year of Legends‘ and is part of a large £630,000 project to turn Flint Castle into a tourist attraction.

However, not everyone is happy with George King Architects’ (GKA) design, which was selected by the Welsh Government and the Arts Council for Wales. A petition was created within hours of the announcement, claiming that the symbolic sculpture is a “distasteful artwork” and “extremely disrespectful to the people of Wales.”

The petition reads: ‘We the undersigned oppose the building of the Iron Ring outside of Flint Castle as we are well aware of the historical significance of Edward I and his so-called Iron Ring as a use to subjugate and oppress our people.’

‘We find this extremely disrespectful to the people of Wales and our ancestors who have battled oppression, subjugation and injustice for hundreds of years.’

‘We ask that you please rethink the decision to build this monument and use the money elsewhere.’

The 30 metre-diameter ring, which appears to teeter on the edge of the Dee Estuary, was supposed to symbolise a huge rusting crown that represents the relationship between Europe’s medieval monarchies and their castles, but many see it as a symbol of Wales’ oppression instead.

Flint Castle is famous for being the very spot where Richard II gave up the crown to Henry IV, which was a historical event that shaped Britain‘s history – and indeed Europe’s – forever.

Ken Skates AM says: ‘In its prime, Flint Castle played a pivotal role in not only shaping the future of Wales but that of the UK and Europe. The Iron Ring sculpture is a perfect way of marking this significance while attracting more people to visit the site, bringing positive economic benefits to the area.’

When it’s complete in 2018, the new Corten steel landmark will also serve as a cleverly cantilevered bridge – the ring is hollowed out to provide a path that visitors can use to walk around the sculpture, with a quote from Shakespeare‘s Richard II play inscribed along one side of the walkway.

To find out more about the project, click here.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.