Although building went on for about half a century, the castle was largely complete after only four years: 1268-1271. The impetus for building the castle came from the uncertainty engendered by the Treaty of Montgomery. After Henry III had successfully concluded the Barons' Wars, Llywelyn ap Gruffudd decided likewise to make peace. The Treaty of Montgomery in 1267 acknowledged Llywelyn as the dominant force in Wales, but did not clarify rights as between Llewelyn and the English lord of Glamorgan. Gilbert de Clare aggressively asserted his lordship in the area by beginning the building of Caerphilly Castle only months after the signing of the Treaty of Montgomery. The castle thus both asserted and established his control over the area.
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