This Castle is, or rather was, situated on an insulated rock, in a marsh on the river Dee, which still, at high tides, washes its walls. It is a site of considerable historical interest, being the place where the unhappy King Richard II was delivered into the hands of his rival, Bolingbroke. The unfortunate monarch, it appears, finding himself deserted, had withdrawn to North Wales, with a design to escape to France. He was, however, decoyed to agree to a conference with Bolingbroke, and on the road was seized by an armed force, conveyed to Flint Castle, and thence led by his successful rival to the metropolis. Shakspeare has perpetuated Flint Castle by its frequent mention in his "Life and Death of King Richard the Second." He has indeed invested it with high poetical interest. Thus, in Scene 2 of Act iii. where occurs that touching lament of unkingship-- ----Of comfort, no man speak: Let's talk of graves, of worms, and epitaphs, &c. Again, where the moody monarch says-- ----What comfort have we now? By heaven! I'll hate him everlastingly, That bids me be of comfort any more. Go, to _Flint Castle_, there I'll pine away; A king, woe's slave, shall kingly woe obey. Then, the investiture of the Castle--"Scene 3.--_Wales--Before Flint Castle;" "Enter, with drums and colours_, BOLINGBROKE _and Forces." "A parle sounded, and answered.--Flourish.--Enter on the walls_ KING RICHARD, &c." Shakspeare makes the capture _in the castle_. Thus, Northumberland (from Bolingbroke before the castle) parleys with the King-- My lord, in the base court he doth attend To speak with you, may't please you to come down? KING RICHARD. Down, down I come; like glistering Phaeton, Wanting the management of unruly jades. (_North retires to Boling._) In the base court? Base court, where kings grow base, To come at traitors' calls, and do them grace. In the base court? Come Down? Down Court, Down King! For night-owls shriek where mounting larks should sing. (_Exeunt from above._)