This together with the Celtic fort built during the Iron Age at Dinas Dinlle some three miles away, and occupied for almost three centuries, represents some of the turbulent history of this part of Wales

During the Napoleonic wars with the increasing threat of invasion , especially to the North Wales coast, Thomas Wynn, later to become the first Lord Newborough, undertook a bold military strategy and finally built the fort in 1775, thereby fortifying the narrow stretch of the Menai Straits between the mainland and the Isle of Anglesey. It is believed to be the only Fort in Europe the construction of which was linked to the American war of Independence.

The Fort was initially garrisoned by Lord Newborough’s own troops and still remains today very much as originally built. Belan was drawn back into the fray during the Second World War when it was occupied by all three services with the Royal Air Force especially dominating the scene by its use of what is now called Caernarfon Airport, which lies some mile and a half away.

Belan's unique dock was largely constructed by the second Baron Newborough and completed in 1826. His passion for maritime life did much to shape Belans maritime history which commenced soon after the docks construction. A number of yachts were added and in 1845 started what was to become the Caernarfon Sailing Regatta. It was from this that the Royal Yacht Club was formed in 1874, now housed within the town walls of Caernarfon.
The dock remains today largely as it was when originally constructed.