The origin of the name of this little town, and even how it should be spelt today, gives rise to much discussion locally - even strong feelings.

The first mention was when Llywelyn Fawr built the first castle there in the 13th century on the rock named Cruciaeth. The next, and most official, is written in the charter making the town a borough and signed by Edward I at Cardigan on 22 November 1284 when the place is identified as Crykyth.

In medieval times the "township" was known as Treferthyr. (Martyr's Town). It is suggested, but not definitely proven, that this refers to St Catherine for whom the parish church is named. Today the primary school is known as Ysgol Treferthyr.

The Common Seal of the Borough of CrykythIt is generally accepted that the first part refers to "Crug" meaning rock. After this opinions vary. "Caeth" could mean prisoner; referring to the imprisonment of one of Llywelyn's sons there. Perhaps it could mean heather covered rock, though there doesn't appear to be any heather growing there today.

Another argument is that the first part is "Cri" or Cry so it could translate as "cry of the prisoner". The most fanciful, propounded possibly by Mr RG Roberts one time headmaster of the primary school, was that it was the cry of cats "Cri y cath" , drowning in a flood that gave rise to it.

In any case there have been many variations recorded right up to the 20th century and even now the debate continues as to whether it should be Criccieth or Cricieth.

After the borough was established only Englishmen were permitted to settle within the boundaries, though Welshmen did "infiltrate". In 1337 three were evicted. However, by 1374 eight jurymen from the borough had Welsh names. In charge of the borough was a constable who also held the title of mayor.

The most famous constable was Hywel ap Grufydd; known as "Hywel y Fwyall" (the Axe). He was renowned for his prowess in battle. It is said he dismounted the French king by cutting off his horse's head with one blow with his battle-axe, and took him prisoner at the Battle of Poitiers.

He was knighted by the Black Prince and rewarded further by being granted the constableship of the castle. He was from a local family who held the estate of Bron y Foel which lay on the flanks of Moel y Gest. Legend has it that on fair days he would distribute meat amongst the poor of the area.

He died around 1380 and it is thought that he is buried at St Beuno's Church in Clynnog.