No extended visit to the United Kingdom would be complete without traveling to the Welsh countryside. If you have never been before, you will probably be surprised by how different it is from the other English countries. This country is known as the Castle Capital of the World with more castles per square miles than anywhere else. Visitors have to pick and choose when they decide to tour Wales castles.
Edward I, who reigned at the end of the thirteenth century, created a lasting legacy when it comes to castle design. Prior to his reign most fortifications are built in the motte and bailey style, which was a design common throughout the United Kingdom and Denmark. Edward began to reconstruct and erect castles with ringed walls made of stone that protected the interior. Towers and turrets were added for additional security. The result was Edwardian castles, many of which remind visitors of those seen in classic fairy tales.
Sleeping Beauty would have been right at home at Hensol Castle located in the Vale of Glamorgan. The structure people see today is a nineteenth century creation, which makes it a fairly modern fortification by Welsh standards. It became an institution for those with mental and learning disabilities in the mid 1930s and continued to operate as one until the closing in 2003. Several film and television studios have used the exterior for background.
The Earl of March had Chirk Castle erected to guard against enemies attempting to enter Ceiroig Valley. It has been in existence since 1295. Today visitors are encouraged take guided tour and stroll through the state rooms and climb the steps leading to towers. The dungeons are also available for viewing. The yew hedges, rock gardens, and terraces located in its expansive garden should not be missed.
A very popular tourist attraction in Cardiff is Cardiff Castle. The architecture is Victorian and Greek Revival. The City owns the structure and has loaned it out over the years for rock concerts and performances, including one featuring Tom Jones. The summer ball is held here every year as is the largest Mardi Gras event in this country.
It is actually possible to stay a Bodelwyddan Castle, which originates from the 1400s. At one time a private girls school claimed ownership, and after the first World War, returning soldiers could spend the time necessary to recuperate from injury within its walls. It was redone in the 1980s in order to accommodate artwork loaned from the Royal Academy of Arts and the National Portrait Gallery.
The investiture of the Prince of Wales took place in Caernarfon Castle. This fortification was redesigned by Edward I to fit his taste. The original castle design was motte and bailey. At one time it was the administrative center for the northern section of this country.
Anyone with any appreciation of history, architecture, and beauty will love touring the Welsh countryside in search of castles to investigate. It is a wonderful way to see the country and learn something of its history. Visitors go home with plenty of stories to tell and pictures to show.
Edward I, who reigned at the end of the thirteenth century, created a lasting legacy when it comes to castle design. Prior to his reign most fortifications are built in the motte and bailey style, which was a design common throughout the United Kingdom and Denmark. Edward began to reconstruct and erect castles with ringed walls made of stone that protected the interior. Towers and turrets were added for additional security. The result was Edwardian castles, many of which remind visitors of those seen in classic fairy tales.
Sleeping Beauty would have been right at home at Hensol Castle located in the Vale of Glamorgan. The structure people see today is a nineteenth century creation, which makes it a fairly modern fortification by Welsh standards. It became an institution for those with mental and learning disabilities in the mid 1930s and continued to operate as one until the closing in 2003. Several film and television studios have used the exterior for background.
The Earl of March had Chirk Castle erected to guard against enemies attempting to enter Ceiroig Valley. It has been in existence since 1295. Today visitors are encouraged take guided tour and stroll through the state rooms and climb the steps leading to towers. The dungeons are also available for viewing. The yew hedges, rock gardens, and terraces located in its expansive garden should not be missed.
A very popular tourist attraction in Cardiff is Cardiff Castle. The architecture is Victorian and Greek Revival. The City owns the structure and has loaned it out over the years for rock concerts and performances, including one featuring Tom Jones. The summer ball is held here every year as is the largest Mardi Gras event in this country.
It is actually possible to stay a Bodelwyddan Castle, which originates from the 1400s. At one time a private girls school claimed ownership, and after the first World War, returning soldiers could spend the time necessary to recuperate from injury within its walls. It was redone in the 1980s in order to accommodate artwork loaned from the Royal Academy of Arts and the National Portrait Gallery.
The investiture of the Prince of Wales took place in Caernarfon Castle. This fortification was redesigned by Edward I to fit his taste. The original castle design was motte and bailey. At one time it was the administrative center for the northern section of this country.
Anyone with any appreciation of history, architecture, and beauty will love touring the Welsh countryside in search of castles to investigate. It is a wonderful way to see the country and learn something of its history. Visitors go home with plenty of stories to tell and pictures to show.
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