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 came to power late thirteenth century, had a major influence on the architecture of this country's castles. Prior to his reign most of them were built in a motte and bailey design, which is commonly seen in other areas around the United Kingdom. The Edwardian style, as it came to be known, consists of a walled exterior, turrets, and towers. It gives the appearance of the castles most people recognize and have seen in animated film features for many years.
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.
Cardiff Castle is a favorite of tourists who come to the capital and largest city in the country. It is a combination of Greek Revival and Victorian architecture. The city owns the castle and it lets out periodically for rock concerts and appearances by popular performers. The annual summer ball and Mardi Gras are held at the castle.
In the fourteen hundreds the Humphreys built a manor house known as Bodelwyddan Castle. It was reconstructed during eighteen hundreds by the famous architect, Joseph Hansom. After World War I, wounded soldiers recuperated in this castle, which at one time was owned by a private girls school. The Royal Academy of Arts and National Portrait Gallery have housed artwork in it. Today a portion of the premises operates as a hotel.
Those interested in seeing an example of a castle that began as a motte and bailey design should travel to Gwynedd and take a walk around Caernarfon Castle. Edward I redesigned the original structure which served as the administrative center of the northern region of the country. The Prince of Wales was invested here.
Touring castles is not something everyone has a chance to do. Walking through structures that have been in existence for hundreds of years is a special experience. Lucky visitors will have plenty of stories to tell their friends and family.
Edward I, who came to power late thirteenth century, had a major influence on the architecture of this country's castles. Prior to his reign most of them were built in a motte and bailey design, which is commonly seen in other areas around the United Kingdom. The Edwardian style, as it came to be known, consists of a walled exterior, turrets, and towers. It gives the appearance of the castles most people recognize and have seen in animated film features for many years.
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.
Cardiff Castle is a favorite of tourists who come to the capital and largest city in the country. It is a combination of Greek Revival and Victorian architecture. The city owns the castle and it lets out periodically for rock concerts and appearances by popular performers. The annual summer ball and Mardi Gras are held at the castle.
In the fourteen hundreds the Humphreys built a manor house known as Bodelwyddan Castle. It was reconstructed during eighteen hundreds by the famous architect, Joseph Hansom. After World War I, wounded soldiers recuperated in this castle, which at one time was owned by a private girls school. The Royal Academy of Arts and National Portrait Gallery have housed artwork in it. Today a portion of the premises operates as a hotel.
Those interested in seeing an example of a castle that began as a motte and bailey design should travel to Gwynedd and take a walk around Caernarfon Castle. Edward I redesigned the original structure which served as the administrative center of the northern region of the country. The Prince of Wales was invested here.
Touring castles is not something everyone has a chance to do. Walking through structures that have been in existence for hundreds of years is a special experience. Lucky visitors will have plenty of stories to tell their friends and family.
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