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.
Once such castle, that looks like it was taken from the pages of Sleeping Beauty, is Hensol Castle. It is new construction by Welsh standards, having been erected in the nineteenth century. In the 1930s it was turned into a mental hospital and operated as such until the 2003. Television and film studios have transported casts and equipment to Hensol Castle in order to incorporate it into their projects.
Chirk Castle is an ancient structure having been built late in the 1200s by the First Earl of March. He was concerned that enemies could breach the entrance to Ceiroig Valley making it vulnerable to attack. Today the castle is open to the public. Guided tours take visitors through state rooms, up into the towers and turrets, and down into the dungeons. The gardens are famous and are an essential part of any visit.
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.
Bodelwyddan Castle, part of which currently operates as a hotel, was originally erected in the mid fourteen hundreds. It was used as a place for wounded soldiers to recuperate after the First World War. It has also been used as a private girls school. In the 1980s it was refurbished so that it could house art collections owned by the National Portrait Gallery and the Royal Academy of Arts.
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.
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 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.
Once such castle, that looks like it was taken from the pages of Sleeping Beauty, is Hensol Castle. It is new construction by Welsh standards, having been erected in the nineteenth century. In the 1930s it was turned into a mental hospital and operated as such until the 2003. Television and film studios have transported casts and equipment to Hensol Castle in order to incorporate it into their projects.
Chirk Castle is an ancient structure having been built late in the 1200s by the First Earl of March. He was concerned that enemies could breach the entrance to Ceiroig Valley making it vulnerable to attack. Today the castle is open to the public. Guided tours take visitors through state rooms, up into the towers and turrets, and down into the dungeons. The gardens are famous and are an essential part of any visit.
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.
Bodelwyddan Castle, part of which currently operates as a hotel, was originally erected in the mid fourteen hundreds. It was used as a place for wounded soldiers to recuperate after the First World War. It has also been used as a private girls school. In the 1980s it was refurbished so that it could house art collections owned by the National Portrait Gallery and the Royal Academy of Arts.
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.
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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Find an overview of the reasons why you should tour Wales and more info about a reliable tour company at http://www.dragoninyourpocket.com today.
1 comment:
Guards on duty in medieval clothing public can try on medieval helmets and hold swords etc
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