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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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