Visiting the Welsh countryside is a special event for the people who have the chance to go. Most are surprised by how different this country is from the rest of the United Kingdom. One great way to experience the history and ingenuity of the Welsh people is to tour Wales castles. There are hundreds to choose from, and each one is unique and special. Many have famous gardens for tourists to enjoy.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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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.
