Beautiful castles in Britain. Gloomy, mysterious, mysterious castles of England: photos, names and history How many castles are there in Great Britain
The castles of Great Britain, stunning in their grandeur, never cease to attract tourists from all over the world. The high castles of Scotland, the ancient castles of Wales and, of course, the richest castles in the heart of England. It is impossible to list all these residences of kings and military leaders, but it is possible to highlight several of the most interesting of them.
(Total 15 photos)
1. Often called the most romantic castle, Eilean Donan is located on a tiny islet lying in the Loch Duich fjord in Scotland. After the castle was almost destroyed during the Jacobite Rebellion in 1719, it lay in ruins for almost 2 centuries, but was restored in the early 20th century. Photo: Robert Harding World Imagery/Alamy
2. Bodian Castle, a moated castle in East Sussex, was originally owned by the Dalingridge family but is now under the care of the National Trust. Unfortunately, despite the fact that the castle looks exactly the same externally as it did when it was built in the 14th century, its interior lies in ruins. Photo: Derek Payne/Alamy
3. The imposing Caernarvon Castle in north Wales was built by King Edward I in an attempt to consolidate his dominance in the region that England had recently conquered. They say that the unusual design of the castle was deliberately meant to resemble the walls of Constantinople, as well as Byzantine architecture in general. Photo: CW Images/Alamy
4. Castel Coch Castle near Tongwynlais in Wales, although it looks medieval, was built in the 18th century for John Crichton-Stuart, the third Marquess of Bute. However, neither he nor his family lived there after its completion, and the descendants of the Marquess handed the castle over to the Welsh government. Photo: The Photolibrary Wales/Alamy
5. Built on a hill overlooking the River Arun, Arundel Castle was founded by Roger de Montgomery, one of William the Conqueror's closest advisors in the 11th century. Currently serves as the residence of the Dukes of Norfolk. Photo: Robert Harding World Imagery/Alamy
6. There are few castles in the world in such incredible places as the castle on Mount St. Michael's, which is on a rocky Cornish island accessible on foot at low tide. The castle serves as the residence of the Auburn family, who have been there since the 17th century. Photo: Alamy
7. One of the largest buildings in the Northern Highlands of Scotland, Dunrobin Castle in Sutherland, built in the French style, owes its appearance to Sir Charles Barry, architect of the Palace of Westminster. Photo: Derek Payne/Alamy
8. Appearing in a variety of films from Elizabeth (1988) to Robin Hood (2010), Bamburgh Castle rises from the rocky shores of Bamburgh, Northumberland. Historian and broadcaster Dan Snow calls its appearance "incredibly strong and impressive." Photo: Alamy
9. Another of the castles built by Edward I, Conwy Castle, topped by eight huge towers, sits on a rocky outcrop on the north coast of Wales. The castle is said to be one of the best preserved medieval fortifications in Britain. Photo: David Cantrille/Alamy
10. Small but perfect in appearance, Hever Castle was Anne Boleyn's childhood home, although it was later given to Henry VIII's fourth wife Anne of Cleves as part of their divorce settlement. In 1903, it was bought and restored by American millionaire William Waldorf Astor, who also added gardens and a lake to the castle. Photo: Tony French/Alamy
11. In contrast to tiny Hever, we present Windsor Castle, most likely the oldest and largest residential castle in the world and the Queen's favorite vacation spot. Photo: Oxford Picture Library/Alamy
12. The quaint Stokesay Castle in Shropshire is a fortified manor built by a wealthy wool merchant in the 13th century. Photo: Peter Barritt/Alamy
13. Called the "Windsor of the North", Alnwick Castle dates back to the 11th century, when the first fortifications were built on its site to protect against Scottish invaders. It's also interesting that the castle was one of the first buildings in the northeast to receive electricity using a hydroelectric system in 1899. Photo: Roy Rainford/Robert Harding/Rex Features
14. William the Conqueror ordered the construction of a castle at Warwick in 1068, but the wooden fence and walls had nothing in common with the stone fortress with towers that the castle is now. In the 15th century, when it was owned by Richard Neville, the castle was used to capture King Edward IV. Photo: Simon Hadley/Alamy
15. Leeds Castle, near Maidstone in Kent, was a favorite residence of royalty from King Edward I to King Henry VIII. The rare black swans that inhabit its moat were supposedly given to Winston Churchill, who in turn donated them to the castle. Photo: World Pictures/Alamy
It's hard to choose your favorite castles after spending so many fun days exploring them. Instead, I will try to show you the varied and most interesting castles in England.
There are majestic fortresses such as Dover, which stands like a sentinel over the English Channel. He protects England from Europe.
The country also has romantic ruins, such as the remains of Dunstanburgh Castle on the island's windswept north coast.
The red stone silhouette of Goodrich Castle, which is nestled in Herefordshire, is especially beautiful.
There are many castles in England, here is an overview of my favorites.
Tower of London: history, legends of ghosts and murdered princes
The history of the Tower is full of dark events and bloodshed.
Just read at least some of the history of the Tower, for example, the stories about the traitors' gate, the execution of Anne Boleyn, the truth about the noisy crows. If you are interested in solving the mysteries of medieval stories, try to piece together the legends of the princes killed in the Tower.
If you are looking for scary stories - these are stories about beheaded ghosts, devilish spirits, suffocating ghosts - the whole range of Tower of London ghost stories.
Framlingham Castle - where Mary Tudor was proclaimed queen
Mary Tudor was proclaimed the first Queen of England at Framlingham Castle, Suffolk.
Framlingham is a spectacular castle. This is a small ring-shaped fortress with 13 high towers, hidden behind a curtain behind significant walls.
Framlingham was built in 1190 and is still spectacular.
Rochester Castle. Get me 40 fat pigs!
Rochester Castle is a small but impressive fortress located near London.
Rochester survived two significant sieges and was nearly blown up with the fat from 40 pigs.
The city of Rochester is closely associated with the name of Charles Dickens and is featured in some of his novels.
Bodiam Castle - a work of genius
Sunset over Bodiam Castle, Sussex is one of the most majestic sights. Bodiam Castle is one of the most spectacular castles in the world to be surrounded by water.
The castle looks like an illustration that fell out of an art book. Its provocative beauty hides the work of architectural genius: visual tricks and planning quirks were designed to enhance the ideal appearance of the castle.
Dover Castle - Defender of England
Dover Castle has special strategic significance in English history.
The castle's location next to the Pas de Calais strait looks threatening as it is the shortest distance between England and France.
But Dover's protective qualities were useful not only in the Middle Ages.
During World Wars I and II the castle was used as an active base, and in the event of World War III it was to become a control center for atomic bombs.
Lewes Castle: A beautiful mound and garden castle
Lewes Castle is a beautiful mound-style fortress in Sussex.
It was built in 1067 after the Norman conquest of England, and was thus one of the first castles in the country.
The castle has a spectacular hinged tower with a cool intimidating weapon - a hinged loophole.
Tintagel Castle and the Legend of King Arthur
The ruins of Tintagel Castle lie on the rugged coast of Cornwall. Old legends say that King Arthur was born here, but you have to be smarter and believe these legends with a grain of salt.
Medieval ruins can now be found scattered along the coastline alongside the mysterious settlements of this dark age. And don't forget about Merlin's cave.
Kenilworth Castle and Queen Elizabeth
Kenilworth Castle in Warwickshire is the largest ruined castle in England. The history of this castle is varied, one of them being the greatest siege in the Middle Ages - in 1266. In addition, this castle played a prominent role in Tudor times.
Robert Leicester, the owner of the castle, sought the love and hand of the queen, and, trying to impress, decorated and reconstructed the castle.
Goodrich Castle - majestic red stone ruins
Goodrich Castle is located in one of the most beautiful places in Britain. These medieval red sandstone ruins are surrounded by the lush greenery of the Herefordshire countryside and reflected in the River Wye.
Tamworth Castle - a masterpiece of medieval architecture
Tamworth Castle, surrounded by delightful Staffordshire parkland and the chilly River Tame, is a fine example of mound-and-garden castle architecture.
This small castle is known for frequent ghost sightings. The castle courtyard is filled with magnificent old residential buildings.
Beeston Castle - beautiful views and buried treasures
Beeston Castle sits on a huge limestone cliff, and its amazing image can be seen across eight counties.
It is rumored that Richard II's buried treasure is still buried in these beautiful ruins.
Pontefract Castle - once the most formidable castle in England
It's hard to believe now, but Pontefract Castle was once one of the largest, most powerful and formidable castles in England.
Now, the once fierce-looking fortress has turned into ruins, a shadow of its former strength.
Pontefract Castle was described by Shakespeare and was notorious in early modern England.
Two castles in York - Bailey Hill Castle and Clifford's Tower
York is undoubtedly the prettiest and historically most important city in northern England.
It is now difficult to imagine that York once had two castles. Bailey Hill Castle is long gone, but the remains of York Castle - now Clifford's Tower - are truly worth a visit.
The shell-shaped remains of Clifford's Tower are actually one of the finest views in all of York.
Dunstanburgh Castle - windswept ruins and the legend of Sir Guy, the Seeker
The windswept ruins of Dunstanburgh Castle are spectacular.
The remote castle was built as a safe home for an errant duke, Sir Thomas of Lancaster. He had ideas, the implementation of which went far beyond his authority.
There are many old legends about Dunstanburgh Castle, one of which is about Sir Guy, the seeker, according to the king's curse, he had to wander around the castle all his life.
History of England's castles: 1066
In 1066, the Battle of Hastings took place - the Norman invasion changed the landscape of England forever.
Until 1066, fortresses were not real “castles”; military buildings looked completely different.
Forts were scattered throughout the green and beautiful lands of England, and on all the hills there were old Roman forts and their remains.
Usually these fortifications had nothing to do with “castles”; these buildings were powerful from a military point of view and at the same time were residential; in addition, from this place the lord exercised leadership over the entire territory.
The magnificent Goodrich Castle was the home of the de Valence family, who controlled much of Herefordshire.
The Normans changed all that. They understood that such castles were excellent protection and a place of control.
After the Battle of Hastings the Normans improved and soon most of the country was under their control.
Why did the Normans build so many castles in England?
Why did the Normans build so many castles in England? They learned from experience. Their castle-building techniques served them well in achieving their goals, and as a result, they controlled most of the lands of the Middle Ages, including northern France and even Sicily.
The castle was the center of power, and its influence extended throughout the entire territory. It was the lord's home and his way of controlling his territory.
Although castles were something of an import, England adopted them.
Over the next six hundred years, thousands of castles were built throughout England, evolving from mound-style castles to timber buildings and then to fantastic stone buildings after the 13th century. One formidable king of England should be noted - Edward I, who reigned from 1272 to 1307, and was obsessed with the idea of subjugating Scotland and Wales to England.
Edward I - the most formidable king of England
Among the monarchs of the Middle Ages, none was more feared than Edward I.
Edward I, nicknamed "Longlegs" because of his enormous height, was a warrior king who conquered Wales and had his eye on Scotland.
Thanks to Edward, many huge castles were built throughout the British Isles, all intended to support Edward's iron grip on power.
Of course, centuries passed and castles were no longer needed to protect and maintain power by military forces.
English castles became more important in maintaining power through prestige, rank and class.
The aristocracy made castles their homes, and kings increased their importance by building new castles.
For example, the tenacious Henry VIII adopted a lavish program of castle building during the 1500s.
The end of the seventeenth century was a dark time in history for English castles.
During the English Civil War they provided protection and were used as outposts.
Many castles were again needed during the bitter war between the Royalists and the Parliamentarians to repel sieges and protect lands and wealthy families. But a new enemy has appeared - gunpowder. Stone castles were not built to withstand fire and artillery fire from powerful cannons.
Goodrich Castle was hit by cannonballs during the Civil War.
As a result, many castles were destroyed or suffered serious damage. And in the end, the victorious parliamentarians deliberately destroyed many objects. This was done to protect their own power - so that opposition forces could not use these castles in confrontation.
How many castles are there in England? This question cannot be answered, many castles are in ruins, many are “lost castles”, destroyed, disappeared over time.
Along with this question, the expert is debating which buildings can be considered castles. Why? It turns out that in the 18th and 19th centuries, wealthy people turned their estates into castles.
Can they be counted among the total number of castles? Or consider them fake?
The National Trust for England looks after 13 castles, and English Heritage manages about 100 more. I believe that 900 castles are in a state of repair and thousands more are in ruins or lost.
(if you are not registered there yet, follow the link and receive a $25 bonus for your first booking).
Ready tours
Sometimes you can catch a tour for the price of a flight, or even cheaper. I'm looking for last minute tours to and - look at upcoming dates and different destinations.
Insurance
You can find the most profitable insurance on the website from a dozen different insurance companies - this will be useful for obtaining a visa.
In this small country, there is surprisingly such a huge number of castles, you can’t even count how many, in some places they are well-preserved large buildings or successfully restored, and in others they are small or completely destroyed buildings. But they all carry the strength and power of their story.
The castles of England are not just architectural masterpieces, stunning monuments of history and culture, they are also mysterious buildings where real ghosts live! Of course, it’s not for us to judge whether they are telling the truth or this is just another trick, because such legends do not arise out of nowhere. However, in any case, the castles of England will leave a lasting impression. Firstly, because each of them preserves the memory of many, many generations of British kings and nobles, of hundreds (if not thousands) of deaths, of insidious conspiracies and magnificent coronations. Many castles in England are very ancient.
Leeds Castle is one of those whose walls have been preserved since the 9th century. Unfortunately, all that remains of it are ruins (except for several buildings in which medieval decoration has been preserved), which attract the attention of many researchers and tourists. The walls of this castle remember Edward the First himself, Henry the Seventh and many English queens.
Alas, Leeds Castle is just an exception. Many castles in England met a sad fate. Most of them have long been razed to the ground, while others have turned into ruins. All this can be explained by the fact that until the 11th century they were mainly built of wood, often burned to the ground and were easily destroyed during an assault. Only at the beginning of the second millennium did castles begin to be built from stone.
By the way, it was in the 11th-13th centuries that English castle architecture flourished, combining Norman and Arabic styles. The oldest surviving ones date back to the 11th century. In this century, for example, Windsor Castle, located near London, was built.
This castle is one of the favorite residences of the royal family. The fortress, which over time turned into a full-fledged castle, was initially built of wood by order of William the Conqueror himself. During the reign of Henry I it was rebuilt using stone and then improved several times. Now Windsor Castle has become a historical landmark that can be visited by any tourist.
You will be able to visit several rooms of the castle - St. George's Hall, the Great Reception Room and the Reception Chambers, see portraits of monarchs, ancient tapestries, the throne, Mary's Doll's House. The city itself surrounding the castle should not be ignored. Windsor has many interesting museums and attractions.
All the oldest castles in England were not just residences of kings and nobles, but also strategic military installations. High thick walls, narrow loopholes, ditches with bridges - all this is characteristic of any castle of that time. Of course, many of them have not retained their former inaccessibility, but the atmosphere that reigns in them, the formidable appearance that neither ancient nor modern architects could destroy, remains.
One of these castles is Amberley in the village of Sussex. This is a real historical treasure that offers its visitors an incomparable feeling of contact with the dark romance of the Middle Ages. The time of its construction dates back to the 11th century. We can say that this is one of the few castles in England that has completely preserved its appearance in the modern world. Behind thick, long curtains, almost 60 feet high, you will discover a magnificent garden, the landscape of which has been worked on by more than one master. Peace and tranquility reign here. Once upon a time, noble noble families lived within these walls, but now, unfortunately (or fortunately), anyone can stay here.
In 1988, the local government transformed Amberley from a quiet, run-down corner of history into a luxurious, sparkling hotel with an excellent restaurant that has won many awards in international competitions. There are 19 apartments at your disposal, in which the style of the Middle Ages is almost completely conveyed. Combined with all the modern comforts, as well as tennis courts, cricket grounds, a wonderful garden and lake, Amberley Castle will win your heart for a long time.
Another castle that has remained intact is Caerphilly. This castle, the second largest in the British Isles after Windsor, was built in 1268. Like other ancient castles in England, it was built for strategic purposes and even took part in several battles, the last of which became decisive for the castle.
A heavily fortified dam created an artificial lake and protected the walls, water surrounds the castle on three sides, and there is also a fortified island in the west, so the fortress had no difficulty in withstanding the attacks of the troops of Llewelyn, the first real Welsh king, until whose reign the area was torn apart by warring factions feudal lords. It was to Caerphilly that King Edward II headed when his wife Isabella and her lover Roger Mortimer began war against him and had already won several battles. But then the castle betrayed itself: after several months of continuous siege, it surrendered, and the unlucky king fled, abandoning his wardrobe and treasury. Since then, Caerphilly, embroiled in such sad events, remained aloof from the battles, and after the civil war, on the orders of Cromwell, it was to be destroyed. However, due to its unprecedented strength, this would require too much gunpowder, so the castle still stands today, demonstrating the quality of the ancient structure.
Interestingly, the most ancient castles in England were not suitable for living. The owners of the castles lived only in a small, most durable structure - a donjon, which was not very comfortable, but was able to withstand any assault. Only several centuries later, nobles and monarchs allowed themselves to expand their living space and equip other premises of the castles. It was at this time, towards the end of the 14th century, that special castles appeared, intended for life and not for war.
These include Hampton Court Palace, built for Cardinal Wolsey. This castle is truly luxurious. This is the largest and most magnificent palace in England during the Tudor era - a magnificent Baroque structure, built of red brick, and its cornices and outlines are highlighted in white stone. A 16th-century stone bridge, decorated with figures of heraldic animals made of white stone, leads to the palace gates. Near the palace there is a large garden, laid out according to the model of the Versailles park. It contains a 15th-century hedge Labyrinth, the length of the Labyrinth paths is 800 meters.
Surrounded by lush gardens, artificial lakes, and green fields, Hampton Court served as home to the most distinguished nobles, high priests and kings. The journey to Hampton Court from central London by waterbus takes 3 hours, or you can get there by train from Waterloo station.
Bamburgh Castle is located in the very north of England, near the border with Scotland, in the county of Northumberland. Fortress fortifications began to be built here in the 5th century. In the 12th century, the buildings fell into the hands of King Henry II, and then became the property of William Armstrong, an influential Victorian industrialist. The castle is still owned by Armstrong's heirs and has been the setting for several films, including Roman Polanski's 1971 film adaptation of Macbeth. The castle is open to visitors from March to October.
The ruins of Corfe Castle, one of the most picturesque historical sites in the south of England, are located along a quiet country road through the Purbeck Hills in Dorset.
According to legend, it was here that the Saxon queen Elfrid killed her adopted son Edward to free the throne for her younger brother Ethelred. And then the bloody story only continued to develop: firstly, it was Ethelred’s marriage to the French princess that became the first link in the chain of events that led to the Norman invasion in 1066. Secondly, John I created a prison in Corfu, in which he imprisoned his cousin Eleanor, the sister of his most dangerous rival. And finally, the widow of the next owner of the castle, Chief Justice Banks, was besieged there during the Civil War. Despite desperate resistance, when Lady Banks personally threw burning coals from the windows of the upper floors, the castle was forced to surrender. In admiration of the lady's courage, the colonel in command of the troops allowed Banks to leave with the keys to the gate, as if undefeated. Korfe was fairly destroyed, but even today it surprises with its strength and beauty. Its only drawback is the strange sounds and rustling noises that, as the guides say, are made by the ghost of Lady Banks, who is still fighting for freedom. However, for curious tourists, this drawback, of course, turns into the main advantage of Corfe and its real highlight.
Rochester Castle is located in the town of the same name in Kent. This is one of the first stone castles in England and the tallest of them, the thickness of the walls reaches 4 meters at the base. It covers the route to London from the south and, along with Windsor and Berkampstad, is one of the fortified nodes on the distant approaches to London. After the capture of Rochester and the expulsion of the bishop, in 1087 - 1090. The famous builder Gundulf began the construction of a stone castle in the city. The fortifications were built in the corner of the city wall, which dates back to Roman times.
You can enter through a special extension on the second floor, accessed by a staircase. The first floor of the castle was used as storage. The Main Hall is located on the third floor, and the transverse wall there has the shape of three arches. The main hall occupies two floors of the building, and at the level of the fourth floor it is surrounded by a gallery. The third floor of the extension is a chapel. On the fifth floor of the building there are the archbishop's private chambers and a private chapel. The floors and roof had, of course, fallen in long ago, but the stone arches and carved windows remained, and it was not too difficult to imagine servants rushing with trays to the main hall along the dimly lit narrow corridors and spiral staircases. In the 18th century, the castle was planned to be demolished, but by pure chance, this did not happen. Now the castle has been cleared, partially restored and open to the public. The towers offer wonderful views of the surrounding area.
Bodiam Castle is a colorful, breathtaking sight. Not every castle is located in as beautiful an area as Bodiam, which lies ten miles north-west of Winchelsea. It appears to be floating in a water-filled ditch that surrounds it and separates its sandy brown masonry from a wide expanse of vegetation. Located in East Sussex on the border with Kent, Bodiam Castle is one of the most interesting monuments to the rich history of southern England.
Bodiam is the latest of all English castles (1385), built by order of Richard II, it was supposed to be a defense against a possible invasion from France. In those years, the castle was not attacked, but its walls witnessed military battles twice, in both cases the castle was captured.
So General Voller's parliamentary army attacked him during the Civil War. Voller "neglected" the castle, as a result of which (since no one has settled in it since then) it fell into disrepair. It was only in 1925 that Lord Curzon Kedleston bought it and transferred it to the state fund.
From the outside, Bodiam seems intact and well-kept, but inside it is just a well-preserved ruin in the open air. Where there was a courtyard is now a lawn, but it is still easy to imagine the castle in its heyday - with apartments for the lord, rooms for servants, military barracks, kitchens and even a dungeon. For its era, the fortress was well equipped with chimneys, which were built into the walls to provide central heating. Next to the castle you will find a small museum that houses interesting exhibits found during excavations on the territory of the fortress.
There is nothing more interesting to see not only in England, but throughout Europe than medieval castles. These military fortifications, ancient, dilapidated fortresses, royal palaces and hotels are pleasing to the eye and tell their own, sometimes intriguing, sometimes tragic stories of their previous owners.
There are many medieval castles scattered across Europe, which many centuries ago were intended to house and protect the families of feudal lords. Today, castles are silent witnesses to royal dramas, the fall of great houses and historical events.
Now tourists visit ancient fortresses in winter and summer to see their splendor with their own eyes. We have collected in this list incredibly beautiful castles that are worth visiting!
1 Tintagel Castle, England
Tintagel is a medieval fort on the headland of the island of the same name. The castle borders the village of Tintagel in Cornwall. It was built by Richard, a member of the Plantagenet dynasty, in 1233. However, Tintagel is often associated with another famous character - King Arthur. Here he was conceived, born and taken away by the wizard Merlin in infancy.
The castle has been a tourist attraction since the 19th century and is under the ownership of Prince Charles. It is managed by English Heritage, the British government commission for historic buildings.
2 Corvin Castle, Romania
This Gothic-style castle with Renaissance elements is located in Transylvania, a Romanian town called Hunedoara, on a cliff near the Zlašte River. The castle was built in the mid-15th century by the father of the Hungarian king Matthew Corvinus and was inherited until 1508.
Since then, Korvinov has had 22 owners and has been open to the public as a museum. The castle is still one of the wonders of Romania. By the way, according to rumors, Vlad the Impaler himself, known as Count Dracula, spent seven years in captivity here.
3 Alcazar de Segovia, Spain
This fortress of the Spanish kings is today a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The castle is located in an incredibly beautiful location - a rock at the confluence of two rivers. Thanks to its location, it is one of the most recognizable castles in Spain.
In 1120, the Alcazar was used as an Arab fortress. Then there was a royal residence, an artillery academy and even a prison. Currently it houses a military archive and museum.
4 Eltz Castle, Germany
Eltz Castle is considered one of two medieval buildings in the Eifel highlands that have never been destroyed or captured. The castle has withstood all wars and shocks since its construction in the 12th century.
It is surprising that the castle has been owned by the same family for 33 generations - Eltz, whose descendants still take care of it to this day, keeping it in its original form. The owner opened it to tourists, who are especially attracted by the Eltz treasury with jewelry exhibits and other works of art from different centuries.
5 Windsor Castle, England
This castle has been closely associated with the monarchs of Great Britain for more than 900 years and is their symbol. The current ruling royal dynasty of Windsor is named in his honor. The castle was built in the 11th century by William the Conqueror, and has been used as a royal residence since the reign of Henry I. Over so many centuries, it has been rebuilt and expanded several times in accordance with the requests of the reigning monarchs.
Interestingly, during the Second World War the castle served as a refuge for the royal family. Today, the castle is used for state receptions, tourist visits, and for Queen Elizabeth II's vacation in the spring of each year.
6 Himeji Castle, Japan
This castle near the city of Himeji is one of the most ancient in Japan. Its construction as a fortress began in 1333, and in 1346 the fort was reconstructed into a castle. For a long time he wandered from one samurai clan to another and only in the 1600s he found an owner. Then the main part of the 83 wooden buildings of the castle was built.
Movies are often filmed on the grounds of Himeji, as the castle is well preserved in its original form. In addition, the structure is a National Treasure of Japan and is on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
7 Edinburgh Castle, Scotland
This ancient castle is located on Castle Rock in the center of Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland. About 300-odd million years ago there was an active volcano here! The first mention of this building dates back to 1139, when the nobility and church ministers gathered in the royal castle. This continued until 1633, but from then on the castle began to be considered the heart of Scotland.
It is worth noting that this fortress survived 26 sieges, making it the most attacked on Earth. Edinburgh Castle has been frequently restored over the past 150 years and is now Edinburgh's main tourist attraction.
8 Hever Castle, England
The castle was built in the 13th century in the southeast of England in Kent, as an ordinary country house. It became famous because the Boleyn family lived here from 1462 to 1539. In 1505, it was inherited by Thomas Boleyn, the father of Anne, the wife of King Henry VIII, whose wedding caused the break between England and Rome. True, after the king got bored with his new wife, he executed her in the Tower.
Since then, Hever has passed from one owner to another, but has retained its unique Tudor interiors. The castle is now used as a conference venue, but is also open to the public.
9 Bojnice Castle, Slovakia
It is considered one of the most romantic castles in Europe. Its first mention dates back to 1113 - an ordinary wooden castle in Bojnice, which was gradually strengthened. The fortress was officially handed over to the ruler of Slovakia, Matus Csak, by King Wenceslas III of Hungary in 1302.
Since then, each new owner has reconstructed the castle, and the result is the most visited place in Slovakia. Many science fiction and fairy tale films were filmed here. The castle also houses the Slovak Folk Museum.
10 Bran Castle, Romania
Bran Fortress is a national landmark of Romania. Initially, it was a wooden structure, which was founded in 1212 by the knights of the Teutonic Order, and later was completed by local residents at their own expense. In those days, the building served as a defensive fortress.
Bran has had many owners, but most often it is called "Dracula's Castle." According to legend, Prince Vlad Chepesh, nicknamed Count Dracula, often stayed here and hunted near the castle. In the 20th century, the castle was donated by local residents to Queen Maria of Romania, whose grandson currently owns it. The castle now houses a museum of furniture and art from Queen Mary's collection.
11 Eilean Donan Castle, Scotland
This beautiful castle, which is recognized as one of the most romantic in Scotland, is located on the Isle of Donan - at the meeting point of three lakes. In the 7th century, a hermit monk lived on the island, after whom the castle was named. In the 13th century, the first fortress was built, and Eilean Donan itself was handed over by the king to the ancestor of the Scottish Mackenzie clan.
The structure was destroyed in 1719, and only at the beginning of the 20th century the MacRae clan acquired the castle and began its restoration. By the way, this fortress can be seen in the TV series “Outlander”.
12 Bodiam Castle, England
The lands on which the castle is now located went to Edward Dalingridge after his marriage. In 1385, during the 100 Years' War, he fortified the estate to protect the surrounding area from the French. For several decades the castle was passed down from generation to generation. When the family died at the end of the 15th century, the castle came into the possession of the Leuknor family.
Bodiam later had several owners, each of whom contributed to its restoration, for example after the siege during the Wars of the Roses. In 1925, after the death of the then owner, the castle was donated to the national trust, which maintains it today. Now anyone can visit this fortress near the village of Robertsbridge.
13 Hohensalzburg Castle, Austria
This structure is considered one of the largest of all surviving medieval castles in Europe and is located at an altitude of 120 meters on the top of Mount Festung near the Austrian city of Salzburg. The castle was built in 1077 under the leadership of the Archbishop of Salzburg, but now only the foundation remains from that building.
Hohensalzburg was fortified, rebuilt and reconstructed many times. Only in the 16th century did it acquire the appearance it has now. The fortress was used as a warehouse, barracks, fort and even a prison during the First World War. Now this castle is a favorite tourist attraction, accessible by cable car or on foot.
14 Arundell Castle, England
This castle was founded at Christmas 1067 by Roger de Montgomery (Earl of Arundel), one of William the Conqueror's subjects. It later became the main residence of the Howard Dukes of Norfolk, who have owned it for over 400 years.
The castle was rebuilt after damage during the English Civil War in the 17th century, and was also updated with the return of fashion for medieval interiors. Although Arundel is privately owned, much of the castle is open to tourists.
15 Mont Saint Michel, France
It is not for nothing that this castle is called an architectural miracle of France. It is a rocky island in northwestern France that was converted into an island fortress in the 8th century. Monks lived here for a long time, and even an abbey was built.
During the 100 Years' War, the British unsuccessfully tried to conquer this island, and during the French Revolution, when there were no monks on the island, a prison was built here. It was closed in 1863, and in 1874 the island was recognized as a historical monument. About 3 million tourists come here every year, while there are only a few dozen local residents!
These amazing historical monuments have reached our descendants in almost their original form. They preserve the centuries-old history of different peoples, which cannot always be read on the pages of textbooks.
Do you like the article? Support our project and share with your friends!
Greetings, dear friends, girls and boys, as well as their parents, dear visitors of the site Entertaining English!
As I promised in my last article, I continue to introduce you to the most ancient castles of Great Britain. And today I want to draw your attention in more detail to four more of them, because each of them is a kind of national legend for all the English!
For 900 years, Leeds Castle has stood 30 miles from London. King Henry VIII once lived here temporarily. Despite the fact that the castle is located on British territory, it is in some way connected with the United States of America. The two families that owned the castle are American. And in general, this building was of interest to American buyers. For example, William Randolph Hearst wanted to purchase Leeds Castle, but abandoned this idea because he discovered that the castle had no bathrooms or electricity.
But this did not stop another American, Olive Bailey, and he bought the castle in 1926. After this, the new owner began to reconstruct the structure and did a lot in this regard. Today, Leeds Castle is a private property, but tourists have the opportunity to see it.
It was erected in honor of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table. It is located in Cornwall, in the northwest of England. Tintagel was built 800 years ago by the Earl of Cornwall, brother of the King of England. The Earl was intrigued and fascinated by the tales of King Arthur, and therefore built a castle to remind everyone of the legendary king and his reign. And today, every year, hundreds of tourists visit the castle to feel the atmosphere of the time when King Arthur and his knights lived, despite the fact that the castle has almost collapsed...
Located less than 100 miles from London, Warwick Castle famous for its beautiful medieval interior. The castle was home to many generations of the Earls of Warwick, and one member of the family, Frances, Countess of Warwick, also known as Daisy, became famous for her generosity and charity. During the Countess's stay at the castle, she received such famous guests as Winston Churchill, Prince Edward of Wales and the future King Edward VII. Every year the castle hosts knightly competitions, which thousands of tourists come to watch.
It has been the main attraction of the city for more than 1000 years. It houses the royal jewels, which are sometimes put on public display, and more than 2 million people visit the tower every year. The Tower of London has a dark past.
Torture, murders and executions were carried out in this dark place. Among those executed were three queens of England, including Anne Boleyn, wife of Henry VIII. These are the legends kept ancient castles of Great Britain!
