In this article, we discuss the visits to some of the most interesting castles and fortresses of Great Britain and Ireland. All have stories worth telling and trivia, so I promise an interesting read. We begin by the castles of the island of Great Britain.
Photography by david.nikonvscanon
Human beings by nature are afraid of their neighbors, and therefore he always saw the need to guard against a possible invasion or external attack. This feeling is not new, and only defensive techniques have changed over time. Some examples include border surveillance systems using infrared cameras and the famous missile shield with which Reagan wanted to shield the U.S. in the 80. But the old method of building walls and build strong force has continued to this day. Just for a moment think about it and you will notice the countless barriers that separate us. Despite being a phenomenon that has been going on forever, it was during the Middle Ages when such fortifications were multiplied in large numbers in Europe. The strengths were an essential part of medieval warfare that actually consisted of a succession of sieges.
Building a house was something that not everyone could afford and that required a huge investment. Only faced gentlemen with deep pockets such projects. The fact is that for one reason or another I’ve always been fascinated by the castles and the British Isles and Ireland are a good opportunity to see some good examples.
Porchester Castle:
One of the oldest is in Porchester, south of Hampshire County (England). While little remains of the original building can still see the walls built by the Romans in the third century. Thus Porchester Castle, Roman part of the wall. When Rome left Britain, it was occupied by Saxons and later by the Normans who built a castle and a church inside the enclosure between the eleventh and twelfth centuries.
Corfe Castle:
We take a virtual leap to go to the next county, Dorset, is one of those people who do not seem to have changed much if not for the asphalt and cars that cross it. This is Corfe Castle. This town controlled a major route south of England and also had its own castle. An eleventh-century building that despite their poor condition called a lot of attention.
During the English Civil War, the castle was besieged several times without success. It was not until 1646 when it fell into the hands of the «Parliamentary» thanks to a traitor who opened the door from inside. After his capture was destroyed with explosives.
Photography by treehouse1977
Arundel Castle:
In the County of West Sussex, we have the best preserved castle in southern England. Built in 1068 to defend the Arun River basin, it has been renovated several times, most recently in the eighteenth century to make it home and make visits. And not only impressed by the castle and the gardens also straight out of a fairy princess.
On December 1, 1846 the castle had its big moment of glory on the occasion of the visit of Queen Victoria I. The suite of rooms where the Queen was housed have remained largely intact and are known as the «Victoria Rooms».
Photography by Berto Garcia
Cardiff Castle:
If we talk about fantasy is inevitable to refer to William Burges, the architect of the third Earl of Bute. To do this we move in this virtual tour to Wales, and more specifically its capital Cardiff to enter the world of Alice in Wonderland. Founded by the Normans in 1091 Cardiff Castle was built on an ancient Roman fortress. After a long history of battles and changed hands in the eighteenth century became the property of the Bute family.
In 1866, the Earl of Bute, in the 1860’s was considered the richest man in the world, decided to use his friend William to transform the castle. He said the money was not used Burges problem and colorful murals, stained glass, marble and wood carvings stunning design theme rooms filled with fantasy.
Finally, in 1947, Bute donated the Castle to Cardiff City for the pride of its inhabitants.
Photography by davey-boy
Coch Castle :
On a hill north of Cardiff are one of the masterpieces of William Burges, and of course, also on behalf of his good friend the Earl of Bute who wanted to rescue a XIII century castle ruin.
With the same goal posts that used to reform the Cardiff Castle, Burges redesigned another gem. Work began in 1875 and it was not until 1891 when aides Lord Burges and Bute were completed. Burges died in 1881.
Photography by Watt_Dabney
Caerphilly Castle:
A few miles north of where is the colossal Castle Coch Caerphilly Castle. Built in the thirteenth century is the largest castle in Britain after Windsor Castle. The project was so huge that Lord of Glamorgan began construction in 1268 and never completed. By design this castle represented the cutting edge in military technology, although this feature did not help to prevent abandonment from XV century.
In 1930 the Bute family enters the picture again and starts another historic landmark reform. During that decade reconstruct buildings and parts of the wall that had collapsed in 1950, when the delivered the castle to the state, the lake was flooded to restore the original island.
Photography by Rob the moment
If you are the tourists who had previously been one of English castles, we would like to hear from your experience, your comments are as always welcome and for this you need only write in the comments section.
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