samedi 27 mai 2017

Tour Wales Castles For The Vacation Of A Lifetime

By Andrew McDonald


For history and architecture enthusiasts, a visit to the Welsh countryside is the dream of a lifetime. Even those who have visited the United Kingdom before are struck by the difference between the other countries and this one. First of all, there are more castles here per square mile than anywhere else on earth. More than a hundred of them are open to the public. If time is limited, visitors will have to pick and choose as they tour Wales castles.

Anyone who does research before beginning their visit, will already know that Welsh castles are built in what is generally known as the Edwardian style, because many of them date back to the reign of Edward I. These types of structures have walls that ring the interior and multiple towers and turrets. They are more reminiscent of castles seen in movies and famous theme parks, than the motte and bailey design of many ancient fortifications found throughout the United Kingdom.

If you are interested in seeing a castle that looks like the home of Sleeping Beauty, you should definitely plan a visit to Hensol Castle. It is not the oldest fortification in this country, having been built in the eighteen hundreds. It began operating as a mental hospital in the early part of the twentieth century and continued in that vein until 2003. Films and television shows have been filmed here.

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.

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.

In the fourteen hundreds the Humphreys built a manor house known as Bodelwyddan Castle. It was reconstructed during eighteen hundreds by the famous architect, Joseph Hansom. After World War I, wounded soldiers recuperated in this castle, which at one time was owned by a private girls school. The Royal Academy of Arts and National Portrait Gallery have housed artwork in it. Today a portion of the premises operates as a hotel.

One example of Edward I's motte and bailey reconstruction efforts is Caernarfon Castle located in Gwynedd. It once served as the center of administration for north Wales. This castle was the location of the Prince of Wales investiture.

Touring these castles and getting to know something about their history is a wonderful way to spend a vacation in the United Kingdom. Touring the grounds and interiors is a special experience. It is not difficult to imagine the men and women who inhabited them.




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