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Medieval Castles |
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Alnwick Castle, 'Windsor of the North', is a foreboding medieval castle in Northumberland with stunning State Rooms which contain fine furniture and paintings by Canaletto, Van Dyck and Titian.
This Castle offers much to the visitor, not just in the beauty and history of the castle but in the garden project, the country walks in wonderful scenery, restaurant, shop, museums and a host of other entertainments.
This site has been also a location for the Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone film.
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Set high on a hill in West Sussex, overlooking the river Arun and the South Downs, Arundel Castle is exceptional in being both ancient castle and stately home. Still lived in today, this great castle dates back to the 11th and has been the family home of the Dukes of Norfolk and their ancestors for 850 years. Climb to the top of the Norman motte and keep; marvel at the grandeur of the interior with its exquisite paintings, furniture and armour; stroll in the tranquillity of the grounds and chapel; enjoy the colour and workmanship of the restored Victorian kitchen and flower gardens.
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It's probably the finest castle in England. It is perched on a basalt outcrop on the very edge of the North Sea at Bamburgh.
Built of red sandstone on a volcanic outcrop, no remains exist now of the 6th century fortification when the castle was at the center of the kingdom of Bernicia. A Norman castle was built and in 1095 William II built a wooden counter fort and besieged the castle. Over the next 100 years building work gradually replaced earlier wood and stone constructions and by the time of Henry III the castle was well established over an area of 5 acres. The castle has been extensively restored, first by Lord Crewe in the 1750's and more recently by the first Lord Armstrong at the end of the 19th century. The castle continues to be the home of the Armstrong family.
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Considered one of the finest examples of Norman castle building in existence, Berkeley Castle has survived to witness many of the historical events that shaped English history over the last 1000 years.
It was the inspiration for the play a midsummer nights dream, written by Shakespeare in the 16th century.
The castle has been in the same family for over 800 years and is the oldest inhabited castle in England. For nearly a Millennium, twenty-eight generations of Berkeleys have preserved this ancient site and have gradually transformed it from a savage Norman fortress into a stately home and museum.
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One of the most beautiful and oldest castles in Central Europe, Bojnice castle is a national cultural monument as well as museum. The castle belongs between the most beautiful cultural monuments in Slovakia and it is often seeking place of the interest from all over the world. The first written documents about the castle are dated from the year 1113. Inside the walls of the Bojnice castle is number of paintings and others art objects dated since 15 to end of 19 century. Near the entrance of the castle is situated its garden with a lake and an outlook tower.
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Perhaps one of Wales' best kept secrets, the castle at Caldicot sits on an ancient site. Founded by the Normans, developed in royal hands as a stronghold in the Middle Ages and restored to much of its original outstanding condition, it is a lovely place to spend the day.
The castle set in fifty-five acres of beautiful parkland. Discover its romantic and colourful history with a taped tour, relax and enjoy the grounds and explore the hands-on activities.
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Among lots monuments built by normans throughout Sicily, Paternò's castle is surely an important one. The old castle with it's huge shape, overlook by top of a volcanic hill the town of Paternò.This website whole give up to this charming architectural monument, will you allow to visit it through. It's advisable, however, visit the castle truly, in order to admire its loftiness and to taste the mistery atmosphere strictly related with its millenary story.
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One of the most important and ancient private castles of Friuli-Venezia Giulia (Northern Italy), the region bordering with Veneto, Austria, Slovenia and the Adriatic sea.
The castle is placed in the heart of a lovely medieval village, surrounded by a centuries-old park touched by spring water streams. Inhabited since more that 1.000 years by the same family that built it the castle opens for exclusive visits for groups of at least 20 people with the owner herself acting as guide, weddings, gala dinners, exhibitions and overnight stays.
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Guzman Castle must have been, together with other examples of the bay of Cadiz, the great model for the rest of palace-fortresses.Niebla's enclousure, repaired after the conquest, had five gates and a total of 46 square, rectangular and octogonal towers, and housed the four parishes of Santa María, San Miguel, Santiago and San Lorenzo.The fortress has suffered important dammage and sacking. The earthquake of 1755 dammaged seriously the Homage Tower, and the French troops blew up the building after leaving it in 1812. Since then, a number of houses were built on its walls, which would be subsequently abandoned during successive restorations.
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Castle of Muiden, Muiderslot, one of Netherlands most famous Medieval Castles, bears a rich 700 years history, which starts around the year 1280 when it was built by Count Floris V of the guild of Dutch Counts.
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Stunning medieval fortress with Tudor additions which has benefited from a major restoration programme. It has been the continuous home of the Lords Grey and their relations for over 600 years.
Features include a torture chamber, antiques shop, woodland walks, furnished rooms, topiary garden and traditional crafts displays. The castle is becomingly increasingly well known for its ghosts and regularly hosts all night ghost vigils - especially at Halloween.
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Eilean Donan Castle was built c. 1260 ad in the reign of King Alexander II as defense against Viking raids.
This castle is the most photographed structure in Scotland. It lies near the sea at the edge of the western highlands, not far from the Kyle of Lochalsh, and isle of Skye.
The castle is open for public tours and contains educational exhibits. The great hall and the billeting room are exceptionally handsome places.
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On a tour along the wall walk, you will experience almost 900 years of history. Past firing slits, dungeons, gates and towers – enter the world of the Middle Ages.
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So confident was William the Conqueror of victory when he invaded England in 1066, that it is believed he carried pre-fabricated wooden forts in his ships. One of these structures probably became the first Hastings Castle, Britain's first Norman castle.
Today the castle ruins atop the West Hill cliff give little idea of the size and importance of the original building.
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Hedingham Castle is one of the best preserved Norman keeps in England. It was built in 1140 by the famous medieval family the de Veres, Earls of Oxford, and is still owned by their descendents. Visited by King Henry VII, King Henry VIII and Queen Elizabeth I and besieged by King John it possesses four floors including a magnificent Banqueting Hall with fine Minstrels' Gallery and a splendid Norman arch. It is approached by a lovely Tudor bridge which was built in 1496 to replace the drawbridge. There are peaceful woodland and lakeside walks and the beautifully kept grounds are ideal for family picnics.
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There has probably been a Residence in one form or another at this site since the middle of the 12th century.
It has since this earliest of dates been used and linked with the various monarchs of Scotland up to the '1745' rebellion when it was left in flames by the notorious 'Butcher of Cumberland's' soldiers.
As said before the Palace has a long list of Royal connections, the picture included here is of James I gateway. Mary Queen of Scots was born in the palace on December 1542.
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Home to the Pennington family for 800 years, is a genuine treasure trove of art and antiques.
Its Great Hall, octagonal library and elegant dining room are all windows on a grand past. But Muncaster's wild history reveals a flipside to life in a stately home. The castle evolved from the Pele Tower, built to repel marauding Scots. Those who stay here say it is haunted by ghosts, including the legendary Tom Fool.
Visit the Tapestry Room if you dare.
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The oldest parts of the Castle were built between 1066 and 1074, during the reign of William the Conqueror. There were additions over several centuries. Later, in the late 18th century, Thomas Telford remodelled the interior as a private house.
The Castle houses the spectacular collections of the Shropshire Regimental Museum Trust including pictures, uniforms, medals, weapons and other equipment from the 18th Century to the present day.
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Skipton Castle is one of the most complete and well preserved medieval castles in England.
Fully roofed and with an enchanting early Tudor courtyard the stout towers of the gatehouse only hint at the splendour which is revealed as the visitor enters the castle grounds.
Facing the gatehouse there is a large tower, originally the watchtower - the most important feature of the castle's defences.
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The castle, the finest Mediaeval Castle in England, rises majestically from the banks of the River Avon, just a few miles from Shakespeare's Stratford, on a site fortified by William the Conqueror in 1068.
With its dark, dank dungeon, gruesome torture chamber and splendid armoury, the Middle Ages come to life at Warwick Castle.
A number of special events are organised at Warwick Castle throughout the year.
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