England’s castles
England is steeped in history and tradition. All over the country magnificent castles provide us with an opportunity to get a real sense of our past. Many are open to the public and offer an intriguing day out for visitors of all ages. To read of dramatic and often disturbing events that took place on the floor where you stand is very moving – and if you have children, they’ll be fascinated by your interpretations! Read on for some grand examples of our living history around the regions.
South East England
Over the centuries the South East has been the invader’s gateway to Britain. The last time Britain was invaded was in 1066 at the Battle of Hastings. The Norman castles of Rochester and Hastings bear legend to the conquest. Dover Castle is known as ‘the Key to England’. Hidden beneath the surface are the Secret Wartime Tunnels where Churchill and Admiral Ramsay masterminded the evacuation of Dunkirk in World War II.
The former residence of the Bishops of Winchester and Guildford, Farnham Castle dates from Norman times. The chapel, great hall, 1st floor hall and kitchen were built in the 12th/13th century and an early Tudor brick tower was later added, followed by an Elizabethan wing. Many of England's reigning monarchs from King John to Queen Victoria have stayed at the castle.
Leeds Castle (www.leeds-castle.com/) in Kent was home to six medieval queens of England and a Royal Palace of Henry VIII. Not too far away is Hever Castle (www.hever-castle.co.uk/), the childhood home of Anne Boleyn who would lose her head to Henry VIII. There are re-enactments that begin with the couple arriving to watch the Knights of Royal England compete in a jousting tournament. Anne’s uncle was the 3rd Duke of Arundel and you can also visit Arundel Castle (www.arundelcastle.org/) in Sussex which dominates a quaint little town.
On the Isle of Wight, visit Carisbrooke Castle where Charles I was imprisoned before he too lost his head. Windsor Castle is the largest inhabited castle in the world and is still one of the Queen’s official residences. Highclere Castle in Hampshire was home to the Earl of Carnarvon who helped discover the Tomb of Tutankamun and is said to have been a victim of the mysterious "Curse."
More info on castles in South East England
East Midlands
Charged with treason and executed during the Wars of the Roses, the Baron of Hastings never lived to see the completion of his dream home at Kirby Muxloe – a stunning moated ruin in Leicestershire. At Oakham Castle, hundreds of ancient horseshoes hang from the walls thanks to a unique custom that obliged visiting peers of the realm to forfeit a horseshoe to the lord of the manor. Belvoir means "beautiful view" – which is something of an understatement when it comes to Belvoir Castle (www.belvoircastle.com/), a magnificent fortified home set above a natural amphitheatre of wooded gardens in the Vale of Belvoir.
North East England
Heading north we come to Alnwick Castle (www.alnwickcastle.com/) (pronounced 'Annick'), ancestral home of the Duke of Northumberland. What stands today is mainly a 19th-century makeover and rebuild. Inside it’s quite a picture. Explore works by Titian, Van Dyck, Canaletto and Turner. This was also the setting for Hogwarts in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone. Outside, you’re right, that is an abandoned ‘snitch’ from the latest Quiddich game.
South West
Most of this region's many castles are open to the public. Set in an ancient deer park alongside the River Exe, Powderham Castle (www.powderham.co.uk/) near Exeter stands at the centre of a 4,000-acre traditional estate. Jutting out onto the Dart Estuary, 14th century Dartmouth Castle is another historical treasure, as is Totnes Castle, one of the best-preserved Norman shell keeps in the country.
Dorset's highlights include Portland Castle, a coastal fortress built to defend Weymouth Harbour; Maiden Castle the largest Iron Age fort in Europe; and Sherborne Castle (www.sherbornecastle.com/), a 16th century gem built by Sir Walter Raleigh. Castle spotters in Cornwall should take time to discover the secrets of Launceston Castle set high on a Motte stronghold and built soon after the Norman Conquest.
More info on castles in the South West (www.livingheritagesouthwest.co.uk)
Yorkshire
Yorkshire has been important to British Monarchs from the earliest times. Legend has it that King Arthur is buried in a crypt underneath Richmond Castle, and Richard III grew up at Middleham Castle. If visiting historic castles is your idea of a great day out, you’ll be in the perfect place here.
If you like to see the past brought vibrantly to life, take a trip to Helmsley Castle whose brooding ruins regularly play host to re-enactments of battles and warfare.
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