English castles are one of the main treasures of the state in the British Isles. Gloomy, mysterious, mysterious castles of England: photos, names and history England castles of the Middle Ages
The first castle builders in medieval Britain were the Germanic tribes of the Saxons and Angles. Having conquered British lands, they tried to strengthen themselves on them. However, they built their defensive structures from wood, which is why little has survived from their buildings. In addition, in the places where the Normans and Saxon “burghs” built their fortifications, new conquerors preferred to build their fortresses. Historically, it is believed that the true heyday of the construction of castles and fortresses in Great Britain began in the 11th century, after the next conquest of these lands by the Normans. Having become masters of vast territories in a foreign country, the Normans tried to establish their power in these lands. This is how the first “English” type locks appeared.
These castles were distinguished mainly by their powerful defensive fortifications. Any medieval castle was able to withstand an enemy attack and a long siege. During this period, defensive structures were built of wood: the castle yard was enclosed by a wooden palisade, around which there was a dry moat. On the territory of the castle there were barracks, warehouses, and stables. However, these protective complexes were too vulnerable to fire and therefore, at the end of the 11th and beginning of the 12th centuries, stone castles began to be built in England. A distinctive feature of these castles was a huge cubic donjon, the thickness of the walls of which reached four meters. Many castles from that period have survived. British castle architecture in the 12th-13th centuries, thanks to the Crusaders, underwent another rather serious change. During this period, concentric fortresses and round towers began to be built.
At the end of the 14th century, so-called “residential” castles appeared. In these castles, for the first time, builders tried to create comfortable living conditions for the owners.
Of course, today the original meaning of the very existence of castles has been completely lost, but despite this, they still play a significant role in the life of modern Britain, recalling the rich history of this country.
Severe and at the same time romantic castles of Great Britain.
Numerous castles in Great Britain keep within their walls unique collections of paintings and sculptures, ancient books, family tombs, and most importantly, unsolved mysteries. There is no doubt that visiting English castles makes a lasting impression on their visitors. Of course, because, for example, in the largest medieval castle, Warwick, tourists will be able to see wax figures of Madame Tussauds and attend a fascinating show in which various episodes from the life of the medieval inhabitants of the castle are played out. The interiors of Alnwick Castle will seem very familiar to many tourists and this is not surprising, because such famous films as “Robin Hood – Prince of Thieves”, the first and second parts of “Harry Potter” were filmed in this castle. Medieval castles in Great Britain sometimes seem like mirages. The Gothic-mystical atmosphere of the ancient castle of Great Britain can be fully experienced by re-reading one of the best works of Arthur Conan Doyle - “The Hound of the Baskervilles”.
Many of the UK's castles are listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The castles of Scotland are romantic and mysterious, the castles of Northern Ireland and Wales are harsh, but they are all definitely worth your attention.
England is a very mysterious and mysterious country. This state has a centuries-old history, and it is known all over the world for its traditional tea ceremony, detective stories, ghosts living in castles and architectural masterpieces.
English castles occupy a special place in the life of the kingdom. Since the time of the Vikings, they have witnessed heroic events, kept many secrets and remembered many famous historical figures.
Guide
This building was one of the first castles in England built of stone. Its height reaches 40 meters, and it is included in the list of the tallest buildings in the country.
The castle is located on the eastern bank of the Medway River in the city of Rochester, which is located in the county of Kent.
To date The castle has two Norman towers preserved in their original form. The most interesting part of the fortification is its chapel, where visitors can see the original model of the castle from the 14th century.
Route from London to Rochester By car on the A2 road it takes only one hour. The train journey from Victoria Station takes 45 minutes on any train stopping in the county capital. The castle is open to the public every day.
Dover Castle
Dover Castle is one of the largest English medieval buildings. It is located on the shores of the Pas de Calais Strait, connecting England and France in the county of Kent.
Since historical times, this castle has been considered the “key of the country” due to its strategic location.
Dover was built about 2 thousand years ago, and its walls saw many military conflicts during the Middle Ages. And during the Second World War, the castle became the command center of England.
The castle is also interesting to visit because all the fortifications have been preserved almost in their original form and are an example of the art of building fortifications.
Today Dover Castle has become a museum, where excursions are held around the territory of the building, as well as through the preserved underground tunnels.
You can get to Dover from central London from Victoria Bus Station. Travel time is 2 hours 45 minutes.
Trains from the UK capital depart from Victoria and Charing Cross stations. There are 4 trains per hour. Travel time is 1 hour 15 minutes.
Warwick Castle, England
It was built in 1068 on the banks of the Avon River. It was built by the English king William the Conqueror. Since 1088, the castle was owned by the Greville family, who later received the title of earls.
The castle is located in the north-western part of London at a distance of 150 km in the ceremonial county of Warkshire.
This feudal fortress was built to protect territory from the invasion of enemies and has always been a symbol of power. The fortress changed its owners many times, was rebuilt and changed its layout.
Today, on the territory of the castle, various events are held every day for visitors:
- show of eagles and vultures;
- archery competitions;
- knightly tournaments.
You can travel from central London to the county by bus in just 2 hours. The county is also accessible by commuter train from London, and the castle is just 40 minutes from Birmingham Airport.
Palace of Westminster
Palace of Westminster- This is the building of the English Parliament, located on the banks of the Thames. The palace was built for King Edward in 1042 and remained a royal residence for several centuries. From the mid-13th century, the palace became the British Parliament.
In 1834, during a fire, the palace building was destroyed. Only Westminster Hall survived, which is a large hall and the oldest part of the palace. The Castle was rebuilt in 1888. During World War II, it was partially destroyed by bombing.
The castle has an unusual layout, which was created around Westminster Hall. The palace has 1,100 rooms connected by numerous staircases and passages. The entire castle is pierced by a 3 km long corridor.
There are 11 courtyards inside the castle. The sides of the building are decorated with two towers - Victoria and St. Stephen. Installed on the last one world famous clock Big Ben.
The palace is closed to tourists most of the year. Its doors open for tours during parliamentary recess from 7 August to 16 September.
The palace is located near Westminster and Victoria tube stations. Alternatively, the Houses of Parliament can be reached by bus, which goes to Parliament Square or Trafalgar Square.
is the residence of Queen Elizabeth II. This castle is a symbol of royalty and power. The royal residence is located in the city of the same name in Berkshire, west of London.
Windsor Castle has been located in this location for several millennia. From the name of this town and the palace was formed House of Winhealth, which is the modern ruling dynasty of Great Britain.
You can only get into the castle when the queen is not at home. Therefore, choosing a day to visit is quite difficult and before your visit it is better to call the castle and check the opening hours.
Travel from London to Windsor from Paddington Station with a change at Slough station.
Fotheringhay Castle
Fotheringhay Castle built in Normandy on the banks of the Nan River. It was built by the Earl of Northampton in 1100. Queen Mary Stuart was executed for treason in this historic castle. She spent the last night of her life in prayer in the castle chapel.
Despite its historical significance, the castle fell into disrepair during the second half of Queen Elizabeth's reign. And in 1627, the grandson of Mary of Scotland, who ascended the throne, completely destroyed the castle.
The kingdom is currently planning restoration work. There is nothing on the site of Fotheringhay Castle except the remains of its foundations.
Getting to the castle from London It is possible by car along the A1 and A1M highways. Travel time is 2 hours.
Pontefract Castle
Pontefract Castle located in Yorkshire. Today it is difficult to believe that this structure was one of the most powerful stone structures of ancient England. Shakespeare mentioned it in his works.
Pontefract was considered the darkest place, as thousands of soldiers were locked in its dungeons and killed. There was a prison where prisoners were kept in their cells for months.
In the 20th century, the city council decided to preserve the castle ruins, and now Pontefract is an urban area, visited by up to 50 thousand tourists a year. Visitors have the opportunity to walk not only through the ruins of the building, but also go down into the dark dungeons.
From London to Pontefract you can travel along the M1 motorway. in 3 hours 30 minutes or by local train, which departs from King's Cross station. Travel time is from 3 to 4 hours.
Located in the capital of a county in the north of England. The castle has been well preserved to this day. In the 17th century it was rebuilt in the Gothic style, preserving the ancient architecture and interiors.
The citadel forms a single historical and architectural complex. Its oldest buildings, the cathedral and the castle, dominate the entire city due to their location. The fortress was built on a rocky hill on the bank of the Uir River.
Today the castle is a university dormitory. Independent inspection of the castle is prohibited. Visits are only possible on organized excursions.
During the holidays, the castle operates as a hotel and is also open for conferences with accommodation for event guests.
You can travel from London to Durham by car. Travel time is up to 5 hours. A local train will also reach Durham from King's Cross station in 2.5-3 hours.
Bodiam Castle
Bodiam Castle located in the county of Sussex and is a residential building. It is considered one of the “youngest” castles in England. It was built in 1385 on the banks of the picturesque River Rother.
This beautiful fortress is decorated with a small artificial lake, which served as a protective moat in the Middle Ages. Today it is a decoration of the castle. The surface of the lake is decorated with water lilies, and it seems that the fortress is floating on the water.
In 1925, the last owner of the castle, Lord Curzon, handed it over to an organization dedicated to the preservation of British architectural monuments.
Driving to Bodiam from London The A21 highway can be reached in 2 hours.
England's castles are not just architectural masterpieces. English traditions were born in these castles, lords and members of the royal family and great monarchs lived.
Important decisions were made in these sanctuaries that influenced not only the fate of the country. Uprisings took place here and conspiracies were hatched.
Don't miss the opportunity to visit each of these castles to get in touch with ancient history.
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.
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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 faced 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, where a staircase leads. 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 is 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.
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.
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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