29 mai 2017

Anglophiles, And History And Architecture Buffs Enthusiastically Tour Wales Castles

By Andrew McDonald


Visiting the Welsh countryside is a special event for the people who have the chance to go. Most are surprised by how different this country is from the rest of the United Kingdom. One great way to experience the history and ingenuity of the Welsh people is to tour Wales castles. There are hundreds to choose from, and each one is unique and special. Many have famous gardens for tourists to enjoy.

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.

One structure that is extremely old is Chirk Castle located in Wrexham. It was erected at the end of the thirteenth century by an earl to guard the entrance to Ceiroig Valley. Visitors are welcome to walk through the state rooms, towers, and dungeons. The gardens are famous, and visitors should not neglect a stroll through the terraces and rock gardens.

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.

Bodelwyddan Castle, part of which currently operates as a hotel, was originally erected in the mid fourteen hundreds. It was used as a place for wounded soldiers to recuperate after the First World War. It has also been used as a private girls school. In the 1980s it was refurbished so that it could house art collections owned by the National Portrait Gallery and the Royal Academy of Arts.

The investiture of the Prince of Wales took place in Caernarfon Castle. This fortification was redesigned by Edward I to fit his taste. The original castle design was motte and bailey. At one time it was the administrative center for the northern section of this country.

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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