Monday, May 29, 2017

Tour Wales Castles For The Vacation Of A Lifetime

By Andrew McDonald


No extended visit to the United Kingdom would be complete without traveling to the Welsh countryside. If you have never been before, you will probably be surprised by how different it is from the other English countries. This country is known as the Castle Capital of the World with more castles per square miles than anywhere else. Visitors have to pick and choose when they decide to tour Wales castles.

Edward I, who reigned at the end of the thirteenth century, created a lasting legacy when it comes to castle design. Prior to his reign most fortifications are built in the motte and bailey style, which was a design common throughout the United Kingdom and Denmark. Edward began to reconstruct and erect castles with ringed walls made of stone that protected the interior. Towers and turrets were added for additional security. The result was Edwardian castles, many of which remind visitors of those seen in classic fairy tales.

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.

The Earl of March had Chirk Castle erected to guard against enemies attempting to enter Ceiroig Valley. It has been in existence since 1295. Today visitors are encouraged take guided tour and stroll through the state rooms and climb the steps leading to towers. The dungeons are also available for viewing. The yew hedges, rock gardens, and terraces located in its expansive garden should not be missed.

Cardiff Castle is a favorite of tourists who come to the capital and largest city in the country. It is a combination of Greek Revival and Victorian architecture. The city owns the castle and it lets out periodically for rock concerts and appearances by popular performers. The annual summer ball and Mardi Gras are held at the castle.

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.

Those interested in seeing an example of a castle that began as a motte and bailey design should travel to Gwynedd and take a walk around Caernarfon Castle. Edward I redesigned the original structure which served as the administrative center of the northern region of the country. The Prince of Wales was invested here.

Anyone with any appreciation of history, architecture, and beauty will love touring the Welsh countryside in search of castles to investigate. It is a wonderful way to see the country and learn something of its history. Visitors go home with plenty of stories to tell and pictures to show.




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