Anglophiles, And History And Architecture Buffs Enthusiastically Tour Wales Castles

Anglophiles, And History And Architecture Buffs Enthusiastically Tour Wales Castles

by Andrew McDonald

For history and architecture enthusiasts, a visit to the Welsh countryside is the dream of a lifetime. Even those who have visited the United Kingdom before are struck by the difference between the other countries and this one. First of all, there are more castles here per square mile than anywhere else on earth. More than a hundred of them are open to the public. If time is limited, visitors will have to pick and choose as they <a href="http://www.dragoninyourpocket.com">tour Wales</a> castles.

Edward I, who came to power late thirteenth century, had a major influence on the architecture of this country's castles. Prior to his reign most of them were built in a motte and bailey design, which is commonly seen in other areas around the United Kingdom. The Edwardian style, as it came to be known, consists of a walled exterior, turrets, and towers. It gives the appearance of the castles most people recognize and have seen in animated film features for many years.

Once such castle, that looks like it was taken from the pages of Sleeping Beauty, is Hensol Castle. It is new construction by Welsh standards, having been erected in the nineteenth century. In the 1930s it was turned into a mental hospital and operated as such until the 2003. Television and film studios have transported casts and equipment to Hensol Castle in order to incorporate it into their projects.

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.

Cardiff is the country's capital, and Cardiff Castle is one of its main attractions. It is part Victorian architecture and part Greek Revival. It has been the site of several rock concerts and sold out performances by artists like Tom Jones.

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.

One example of Edward I's motte and bailey reconstruction efforts is Caernarfon Castle located in Gwynedd. It once served as the center of administration for north Wales. This castle was the location of the Prince of Wales investiture.

Touring castles is not something everyone has a chance to do. Walking through structures that have been in existence for hundreds of years is a special experience. Lucky visitors will have plenty of stories to tell their friends and family.



Find an overview of the reasons why you should <a href="http://www.dragoninyourpocket.com">tour Wales</a> and more info about a reliable tour company at http://www.dragoninyourpocket.com today.

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