Medieval Palace

Medieval Spain

2010-07-12T21:17:00.000-07:00

This is such a beautiful bridge 13th century bridge, the hump-backed Puente de Romano or Roman Bridge, at Cangas de Onis. It is an illustration of the Roman's engineering skills...From the central arch of of the bridge hangs a reproduction of the cross which Pelayo is said to have carried at the battle of Covadonga; the original is in the Cámara Santa of Oviedo Cathedral.

Little do I know that Spain would won the World Cup 2010. Paul, the Octopus' prediction as well as my children's prediction came true. During these two nights of the last two matches of the FIFA World Cup match, my facial bone undergoes tremendous changes...

Little did I know that Spain is not only an enchanting country, but it is a country rich with traditions and culture. It is such an ancient country with rich historical happenings...

Bone fragments found in several locations in Spain suggest that humankind's remote ancestors wandered around here a million years ago. Their descendants, Stone Age cave-dwellers, created the fascinating cave drawings of Altamira, in Cantabria. By 1000BC, Iberian tribes were mingling with immigrant Celts. Phoenician traders landed in southern Spain and founded Gadir in 1100 BC. Their objective was gold and silver from the mines of the legendary kingdom of Tartessors. Greek colonists settled in Empuries, in the northeast, around 600 BC. In 237BC the great Carthaginian general Hannibal (247-182BC) swept through Spain North Africa and marched across Gaul (France) and the Alps to attack Rome in the Second Punic War. The Romans Landed at Empuries in 218BC to cut him off from possible reinforcements. The plan worked. Carthage lost the war and by 206BC all Hispania (Spain) had become a Roman territory. Intermittent tribal revolts disturbed the peace until the empire crumbled in the fifth century. In AD 410 the Vandals, a Germanic warrior tribe, wrought havoc in Spain. The Christianized Visigoths, pushed out of Gaul by the Franks, followed them, gradually taking control of the entire peninsula by the early seventh century...

The Altamira cave paintings give a glimpse of Stone Age life and are recreated in the Neocueva at the Museo de AAltamira.

Very Old Masters
In the 1870s Marcelino de Sautuola, a well-t0-do Spaniard with a penchant for archaeology, started digging around in the caves of Altamira, west of Santander on the northern Spanish coast, and discovered the oldest Stone Age cave drawings ever seen.
The expressive but subtle red and black images of bison, horses, wild boar, deer and other creatures date at least to 12000 BC, possibly 20000BC and cover the walls and ceiling of an inner cave that has been nicknamed the Sistine Chapel of Prehistory. Also depicted is a series of people and handprints. The semi-nomadic people who created these pictures lived by hunting the animals they drew, so perhaps they were sufficiently easy prey to allow them time for such artistic pursuits.

From the caves to the visigoths, the history of Spain I am so curious to find out now! But I need time, time to find out more about this marvellous country, especially about the Church. It is known that Church attendance may have declined, but the Catholic Church still plays a key role in community life, especially as the focus for numerous religious festivals. However, the number of atheists and agnostics is increasing steadily. Many hundreds of priests have left the church over the marriage issue and basic questions of reform versus conservatism...

In my family, and at my 'hometown' Singapore, such things occur also. Children baptised and end up not returning to the church. Parents brought up the children, but they had no control over the faith of the children. Generation after generation, the Catholic Faith seems to die out... in my family, nobody goes to church now...

Spain is suffering from a much reduced birthrate (just like Singapore) and the family of the future is likely to be based on a different model... However, the belief in Jesus Christ, Our Lord, is the 'twist' of fate. My life is a journey of seeking and knowing my Lord, Jesus Christ. He saved me from sins and guide me in my pathway. Want to buy cheap airline tickets to Spain? During my stay in the hospital, how many times I wanted to 'come back', but was 'fall back' again... This is really the time of the 'battle of the gods (GOD)' Who is the real God of this world? If you believe in the wrong 'god', you are going to be doomed. Hell is misery and fear. It is a place where you can hear souls crying and it is very noisy (scary sound)... However, if you believe in Jesus Christ, there is salvation. Jesus has saved me.

To me, I cannot afford to go Spain now. I cannot afford cheap airline tickets to Spain also. During my stay in the hospital for a total of 11 fateful days, I experienced the spiritual world... My brain is like a 'outerspace'. There, lying on the bed of Tan Tock Seng Hospital, I experienced 'probability' kind of system... hard to describe, but it is very real -- because Richard told me that on the day of Feast of St Anthony, someone known himself as "man of the future" talked to him and told him about the outcome of the final FIFA match. Of course, the prediction of the man is not true. But where is this man now?

This is a scary world. If you believe in the wrong thing, you are working for the wrong 'god' and you are going to be in 'slavery'. There is no happiness and no peace. What you see in the end is only full of illusion and destruction in this world. But, if you believe in our Saviour Jesus Christ, there would be Resurrection of the Dead, and the life of the world to come. There will be Real Peace in this world where we do not need to worry about anything. We can travel to any place we like, don't need to search for cheap airline tickets nor buy anything. Everything is provided by God, just say the magic words and you can reach your destination, with your 'magic finger tips'!!

Medieval Arts

2008-01-28T23:39:00.000-08:00

The church was the main patron of artists and craftsmen throughout the Middle Ages, and in some backward areas this increased its importance. At the same time, however, some of the fringes of European civilization such as Scandinavia and Ireland played a less prominent cultural role after the 11th century than previously. Yet the church was by no means the only patron of art and music.

Scholars of the Italian Renaissance invented the name 'Medieval', meaning the 'age between' or 'middle age' to describe the period between Graeco-Roman 'classical' art and their own supposed rediscovering of classical art in the 14th and 15th centuries. In fact the name 'Medieval' was intended to suggest that the arts of this 'middle period' were inferior. To some extent such attitudes survive today, but a glance at medieval art shows just how wrong they were. In other parts of the world, the arts of what Europeans call the Middle Ages undoubtedly saw a golden age.

In most countries, artists were regarded as superior craftsmen to be hired as servants. However, by the end of the medieval period, some had earned wealth in their own right, although many were still prepared to wear the 'livery' or uniform of the household of their current patron. The picture above shows an example of an extremely luxurious fabrics which was used to decorate noble palaces. It shows a lady and her maidservant standing between the Lion and the Unicorn on a 15th century French or Flemish tapestry. This illustrates the late medieval aristocracy's fascination with everything concerned with tales of chivalry.

A late 12th century Byzantine enamelled gold icon of the Archangel Michael brought back to Venice as loot by the Fourth Crusade. The wealth and sophistication of Byzantium came as a shock to the rough western warriors of the Crusade. It also inspired their greed and envy.

Medieval arts show us the historical events and medieval life. They are traces of evidence of the past and masterpieces of many great medieval artists. They are valuable and if there are no proper art storage for your priced collection, they may end up be stolen or be mishandled. To prevent any valuable medieval arts from any damage and lost, they should always be protected and handle with care during moving.

El Escorial

2008-01-11T06:15:00.000-08:00

Monasterio de El Escorial (Madrid, Spain)

El Escorial

Royal Monastery of San Lorenzo El Real

El Escorial, the Royal Monastery of San Lorenzo El Real (also known as the Monasterio de El Escorial or simply El Escorial) stands out against the foothills of the Sierra de Guadarrama to the northwest of Madrid. It was built between 1563 and 1584 in honour of St Lawrence, and its unornamented severity set a new architectural style which became one of the most influential in Spain. On November 2, 1984, UNESCO declared The Royal Site of San Lorenzo of El Escorial a World Heritage Site. It is an extremely popular tourist attraction, often visited by day-trippers from Madrid.

The Escorial is a treasure-house of art and learning. The interior was conceived as a mausoleum and contemplative retreat rather than a splendid residence. Its artistic wealth, which includes some of the most important works of art of the royal Habsburg collections, is concentrated in the museums, chapterhouses, church, royal pantheon and library. In contrast, the royal apartments are remarkably humble.

Though it is a modern European country, Spain still has an air of mystery, with its tiny white villages where life has remained unchanged since the days of the Catholic Kings; with a city like Barcelona, which offers the very latest in the arts; with a city like Sevilla, on which the eyes of the world were turned at the time of the World Fair(which left the city with nothing but financial problems) and which has now nodded off to sleep again; with its fanatic left-wing movement which has fought for abortion and the legal sale of cannabis; with its places of pilgrimage where crowds of ecstatic worshippers can always be found; with its completely renovated Prado museum, whose collection can compete with the most beautiful (and richest) in Europe.

Spain contains still more surprises. It is the most touristy country in the world. Every year, it is visited by some 50 million holidaymakers. Medieval castles turned into luxury hotels and mansions converted into youth hostels typify the variety of places to stay in Spain. Visitors can also stay on remote farms, or in villas and old housese let for self-catering. Villas in Spain and holiday flats let by the week are plentiful along the Spanish coasts. In scenic areas of the countryside, there are many casa rurales (farm and village houses) for rent by the day. Click here to Rent a villa in Galicia for a relaxing and rustic holiday or get some Great deals on apartment and villas in Barcelona!

Kensington Palace

2007-10-17T17:55:00.000-07:00

Kensington Palace is a royal residence set in Kensington Gardens in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea in London, England.

The year he became king, 1689, William and his wife Mary bought their mansion, perfectly positioned for London socializing and country living. They brought in Sir Christopher Wren and Nicholas Hawksmoor to remodel and enlarge the house, and moved in for Christmas.

Despite the small rooms, George I introduced palatial grandeur with Colen Campbell's staircase and state rooms, elegantly decorated by William Kent. Meanwhile, Queen Anne added the Orangery and annexed a chuck of royal Hyde Park, a trick repeated by George II's wife, Queen Caroline, who created the Round Pond and Long Water to complete the 110-ha (275 acre) Kensington Gardens. Today, a wide variety of trees are the backdrop for sculptures, monuments and contemporary exhibitions at the Serpentine Gallery.

On 24 May 1819, Queen Victoria was born here. She was baptized in the splendid Cupola Room, spent her childhood in rooms overlooking the gardens and on 20 June 1837, learned here she was to be queen. Later she opened her childhood home to the public. There is a permanent exhibition about Diana, Princess of Wales. London is a fascinating travel destination. Besides Kensington Palace, the Top Ten Royal London places to visit includes Regent's Park, Hampton Court, St James's Palace, Kew Palace and Queen Charlotte's Cottage, Queen's House, Royal Mews, Queen's Chapel, Clarence House and Banqueting House. For more travel ideas and even travel deals to London, visit the travel blog. There are many interesting places which travel blog talk about. Some examples includes winter ski vacations, various travel guides, and so many more. There are nice photographs in all their posts. The travel blog writes about so many different countries. Want more travel ideas and travel destinations inspiration, they got it for you.

Lambeth Palace

2007-10-11T08:21:00.000-07:00

Lambeth Palace has been the official residence of the Archbishops of Canterbury since 1207, when it was called Lambeth House and was the home of Stephen Langton (c. 1157-1228). The oldest surviving part of the palace is the crypt, which dates from the 13th century; the chapel was built soon afterwards. The palace has been extended and modernized on various occasions over the centuries, including in 1553 when Queen Mary ordered that it should be refurbished for Cardinal Pole (1500-58); strangely enough, they died within hours of each other in 1558.

Drama was played out in the Guard Room in 1543 when Thomas More was interrogated by Thomas Cromwell after he refused to sanction Henry VIII's decision to appoint himself head of the Church. When the English Civil War broke out in 1642, Lambeth House, as it was still called, was taken over for public service and became a prison during the Commonwealth, with the chapel being used for dances. Naturally, the building was greatly damaged, and after the Restoration in 1660 the Great Hall was rebuilt under Archbishop Juxon(1582-1663).

Today, the Great Hall is a library that contains the leather gloves that Charles I is alleged to have handed to Archbishop Juxon on the scaffold, shortly before his execution in January 1649. The library also houses the medical reports of George III, whose life was blighted so severely by what is believed to have been porphyria.

Few cities celebrated the new millennium with as much verve as London. Known for its pomp, pageantry and colourful history, the dawn of the year 2000 saw the British capital looking forward rather than back. The regeneration of the Thames' riverbanks and the completion of major public projects were then the settings for further celebrations during the Queen's Golden Jubilee throughout 2002.

Whole areas of the capital have been revitalized. London's new additions range from imaginatively transformed buildings to dramatic fresh architecture, epitomized by Tate Modern and the British Airways London Eye. The first is a brilliant example of renovation, the second a masterpiece of engineering technology, but both capture the public's imagination in very different ways.

London is a great destination for holidays. Search for London hotels and plan your holidays to London. London changes with the seasons, especially after dark. In the depths of winter, dusk falls at 4.30pm; in summer it stays light until 10pm. Come summer, London's outdoors comes into its own. Londoners enjoy concerts in settings such as Hampton Court Palace, Kenwood House, Hyde Park and Kew Gardens. In elegant Kensington, the Holland Park Theatre puts on first-class opera and ballet against a backdrop of the remains of the 17th century Holland House. Year round, the diversity of the club scene is legendary and with many changing themes weekly. Book for cheap hotels now and visit London!

Trim Castle

2007-09-09T21:55:00.000-07:00

Trim Castle

Trim Castle, Trim, County Meath, Ireland has an area of 30,000 m². It is the remains of the largest Norman castle in Europe. It was built primarily by Hugh de Lacy and his son Walter.

It was England's King Henry II who encouraged Hugh de Lacy, his first Lord Lieutenant in Ireland, to construct castles. Henry perceived Richard de Clare, also known as "Strongbow", who led the Norman invasion of Ireland, as a threat to the throne, and wanted to keep his rival in check. Trim Castle became de Lacy's base. From here, he could guard movement along the River Boyne, receive supplies directly into the castle from the port of Drogheda and control the region as far west as Athlone, which overlooked the River Shannon.

After withstanding an assault on the castle by Connaught's High King, Rory O'Connor, in 1173, de Lacy recognized the weaknesses in the ringwork's timber defences. He swiftly embarked on a building programme that ultimately converted the simple stronghold into a formidable enclosure castle. In its final form, Trim Castle consisted of a triangular curtain wall, its southernside fitted at intervals with D-shaped towers. The blocky Dublin gateway and barbican also faced southwards, towards Ireland's capital city. The main gatehouse bisected the western curtain wall, and the now ruined eastern side, which commanded the river, supported the royal mint, three square towers, an impressive great hall and storage facilities. Two watergates opened to slipways and allowed access to the river below.

Planted inside the ringwork castle's earthen embankments, Trim's imposing Norman keep exacts attention. A variant of the classic rectangular keep, this massive cruciform building is the only one of its kind in Ireland. Centred by a 23m high square core that stretches 19.8m across, the remarkable structure featured four square towers, each of which projected outwards midway along each side. When completed, the great keep was three storeys high, contained living quarters with fireplaces, a chapel and a hall on the third floor which was accessed by a wooden stairway.

A deep ditch carved from the underlying bedrock provided a substantial obstacle to any enemy attempt to undermine the keep. Direct assault was possible only if attackers managed to breach the heavily defended main gateway, cross the drawbridge that spanned the ditch and then storm the forebuilding, which opened into the first storey of the keep.

Pictures of Trim Castle

2007-09-08T02:52:00.000-07:00

Situated on the southern bank of the River Boyne, Trim Castle in Country Meath casts a medieval shadow over its urban surroundings. Encompassing 3 acres of land, Ireland's largest Norman fortress attests to the strength of the invaders' grip on the kingdom of Meath. Aptly described as Ireland's "King of castles", King John's Castle symbolizes the dramatic changes imposed by the Normans as they expanded their kingdom across the Irish Sea.

Brief History of Trim Castle
1172 - Hugh de Lacy, first Lord of Meath, begins ringwork
1173 - Rory O'Connor, King of Connaught, burns castle
1210 - After king's visit, castle known as King John's Castle
1224 - Masonry castle withstands seven week siege
1250s - Ceoffrey de Geneville acquires castle upon marrying Maud de Lacy
1301 - Roger Mortimer, first Earl of March, gains castle by right of marriage to Joan, the de Geneville heiress
1399 - Prince Hal, the future Henry V, and his brother, Humphrey, stay at castle
1460 - Royal mint established
15th and 16th centuries - Construction of mantlet, well, corner tower, wash-house with drain and cobbled floors, forebuilding extended.
1534 - Thomas Fitzgerald('Silken Thomas'), 10th Earl of Kildare, besieges castle
17th century - Addition of gun emplacements, lead-smelting hearths and blacksmith's forge
1647 - Catholic Conference forces storm castle
1650 - Parliamentarians seize castle
1970s and 1990s - Archaeological excavations identify ringwork

Trim's great cruciform keep was probably built in two separate phases, beginning in about 1200. The powerful structure could function as a self-sufficient unit in wartime and as a comfortable home in peacetime.

Scotty's Castle

2007-08-29T17:46:00.000-07:00

Scotty's Castle is a two-story Spanish Villa located in northern Death Valley National Park, California, USA. It is also known as Death Valley Ranch. Scotty's Castle is not a real castle, and it did not belong to the "Scotty" from whom it got its name.

By far the single biggest visitor attraction in Death Valley is both manmade and totally incongruous. At the far northern end of the valeey, just off Highway 257 close to Ubehebe Crater, a flamboyant rogue and sometime prospector, nicknamed Death Valley Scotty, persuaded Chicago millionaire Albert Johnson to build an extravagant Spanish-style mansion in the desert. Scotty had orignially lured Johnson out here with bogus tales of a gold mine. Johnson, however, found that the climate suited his fragile health, forgave Scotty and the two became lifelong friends.

The 25-room house has a 15m high living room, a music room with a 1600 pipe organ, and even indoor waterfalls that acted as air-conditioners in the summer. The house is now administered by the National Park Service.

Death Valley holds many wonderful surprises for the visitor, from castles to craters, from beautiful sunsets to singing sands. In spite of its forbidding name, very few people have actually died here. It was Christmas Day 1849 when the first white man gazed down at Death Valley. What has become known as the Death Valley Party consisted of four families and a group of young men. They were on their way from Salt lake City looking for an easy way across the Sierra Nevada to the newly discovered gold fields in the San Joaquin Valley. Twenty-six wagons went into Death Valley but only one made it out. One person died and it is said that the valley was given its name when one of the party looked back as they were leaving and said,"Goodbye, death valley."

Today Death Valley is a national park with over 805km of well-maintained roads and nearly all the attractions only a short walk away. Death Valley is unique among desert valleys, not only because of its size and variety of scenery, but also because of its extremes. It has the lowest point in the western hemisphere at 86m below sea level, but Telescope Peak rises to over 3353m not far away. Only 97km to the west is Mount Whitney, at 2218m the highest peak in continental US outside Alaska. In 1913 a record high air temperature of 57 degree celsius was recorded and summer temperatures regularly exceed 49 degrees celsius, making it undoubtedly one of the hottest places on earth.

California is blessed with the most diverse scenic national parks in the USA. Towering coastal redwoods in the north, bubbling mud at volcanic Mount Lassen, giant rock faces at Yosemite, sand dunes of Death Valley, it would be a great destination for vacations. Goin2Travel is a worldwide vacation rentals websites where owners and managers can list their vacation rentals and travelers can inquire directly and book the rental with the owner or manager. Vacation rentals or vacation homes to various parts of the world can be found such as Europe, Asia, United States and so on can easily be explored with a click on their map. If you are going to Death Valley, you might want to book for San Diego vacation rentals otherwise there are more choices for you at Goin2Travel. If you love beaches, then Newport beach vacation rentals might be your choice!

Richmond Palace

2007-08-27T02:59:00.000-07:00

Richmond Palace was a royal residence from 1327 to 1649 on The Green, Richmond, United Kingdom. The first, pre-Tudor version of the palace was known as Sheen Palace. Once one of the great medieval royal palaces, all that remains now of Richmond Palace is the old gatehouse on the south side of Richmond Green, and a trio of houses in Old Palace Yard, which date from the reign of the Tudors. Old engravings of the palace show a sprawling building of several stories, with many turrets and chimneys, standing on the banks of the Thames.

Richmond Palace started life as a manor house in the 12th century. At the time, the area was known as Shene and was a popular hunting ground. Henry I acquired the manor house in 1125, although Edward III was the first king to spend a lot of time there and he also lavished plenty of money on the place. Edward died there in June 1377, dependent on his ambitious mistress, Alice Perrers, who had persuaded the servants to wrench the rings from his fingers. Edward's grandson, Richard II, inherited the throne and, with it, Shene Palace. It was his favourite summer residence, where he and his first wife, Anne of Bohemia (1366-1394), entertained with lavish generosity. However, medieval summers always brought the plague, and the disease killed Anne in June 1394. Richard experienced such intense grief that he ordered the destruction of Shene Palace. Nevertheless, some parts of it were left standing and were used by Henry V as the basis for a major programme of restoration.

Shene was a particular favourite of Henry VII, and he had the palace rebuilt in grand style after it burnt down in 1499. It was at this point that its name was changed to Richmond, after Henry's earldom in Richmond, Yorkshire. Two of Henry VIII's children by Katherine of Aragon were born and died here, and in 1554 his daughter, Mary I, spent part of her honeymoon here after her marriage to Phillip of Spain. In March 1603, the dynasty of the Tudors ended with Elizabeth I died in Richmond Palace.

Richmond Palace passed to the Stuart kings and was therefore the inevitable casualty of the Civil War of the 1640s. Most of the palace was destroyed after the execution of Charles I in 1649, and although Charles II later had it restored for his mother, she found it too bleak. The palace gradually fell down, until more memories than stones remained.

London is an excellent city for walkers. Although it is much more spread out than most European capitals, many of the main tourist attractions are fairly close to each other. There several walk routes planned by the tourist board and local history societies too. These include footpaths along canals and the Thames, and the Silver Jubilee Walk. A about 90 minutes walk around Richmond and Kew begins in historic Richmond by the remains of Henry VII's once-splendid palace and ends at Kew. There are many cafes, pubs and tearooms in Richmond too. To find accommodation for your travels, click for online hotels booking at easytobook.com. There are several hotels at easytobook. All the hotels are rated and you get to enjoy special offers. Enter your destination, arrival and departure date and start looking for Rome Hotels or Prague Hotels and more. London has responded well to the demands of tourism. There are several festivals and shows from September to December. Some of the festivals include Mayor Thames Festival(in September), Pearly Harvest Festival(in October), Lord Mayor's Show (in November) and also Christmas Lighting (starting from November to January) and many more. Book early for Hotels now so that you can get the best hotels that you want.

Medieval London

2007-08-26T21:53:00.000-07:00

When the British Empire was at tits apogee during Queen Victoria's late nineteenth century reign, London was the largest city on Earth, as well as the entire world's financial, cultural and social leader. The Houses of Parliament, overlooking the River Thames and crowned by the tower containing Big Ben, were the world's focal point.

In its youth, London was a vital center for the Romans and later the Saxons, who founded St. Paul's Cathedral in 604 AD. Following the Norman conquest of 1066, William I the Conqueror built the imposing White Tower, the Tower of London's centerpiece, as the seat of his power. After fire swept through London in 1136, buildings of stone and tile appeared in the rebuilding. Henry VIII (1509-1566) oversaw the reconstruction of the five royal hospitals, established at dockyard at Deptford, converted the York Palace into Whitehall and built St. James' Palace. Meanwhile, Westminster's noblemen were building their homes on the Strand, but only after the great fire of 1666 was London united to its surrounding townships like Westminster.

Saint James's Palace, in Westminster, London, England, on St. James's Street and fronting on Pall Mall: St. James's Palace is one of London's oldest palaces, with a long history as a Royal residence. It is situated on Pall Mall in London, just north of St. James's Park. It is often in use for official functions and is not open to the public.

St. James's Palace: Built by Henry VIII in the late 1530s on the site of a former leper hospital, it was a primary royal residence only briefly, mainly during the reign of Elizabeth I and during the late 17th and early 18th century. In 1952 Queen Elizabeth II made her first speech as queen here, and foreign ambassadors are still officially accredited to the Court of St. James's. Its northern gatehouse, seen from St James's Street, si one of London's most evocative Tudor landmarks. Behind it the palace buildings are now occupied by privileged Crown servants. The beloved Queen Elizabeth I (1558-1603) ruled with London's "militia, its money and its love." Sir Christopher Wren, the great architect, is immortalized in the city's great buildings, including the flawless St. Paul's cathedral.

Westminster Abbey:The abbey is world-famous as the resting place of Britain's monarchs, and as the setting for coronations and other great pageants.

London's importance as a commercial centre grew as the British Empire expanded. The wealth from the British East India company (1599) as well as trade with much of the world, nourished London's cultural character. Theater, literature and music bloomed for centuries. London was also technologically in the lead. By 1812, gas lights illuminated London's streets, omnibuses began running in 1829, rail carriages followed within a decade, and the world's first underground railway, powered by electricity, was completed in 1890.

While the nineteenth century Victorian Age brought in social reforms that modernized the city and eased the pressures of London's increasing population, growth nevertheless continued unchecked, swelling the population to 4.2 million in 1890. Culturally, London was immortalized by its many brilliant scholars and writers, like Charles Dickens. London also hosted the Olympic Games in 1908 and again in 1948.

Today, although the British Empire is defunct, London remains the United Kingdom's capital, housing a population of 6.7 million. The royal family reigns from Buckingham Palace, which has housed England's monarchs ever since Queen Victoria took up residence in 1837.

London's Best: Museums and Galleries

Every coronation of an English monarch has taken place at Westminister Abbey since William the Conqueror was crowned there in 1066. Within its walls can be seen some of the most glorious examples of medieval architecture in London. It also contains one of the most impressive collections of tombs and monuments in the world. Half national church, half national museum, the abbey occupies a unique place in the British national consciousness. London's museums are filled with an astonishing diversities of treasures from all over the world. It is definitely a hot destination for family vacations or couples. If you need any travel resources, Blogline might have what you want to search for. Travel Ideas like the Ten Great Ideas for Perfect Dates can be found there. Other interesting category that you can find at the site includes fun and strange news like Mystery of Ghost Lights. When traveling is concerned, accommodation is a must and everybody wants the cheapest deal. Check out for cheap accommodation at Accomline when you visit Blogline!

Barcelona And Madrid

2007-08-17T06:29:00.000-07:00

Palacio de Linares

Spain, in southwestern Europe, covers the greater part of the Iberian Peninsula. The third largest country in Europe, it includes the Canary Islands in the Atlantic and the Balearics in the Mediterranean, and two small territories in North Africa. Its capital, Madrid, lies geographically in the centre of the country. Madrid boasts an exceptional number of world-class museums and galleries. Heading the list are the Prado, with the world's largest collection of Spanish art, the Thyssen-Bornemisza, which traces the development of Western art from the 14th century, and Reina Sofia, with its outstanding display of modern art. Other smaller museums includes the Museo Lazaro Galdiano.

Palacio Real

Within the autonomous region of Spain called Catalonia, Barcelona, the capital, acts as a living gallery of modernist and Art Nouveau architecture and decor. The temples and buildings of architect Antonio Gaudi, medieval churches, Roman wall remnants and well-loved promenades and plazas -- all produce a distinctive atmosphere. Called "the Paris of Spain" by Hans Christian Andersen for its soulful beauty and its rich cultural heritage, Barcelona has regained some of its youthful glory through recent autonomy and an acceptance of Catalonian culture within Spanish borders. Madrid's Top tourist attractions are Plaza Mayor, Plaza de Toros de Las Ventas, Parque del Retiro, Museo Lazaro Galdiano, Museo Thyssen-Boornemisza, Centro de Arte Reina Sofia, Palacio Real and also Museo del Prado. Book for Hotels in Madrid in advance to get the best accomodation that you like. Visit Madrid to see the best museums and galleries in Madrid. See the many great diversity of great architectural style of the buildings in Madrid.

Montjuïc castle

Barcelona is more than the capital of Catalonia. It is the main city on the Spanish mainland from which to reach the Balearic Islands. In culture, commerce and sports it not rivals in Madrid, but also considers itself on a par with the greatest European cities. In Barcelona, there are many shops, cafes and hotels. Places of interests includes places like Casa Lleo Morera, Palau Guell, Montjuïc castle and Palau de la Musica Catalana. Flights are run by Iberia. It is wise to book your flights and Hotels in Barcelona in advance. If you choose to fly between Barcelona and Madrid, the duration is just 1 hour 15 minutes. Air Europa fly from Barcelona airport, terminal B. They now arrive in the new terminal 4 at Madrid Barajas. The check in for the Barcelona to Madrid flight is at desks Desks B44 to B58. The flights depart daily and food is available on board! Barcelona to Madrid flights are from 07:00 - 23.50, and they operate frequently throughout the day.

To enjoy all the great destination to Barcelona and Madrid, CheaperthanHotels offer many hotels choices. For people with problems in English, they even have Spanish translation to assist you. You can find your Hotels to Barcelona and Madrid easily, all bookings can be done online. So if you would love to find Hotels using Spanish translation of the site, then click here for Hotels en Barcelona or Hotels en Madrid now!

Barcelona Cathedral

Medieval Berlin & Vienna Castle Tour

2007-08-16T04:45:00.000-07:00

Berlin, the former capital of the kingdom of Prussia, became the capital of the German Empire upon its creation in 18781. Ever since then, Berlin has been important to German political history. The city achieved international prominence under Frederick William the Great Elector and Frederick II the Great in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, and exuded a magnetic force in the nineteenth, when East Berlin's Humboldt University attracted great minds like Georg Hegel and influential theorists like Karl Marx. In the same way that Berlin's architecture is punctuated by dazzling buildings and art collections, Berlin's history has been punctuated by intense and fully implemented movements.

From the time that the National Socialists(Nazis) came to power in 1933 until the end of World War II, Berlin was a focal point of German nationalism -- as interpreted by the Nazis. After Germany's defeat in 1945, Germany was divided into four occupation zones by the victorious powers. Berlin was also divided. In 1949, the three western zones became the Federal Republic of Germany(West Germany), with Bonn as its capital; the Soviet Zone became the German Democratic Republic(East Germany), with the eastern part of Berlin as its capital. In 1990, the Federal Republic took over the management of all of Germany and a reunited Berlin. Berlin became the capital of a reunited Germany, with Bonn remaining the administrative capital.

Schloss Charlottenburg

Berlin is one of the historic landmarks of our age. The city is the seat of the German Government and has regained its former political and cultural importance. At Berlin, Schloss Charlottenburg is one of finest buildings which is dedicated to Queen Sophie Charlotte. Berlin is endowed with an abundance of museums and many are centered on a man-made island between the Spree river and its canal. The Pergamon museum is perhaps the most interesting and it should not be missed. Book Hotels in Berlin to start your Berlin tour now!

The distance from Vienna to Berlin is about 525 kilometers or 326 miles or 283 nautical miles
Vienna is the capital of Austria and is by far the largest city in Austria as well as its cultural, economic and political centre. Holiday vacations flying between Vienna and Berlin can always begin with booking for accomodation in these two places. Book for Hotels in Vienna in order to enjoy your visit to Schoenbrunn Castle, which was the former summer residence of the imperial family.

Schoenbrunn Castle

Vienna is at the centre of Austria's wine-growing country and is surrounded by historic castles and churches, among which nestle picturesque wine-producing towns and villages. All the sights are accessible by bus or train and trips. At Vienna, another beautiful castle you can visit is Schonbuhel Castle which stands on a rocky outcrop overlooking the Danube. To enjoy great vacation, you need good accomodation like cheap hotels. Find Hotels in Vienna or Hotels in Berlin to start your castles tour! In addition to the above mentioned castles, Potsdam Castle and Sanssouci castle are always worth a visit!

Schonbuhel Castle

Hohenschwangau Castle

2007-08-15T01:16:00.000-07:00

Hohenschwangau Castle, a romantic living lock near Fussen in Bavaria

Schloss Hohenschwangau is located in the German village of Schwangau near the town of Füssen, part of the county of Ostallgäu in southwestern Bavaria, very close to the border with Austria.

Hohenschwangau is a village in the municipality of Schwangau, Ostallgäu district, Bavaria, Germany. Hohenschwangau is bordered by the Alpsee in the West. Every year, about 2 million people visited this place. There are hotels, shops and restaurants. Hohenschwangau Castle is a short walk up from the village of Hohenschwangau.

Hohenschwangau Castle (Castle of the High Swan County) was the childhood residence of King Ludwig II of Bavaria and was built by his father, King Maximilian II of Bavaria. Ludwig spent his childhood here, dreaming of building his own romantic castle nearby. It is the castle that King Ludwig II stayed in while watching over the building of Neuschwanstein. It has a clear view of Neuschwanstein.

Schloss Hohenschwangau is an impressive castle. Hohenschwangau castle means swan area on a hill,High altitude. It is a castle of the Neo-Gothic style which is close to the town Hohenschwangau. The castle has a beautiful and romantic environment. It looks out over the Alpsee, where there are lots of swans. The Castle grounds consists of fountains, rose gardens, and fabulous views.

Schloss Hohenschwangau is the most famous and most visited of King Ludwig II's three palaces. King Ludwig II was the King of Bavaria in the 19th century. He was born on August 25, 1845 in Munich. He became the King of Bavaria at the age of eighteen but died in the lake mysteriously at forty one.

The Hohenschwangau castle was reconstructed by Maximilian II spending 4 years of 1832-1836. He was the father of Ludwig II who built the Neuschwanstein castle. Originally, a king of Schwangau built it in the 12th century but because the heir of the king family stopped and it became ruins, and then afterwards Maximilian II bought it and rebuilt. It is said that Ludwig II spent most of his life in this castle. Ludwig II seemed to have looked up at the construction of the Neuschwanstein castle from this castle.

Hohenschwangau is where you get tickets to visit Newschwanstein and Hohenschwangau castles. Hohenschwangau Castle is open all through the year (except for Christmas). Opening hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. (April through September) and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (October through March). Guided tours are provided in German, English, French, Italian, Spanish, Russian, Czech, Slovene and Japanese.

Castelo dos Mouros (Moorish Castle)

2007-07-17T06:46:00.000-07:00

Castelo dos Mouros (Moorish Castle) in Sintra, Portugal

One of The Places to visit in Sintra is the 8th-century Moorish Castle, The Castelo dos Mouros (Castle of the Moors). Castelo dos Mouros (Moorish Castle) is a popular tourist attractions in Sintra, a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

The Moorish Castle is of Moorish origin and little is known of the actual history of The Castle. It is located on a high hill overlooking the village. It is constructed by the Moors possibly between the 9th and 10th centuries. The Moorish Castle's dominant position over the bay of Gibraltar can be fully appreciated from this panoramic view of its surroundings. For more highlights of Sintra, travel blog shows you their one day in Sintra by Brian and Patty.

The decline of the castle began in the 15th century, when most of the population settled downhill, in today's Old Village of Sintra. The Moorish Castle has two walled segments with a total perimeter of 450 metres. The interior wall has a wall walk, battlements and is reinforced by five turrets. The walls at the north segment took advantage of the natural slope of the hill to prevent enemies from approaching the castle. Near the entrance of the castle is the romanesque Church of Saint Peter.

The area around the church was excavated and revealed the existence of a medieval cemetery with many tombs. For more pictures and travel ideas, visit RealTravel, the travel blog brings you interesting travel stories, photos and recommendations of various places in the world. They had a post on Sintra, Moorish Castle too. If you love to travel, travel blog is a place for you. Visit the travel blog for more travel news and links!

Medieval Australia II

2007-07-12T00:15:00.000-07:00

Sydney (Founded in 1788)
Sydney evolved from a penal colony that was populated by British convicts. Some offenses committed by Sydney's first citizens were very slight, such as stealing a handkerchief or borrowing a glove. Out of respect, throughout all of January Sydney still celebrates the January 26th, 1788 landing, when the first convicts were dropped off near the current downtown area.

Sydney, the capital of the New South Wales state, is Australia's oldest and largest city. Its vast metropolitan area covers 4790 square miles (12407 square kilometres), spanning from the Blue Mountains in the west to the Pacific Ocean in the east. Sydney is known to have one of the world's best ports, as Captain Arthur Phillip discovered in 1788 when he reached Port Jackson. After having first sailed to Botany Bay (located immediately south of Sydney's site), which had been discovered and settled by Captain John Cook in 1770, Phillip noted the Port Jackson's excellent natural harbour and moved the entire fleet.

Innumerable coves and bays are found on the Pacific coast near Sydney, along with exquisite beaches that are world renowned for surfing and boating. Australians are great lovers of the outdoors, and there are two magnificent national parks within 25 miles of the city centre.

Though the city's architecture is modern and fairly unremarkable, Sydney is dominated by two exceptional landmarks. The first is the Sydney Harbour Bridge (1933), which arcs high behind the Opera House and links the north shore to the city. The second is the Opera House (1973), designed by Danish architect Jorn Utzon, which houses a concert hall for the Sydney Symphony Orchestra as well as a large theater for opera and ballet and a smaller theater for plays. The Opera House is linked to Hyde Park by Macquarie Street, which is lined magnificently with nineteeth century government buildings. Like its rival Melbourne, which once bested this city in population and importance, Sydney has a few delicate, lacy iron balconies that add florid decoration to the city's buildings.

Like all Australians, many of Sydney's citizens have become great historical researchers, collecting all evidence of its early settlement and tracing their roots through the generations of the city's short life. Though founded by convicts and peopled by women who were badly abused at their arrival, Sydney also attracted citizens who came because the British government was providing free land, convict labour and free capital works. The city still remembers the adventurous spirit of its early settlers.

Australia can seem to be a long way from anywhere in particular, an isolation that made it the last great landmass to be 'discovered' by Europeans. But before Sydney Harbour saw its first billow of British sail, indigenous people inhabited the continent for more than 40000 years, the world's longest continuous cultural history. Hosting the 2000 Olympic Games thrust Sydney into the global limelight, and the city was not shy about stepping onto the stage. The coup of securing the Olympics gripped the city in a late 90s sweat of building activity, the flawless success of the Games infusing confidence and pride. An expansive metropolis of four million folks, Sydney's streets buzz with business conducted in dozens of accents and tongues. Confidence remains, but there's a sense of post-Olympic reflection and cultural re-definition in the air. The ebullient 80s are ancient history and Sydney has surfed the Olympic wave right into the beach -- everyone's catching their breath and waiting to see what will happen next.

Late spring (October to November) and early autumn (March to April) are the best times to visit Sydney. The days are warm and the evenings are mild. Sydney's winters are cool to mild, but summer can be hot and unbearably humid with occasional downpour. Getting around in Sydney is generally convenient and reliable. There are trains, buses and ferries. In Sydney, you will have no problem finding a place to sleep. There are many Hotels In Sydney. Staying at the beach means a refreshing dip is only moments away. Hotels on the fringe of the CBD, especially those with harbour views, are a relaxing option for business travellers. At CheaperthanHotels.com.au, you can search for Sydney Hotels of your choice. Visit Sydney, Australia, experience the awe-inspiring Sydney Harbour Bridge New Years Firework display on 2007 Sydney New Year's Eve (31 December 2007 1:00 PM – 12:00 AM ). Don't miss out this great event. Plan ahead for your holidays, book for your Sydney Hotel now!

Medieval Australia I

2007-07-11T00:13:00.000-07:00

Melbourne (Founded in 1835)
Melbourne, the capital of the Australian state of Victoria, is located on Australia's southern coast, where it is the nation's largest general cargo port. In Australia, Melbourne is second in area only to its rival, Sydney, the capital of New South Wales. Melbourne is the only one of Australia's six capitals to have been established unofficially by enterprise. A fairly young city, Melbourne was founded by pioneer settler John Batman in 1835, soon after he signed a treaty with the aboriginal natives. Another pioneer, John Fawkner, settled on the Yarra Rivers' banks. There he acquired a large amount of land and established a book-selling business, hotels and a newspaper. Batman died early, ending an active debate over who was the legitimate founder.

Melbourne saw its first immigration wave after gold was discovered nearby in the 1850s. The second wave was stimulated by government programs that supported European immigrants in their attempts to find jobs and learn English. Acting as a haven for people fleeing World War II, the city limits strained eastward. Surrounding Melbourne's service-oriented core, a ring of outers suburbs developed. By the end of World War II, the population had reached 100000. Metal processing, transportation equipment and computer manufacturing greatly boosted the importance of Melbourne's industries, and by 1990, the metropolitan population had grown to 3.1 million.

The city was laid out in a rectangular pattern. Nineteenth century architecture is still evident in the core city, where the Houses of Parliament share space with Anglican and Roman Catholic cathedrals. Some of the best ornate ironwork has been preserved.

Melbourne's population includes a healthy ethnic mix of culturally conscious, politically active intellectuals. With its National Gallery of Victoria, its Victorian Arts Center and the Melbourne Concert Hall, the city is a great supporter of traditional arts. Its extensive parks and grand balconies have preserved an impression of gentility, despite the experimental theater of the 1970s and the proliferation of discos, rock music clubs and a great many pubs.

Caerphily Castle

2007-06-26T02:51:00.000-07:00

Caerphilly is a Welsh town seven miles north of Cardiff, which is on the Southern coast of Wales. Stretching over an area of 30 acres in the centre of Caerphilly, Caerphilly Castle (Welsh: Castell Caerfili) is one of the largest fortresses in Europe. Caerphilly Castle is the largest castle in Wales, the second largest in Britain (second to Windsor castle). It is built in 1268-1271 by the Anglo-Norman lord, Gilbert de Clare(1243-1295), a powerful, redheaded nobleman of Norman descent.

Flooding a valley to create a third acre lake, Gilbert de Clare set his castle on three artificial islands, the easternmost becoming a great fortified dam while the westernmost became a walled redoubt. Both also defended the central island, the core of the stronghold. There stands a castle complete in itself, with a double "concentric" circuit of walls and four gatehouses, one, the East Inner Gatehouse, large and powerful enough to serve as an independent final refuge. Nearby is the elegant banqueting hall with its fine stone carving.

Often threatened but never taken, this astonishing multiple fortress has been restored after centuries of neglect by the fourth marquees of Bute from 1928 to 1939. When the castle was taken into State care in 1950 it only remained to complete the reflooding of the lakes and the restoration and glazing of the windows of the Great Hall, aided by private donors in 1960. The south dam platform, once a tournament field, now displays full sized working replica medieval siege engine, and the fascinating exhibitions that can be seen in the main outer gatehouse and in the "Lady's Tower" are others interesting features of the castle.

Caerphilly Castle is concentric (castle within a castle) in architecture, with a double moat, surrounded by large but fairly shallow artificial lakes to slow attackers and prevent the undermining of its walls. The castle's most distinguishing feature is the leaning tower. Want to visit this massive and impressive Caerphily Castle? Visit cheaperthanhotels.co.uk to book for Cheap London Hotels or search for various Hotels in United Kingdom. Edinburgh is a beautiful place. If you wish to visit Edinburgh castle, you can book for Edinburgh Hotels. They have lots of hotels for you, all rated and you can read hotel reviews and view photographs. If you want to stay in Castle, there is Airth Castle Hotel and Spa Resort too.

Beautiful Pictures of Malbork Castle

2007-06-04T23:22:00.000-07:00

Malbork is the mightiest ot the Teutonic Knights' fortresses and the capital of their independent state until returned to Poland at the end of the 15thC.

It consists of the Upper Castle, the Middle Castle and the Palace of the Grand Master surrounded by common walls and a moat. The main gate has been reconstructed with its portcullis.

Malbork Castle is enormous and has everything a castle should--a moat (dry), drawbridge, portculis, and more.

Despite being almost completely leveled in WWII, the castle has been almost entire restored to its original design.

Malbork Castle, said to be impenetrable, a castle built for defense. In fact it's never been taken over. Only after the Teutons were driven out of Poland and the castle was abandoned, did it ever fall into enemy hands.

See More Pictures of Malbork Castle

History of Malbork Castle

2007-06-03T20:50:00.000-07:00

Malbork Castle is the largest medieval castle in Europe. It was built between the XIII and XIV centuries to serve as the home of the Grand Master of the Knights of the Teutonic Order.

The construction of Castle in Malbork began in 1275. Malbork has been since 1309 the capital of The Teutonic Order Of Holy Mary in Jerusalem. Malbork was taken by the Polish army in 1475 and became one of the residences of Kings of Poland until 1772, when it was taken by the Kingdom of Prussia, to be devastated in the years after.

At the beginning of XIX century, after protests of the German society the castle’s demolition has been stopped in 1803 and since 1817 until ca.1940, the Malbork castle has been constantly reconstructed, under the guidance of several important German architects, with the best work done by the team of the historian Konrad Steibrecht in the years 1882-1921.

During the Nazi era, a scene of the official ceremonies of the Hitler’s regime. In 1945, at the end of the WWII, the castle was defended by the Germans against advancing Red Army and during these fights seriously damaged. Additionally, its newly constructed roof burnt in 1959. In the years after, the serious reconstruction work continued to restore the Malbork castle to its previous glory.

One of many castles build in northern Poland by the Teutonic Order of Holy Mary in Jerusalem, a knight’s order limited to the German aristocracy, which was sent there in 1225 by the Pope to convert the local pagan population into Christianity. Today the Theutonic Order capital Malbork (Marienburg) is certainly one of the biggest gothic castles remaining in the world.

Castel Sant'Angelo

2007-05-30T21:33:00.000-07:00

Castel Sant'Angelo is also known as The Mausoleum of Hadrian. Castel Sant'Angelo is one of the town's most famous landmarks. It is a towering cylindrical building in Rome. The cylindrical structure built over a square base was built by the Emperor Hadrian to house his remains and those of his family, the future emperors of Rome. It was renamed as Castel Sant'Angelo after the huge bronze angel at its top. The building, located in the rione of Borgo, spent over a thousand years as a fortress and castle, and is now a museum.

In the past, Castel Sant'Angelo was sadly notorious for functions of a much more grave nature. Its courtyards were the scene of executions by decapitation and the heads of the condemned were then hung for days along the bridge as a terrible warning.

Today Castel Sant'Angelo is visited by tourists from all over the world. The Castel Sant'Angelo appeared in Dan Brown's 2000 novel Angels and Demons and also in the film Roman Holiday. The castle has five floors and houses a national Museum. At the bottom there are the winding ramps dating back to Roman times; on the second floor you can still see the prison cells, as well as the storerooms for oil and grain. The third is the military floor with two large courtyards. On the fourth, the papal floor, there are the loggia of Julius II by papal architect Bramante, the papal apartments frescoed by Giulio Romano and painters of Raphael's school, the treasure room, and the room of Cagliostro the famous magician and alchemist who was imprisoned and tortured there in the 18th century. At the very top, right under the huge bronze angel, there is a terrace, where there is also a charming al fresco bar, where you can enjoy a stupendous panorama of the city.

The building of Castel Sant'Angelo consisted of an enormous quadrangular basement, 89 m. per side and 15 m. high. On top was a cylindrical drum (diam. 64 m., height 21 m.) flanked by radial walls. A tumulus of earth planted with trees rose up over the drum. Along the edges were decorative marble statues and at the centre, raised even higher up, was a podium with columns on top of which was a bronze quadriga with the statue of Hadrian.

Rome is a magnificent capital city of Italy. Visit Roman Castles, stay in one of the numerous Rome Hotels, enjoy the artistic culture of rome -- see great paintings and sculptures by famous artists. Easytobook.com is your Rome hotels and accommodation guide. Find all sorts of Rome Hotels such as small family hotels, low budget hotels or luxury hotels and more. You can book for your choice of Rome Hotels at Easytobook.com.

If you would like to visit numerous destination, such as Amsterdam or Barcelona, booking for Amsterdam hotels and Barcelona Hotels are also available at Easytobook.com. Easytobook.com is the your one vacation destination companion for searching your ideal accommodation. There are no booking fee and searching for your hotels are easy. The hotels are rated and reviewed to help you make your hotel choice easier. Visit Easytobook.com, read their destination guide and choose your hotels for your vacation.

Iolani Palace

2007-05-14T17:45:00.000-07:00

Hawaii's Royal Palace - Official residence of King Kalakaua and Queen Liliu'okalani,
the last monarchs of Hawaii, 1881-1893. Located on South King Street between Richards Street and Punchbowl Street in downtown Honolulu, Iolani Palace is the only royal palace in the United States. It was built by King David Kalakaua in 1883 out of coral block.

Iolani Palace is situated in the capitol district of downtown Honolulu in the State of Hawaii. It was built by King Kalakaua in 1879-1882 and it is one of the most significant historical sites in the Hawaiian Islands. Iolani Palace was thus declared a National Historic Landmark and listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Two monarchs governed from 'Iolani Palace, King David Kalakaua and Queen Lili'uokalani. The grounds surrounding the palace were originally the site of an ancient Hawaiian temple and former burial site for Hawaiian royalty. Evidence of the sites is still visible and considered sacred by locals. ‘Iolani means “Bird of Heaven”. 'Iolani Palace is the only true royal palace in the United States and the last official residence of the kings and queens who ruled Hawaii. King Kalakaua and Queen Kapiolani completed the palace in 1882. Greatly influenced by King Kalakaua's travels around the world, the palace was the first in the world to be equipped with telephones and electric lights. He commissioned the construction a new 'Iolani Palace, directly across the street from Ali'iolani Hale, to become the official palace of the Hawaiian monarchy. The building was completed in 1882 and served as the official residence of the Hawaiian monarch until the monarchy was overthrown in 1893.

Iolani Palace was opened to the public in 1978 for tours and special events. The palace grounds include: the Coronation Pavilion, 'Iolani Barracks, Royal Tomb, and a gift shop. Today, Iolani Palace is used for only the most formal of state functions and it is still a centerpiece in the hearts and minds of the Hawaiian people.

Planning for Hawaii vacations? A visit to these Hawaii history museums and historical sites will allow you to soak up some local history and culture while you are there. Honolulu is Hawaii's largest and most bustling city and is packed with sights, activities, tourist attractions and a fair amount of history. The beaches around Honolulu are exquisite and include the world famous Waikiki Beach. There are also plenty of other tourist attractions to explore, such as historical Chinatown, with its numerous restaurants and medicine shops. Shopping is also a pastime in Honolulu.

Villas have become the new vacation trend and are quickly replacing larger, more commercialized hotels as the choice place to stay for many savvy travelers. Such accommodations are perfect for those people seeking a truly relaxing, tropical vacation that provides the enjoyment, privacy and comfort of a vacation home over the impersonal environment of a traditional hotel. An out-of-the-way oasis is just a click away when you check out a site like hawaiianbeachrentals.com that specializes in Hawaii vacations. The availability of vacation accommodations through online resources such as HawaiianBeachRentals.com affords tourists the opportunity to plan customized, environmentally-friendly Hawaii vacations.

Castle Ruthin

2007-05-09T00:03:00.000-07:00

Location: Glwyd Country: Wales
Ruthin Castle is built on a red sandstone ridge 100 feet above the Clwyd valley, overlooking a strategic river crossing.

The name 'Ruthin' comes from 'rudd' or red and 'din', the Welsh word for fort, and refers to the colour of the old red sandstone which forms the geologic basis of the area, and from which the castle was constructed in 1277-1284.

Ruthin Castle, a baronial castle, stands on a sandstone ridge near the head of the Vale of Clwyd (Dyffryn Clwyd), 100 feet above the great marsh (Y Gwernfor). Ruthin Castle consisted of two wards and five round towers originally guarding the inner ward. All that remains are three towers and the ruined double-towered gatehouse. The overgrown walls of the upper and lower bailey can be seen to the left of the photo and the former marshy ground on the floor of the valley can be seen in the background.

Little is known of the history of the town before construction of Ruthin Castle started in 1277. The construction of the castle started around 1277, under the orders of Edward I, who was notable for waging wars in both Wales and Scotland. The castle would have been a strategic advantage to quell uprising in Wales, and originally consisted of 5 round towers, of which only three remain, along with its ruined gatehouse

According to local history, the lordship of Dyffryn Clwyd was given to the Grey family in 1282 after the defeat of Llywelyn effectively ending the principality of North Wales. Up to 1400 the history of the castle had little to note. It was Reginald, now first Baron of Ruthin, who was responsible for re-fortifying the castle, building the Chapel of St Peter and erecting a wall around Ruthin, which was surrounded by Welsh tribes.

During the Civil War period the castle was attacked by Cromwell's troops but managed to hold out against the battery. In 1646 the castle was once again attacked and besieged, the royalist forces surrendering to Major General Mytton in the same year. The castle was then destroyed, possibly on the orders of parliament. The old castle's atmospheric remains are still accessible to guests of the castle. The ruins include the battlements, the whipping pit, drowning pit and the dungeons.

A late 13th century castle on the site of a Welsh fort. Much of the structure of what was once a strong castle has been removed, but the remains were rebuilt in the 19th century as part of a hotel. Ruthin Castle is now an elegant Hotel set in beautiful and extensive gardens. Visit Last Minute Hotel Blog for Latest Hotel News.

The castle is reputed to be haunted by a 'Grey Lady' who is seen roaming the exterior of the castle, the battlements, the old Chapel and the Medieval Banqueting Hall. The lady is said to be a murderess and the wife of the castle's second in command, when it was occupied by Reginald de Grey, appointed by Edward I. According to the legend her husband had an affair, and she murdered her love rival with an axe. She was executed for her crime and buried in the area around the battlements, as no local clergymen would allow her to be buried on consecrated ground. Her grave can still be seen today.

The historical town of Ruthin is one of North Wales's most affluent towns. Ruthin is a very pretty market town, unique in North Wales for its number of timberframed buildings. It is located around a hill in the southern part of the Vale of Clwyd - the older part of the town, the Castle and Saint Peter's Square are located on top of the hill, while many newer parts of the town are on the floodplain of the River Clwyd.

Ruthin Castle is set in 35 acres of gardens and grounds, including ruins and dungeons. The hotel offers an atmospheric setting, fine dining and the merriment of the original medieval banquet. Click here for more Hotel Updates!

Hawarden Castle

2007-04-18T18:54:00.000-07:00

Hawarden Castle is an impressive stone motte and bailey fortress, founded by Roger de Clifford. Supported by a large motte are the remains of a round keep, with a hall and a large square tower in the walled bailey.

The name Hawarden Castle is probably better known as the grand stately home of W.E. Gladstone, former British Prime Minister, which is not open to the public. The castle was an important structure during the Welsh struggle for independence in the 13th century. At Easter 1282, Dafydd ap Gruffudd attacked Hawarden Castle, thereby starting the final conflict with Norman England, in the course of which Welsh independence was lost. King Edward I's sense of outrage was such that he designed a punishment for Dafydd harsher than any previous form of capital punishment. Dafydd was hanged, drawn, and quartered.

Hawarden's most significant role in the struggle for Welsh independence came in 1282 when it was attacked by Llywelyn's brother Dafydd ap Gruffydd. Angered by King Edward's seeming lack of respect, Dafydd staged a night siege on the stronghold in the month of March. Although he succeeded in capturing the castle and its constable, Roger Clifford, Dafydd's actions forced his brother Llywelyn to become involved in another rebellion against the crown. By the end of the year Llywelyn had been killed, and Dafydd was on the run, only to be captured and executed the following year. Hawarden Castle was retaken by the English king, never again to be the target of a Welsh uprising.

The stone keep remains of the first Norman motte & bailey castle which was destroyed in 1265. It was rebuilt at the end of the 13th century as one of the new North Wales defences. It was slighted in 1647 during the Civil War, but the keep and part of the walls remain.

Hawarden Castle's history continued to be impacted by warfare and devastation into the mid-1600s, when it saw its final action during the Civil War. At first, it was garrisoned by Royalist troops who maintained control of the structure except for a brief time in 1643, and then until March 1646, when the castle was surrendered to Parliamentary forces. After that time, the castle was slighted and never restored, fated to remain in ruin and later to become part of the estates of nearby Hawarden House, erected in 1752.

Although not as well known as other castles in north Wales, Hawarden, along with the nearby castles of Caergwrle and Ewloe, have their own important stories to tell. Such castles are everlasting symbols of Welsh perseverance and Welsh individuality, and reinforce the fact that Wales is indeed a separate entity, despite it's union with Britain.

Hawarden is rich in history. It contains two castles; one built again by King Edward I, the other the home of William Gladstone, four times British Prime Minister. Another town, Caerwys, claims to be one of the smallest towns in Britain with a Royal Charter. Other notable attractions in Flintshire worth visiting are Ewloe Castle, Bailey Hill in Mold, Point of Ayr lighthouse Leeswood Hall’s ‘White Gates’. Travel to Hawarden. Visit Eurobookings, make hotel reservations and start planning for your vacation trip -- search for your destination hotels now!

Eurobookings.com provides users with easy-to-book European hotel reservations. Visitors can sort by hotels near landmarks, hotel popularity, proximity to airports, and hotel reviews. People do not pay a reservation fee or pay for the hotel in advance but rather pay when they check out of the hotel - a concept that puts more travelers at ease when they book a hotel because they can always negotiate their rate if their stay isn't satisfactory. Eurobookings.com also has a unique hotel guide section that describes museums, landmarks, and unique attractions to visit in different parts of Europe. The hotel guide section is located at http://www.eurobookings.com/hotel-guide/.

Ewloe Castle

2007-04-17T18:30:00.000-07:00

Ewloe, Hawarden, Flintshire
Type: motte
Ewloe Castle Converted to stone by Llywelyn the Great. A D-shaped great tower sat in the upper bailey.

Ewloe Castle lies hidden in woodland. It is an extraordinary Welsh stone keep and bailey castle, founded by Prince Llewelyn ap Gruffydd. It may have been built around 1150 by Owain Gwynedd, Prince of all Wales, but was converted to stone in about 1210 by Llywelyn the Great. The upper bailey has part of its curtain wall and the remains of a D-shaped two-storey keep and the steps of a forebuilding. The lower bailey again has part of its curtain wall, the well and the remains of a two-storey round tower at the far end. Extensive earthworks and rock-cut ditches complete its defence but this sloping site, is tactically a puzzle.

No gate connects the courtyards, both were entered from the north side outside the castle. The communication was only at parapet level. Also the two curtains are not bonded together, they are the result of successive building campaigns. Nothing stands of the inside buildings, which were of timber.

A Welsh castle dating from 1146. The tower was added in 1210 and the curtain wall in 1257. It was abandoned at the end of the 13th century. 6 miles north-west is Flint Castle and 3 miles south-east is Hawarden Castle.

Great part of the keep is collapsed, but the south front still stands to full height. The tower contained a single apartment above a storage chamber, reachable only through a trapdoor. The outer walls rose higher than the two storeys to protect the roof from burning projectiles. On the parapet slots for a hoarding are still visible.

All of us carry within us an image of a castle. Without doubt the fairy-tale image of castle takes root in our imagination early; it is a myth that has been created in the past, over a long period of time. The creation of an image of the classic feudal castle in art began long before these castles became redundant during the period in which the nobility moved down to the plains and when political, social, and economic activity became concentrated in the towns. With this change, hilltop castles became part of the landscape backgrounds in prints and paintings.

The castle, perched on vertiginous crags of impossible heights, became a decorative feature. Only the nineteenth-century Bavarian castles of Ludwig II have more towers and pinnacles. The architectural forms of a castle were already exaggerated in the late medieval period, which revelled in a desire to reach ever higher, using increasingly slender and pointed elements.

From the seventeenth century, depictions of ruins become increasingly common. The castle comes to be resonant with symbolism and fairy-tale attributes. Castles and towers came to be represented in drawings, paintings and prints. Tableware, porcelain, and fabrics were decorated with images of romantic ruins -- which themselves became models for architecture.

After the Baroque period, neo-Gothic aristocratic residences were constructed in the form of castles. Moreover, starting from existing small ruins in their grounds, entire new ruined castles came to be built, becoming ever greater in scale. Thus in the nineteenth century an insignificant artistic phenomenon --- representation of castles, developed into a trend that was to become a dominant architectural style.

Castles in Europe evolved from the first wooden forts made to lodge a garrison to spectacular stone structures able to support a small army for extended times. Each country in Europe developed its own architectural designs copying from that of the castles in other countries.
The race to build castles as the best military defenses, turned into a competition for the most magnificent architectural designs in the world.

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Windsor Castle

2007-04-10T04:24:00.000-07:00

Windsor Castle, at Windsor in the English county of Berkshire. The castle's floor area is approximately 45,000 square metres (about 484,000 square feet). Built for William the Conqueror over 900 years ago to guard the western side of London, Windsor Castle is still a working royal palace. Windsor Castle is the largest inhabited castle in the world and one of the Queens favourite residences.

Originally, Windsor was a simple motte and fortification built for defense purposes by William the Conqueror in 1066. Since then it has been inhabited, restored, or redesigned by Henry II, Henry III, Edward III, the Parliamentarians (used as a prison, mid 17th Century), King Charles I (1649 buried under the Chapel of St George), Charles II (1660), George III (1789), George IV (1828), Queen Victoria, Queen Elizabeth, and Queen Elizabeth II today.

During medieval times, Windsor castle came under siege several times, once was in 1194 when Price John attempted to take control of the throne when his brother Richard I (known as Richard the Lion Heart) was away during the crusades. Later when John was crowned King the castle came under hostilities from the nobles which lead to the signing of the Magna Carta in 1215.

Henry VIII built the great entry gate which bears his name and the last major building work took place when the tower was raised by George VI to make it the tallest in England. The grounds at Windsor Castle contain one of the best examples of medieval churches in England - St. George's Chapel. The chapel took 50 years to construct and was started in 1475 by Edward IV and is the official home of the Order of the Garter. The Order was founded by Edward III in 1348 and the Garter Knights are selected by the Queen.

The castle did suffer a major fire in 1992. The fire evidently began in the northeast section of the Upper Ward as a spotlight ignited a curtain. The fire spread at roof level to surrounding areas of the castle despite frantic efforts of castle staff and the fire brigade to control the flames. The fire consumed the ceilings of George IV's St. George's Hall and Grand Reception Room and gutted the Private Chapel, the State Dining Room, the Crimson Drawing Room and other smaller rooms. Fortunately, the rooms most affected by the fire were mostly empty of their treasures as they were being rewired. A few priceless artifacts were destroyed, consequently, because they were too large to move and had been left in place. The restoration of Windsor Castle began immediately following the devastating fire. The goal was to create modern Gothic, oiginal in detail and tradition. It was completed 5 years later at a total cost of 37,000,000 English Pounds.

Windsor has stood for nearly a millennium. Windsor remained much the same throughout the 20th century as it had from the time of George IV. It is the only royal castle that has been in continuous occupation since the Middle Ages and is the largest inhabited castle in the world. Almost every century from the 12th to the 19th left its mark on this great fortress. Windsor was on of the first sites chosen by William the Conqueror for the series of fortifications built to protect his new conquest after 1066. It was one of a ring of nine castles built by him around London. William picked a superb site, a chalk outcrop rising to 30 meters (100feet) above the Thames River and commanding splendid views over the countryside for miles around.

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Pictures of Boldt Castle

2007-03-22T18:51:00.000-07:00

Boldt Castle was constructed by George C. Boldt, who was a Prussian immigrant who made his fortune in the hotel industry, managing luxurious hotels like the New York Waldorf-Astoria. (He invented many modern hotel concepts, and his chef originated the Thousand Islands salad dressing.) He was building the castle for his wife, but when she died suddenly, he halted all work on the castle and never returned to the island. The 120-room castle was derelict from 1904 to 1977, when it was acquired by the Thousand Islands Bridge Authority and opened to tourists.

At the time, the Thousand Islands was a popular summer retreat for the wealthy of New York and Philadelphia. In 1895, Louise Boldt purchased Hart Island in the Thousand Islands. The Boldt's made a number of changes to the island. They reshaped the island into a heart shape, and renamed it Heart Island. Their summer home on the island was one of the largest and most beautiful in the area.

But having the largest and most beautiful home in the region wasn't good enough, and their home was demolished in 1900 to make way for something more grandiose. Their new summer home was to be an immense four story structure with 127 rooms, including 30 bathrooms. Construction proceeded using steel and concrete, with an exterior of light granite quarried 16km away on Oak Island. The overall appearance was that of a French chateau.

The construction of Boldt Castle ceased abruptly in early 1904 after the death of Boldt's wife, Louise Kehrer Boldt. For 73 years, the castle and other stone structures were left exposed to the harsh winter weather and occasional vandals. The Thousand Islands Bridge Authority acquired Heart Island and the nearby yacht house in 1977, for one dollar, under the agreement that all revenues obtained from the castle operation would be applied towards restoration, so that the island would be preserved for the enjoyment of future generations.

In the two decades after acquiring the property, the Thousand Islands Bridge Authority spent some fifteen million dollars for restoration and improvements here, and work continues annually. The initial goal of the restoration of Heart Island was not to finish what hadn't been completed, but to restore the island to the state it was in when construction was halted. Improvements have gone beyond that stage, however; A stained glass dome, marble floor, and grand staircase woodword, for instance, now seen in the main hall, were not original but are modern innovations.

Today, Boldt Castle is accessible by ferry from Alexandria Bay; Gananoque, Ontario; Rockport, Ontario; and Ivy Lea, Ontario; and most of the grounds and buildings can be explored by the public for a fee. The boat-owning public may also dock on Heart Island for free and there is a US Customs and Immigration office on Heart Island. International visitors coming from Canada should have appropriate identification.

Most of the rooms on the first floor of Boldt Castle are now (2006) furnished, but mostly with modern pieces. The basement is mostly poorly lit tunnels that accumulate to a fountain/swimming pool built deep in the ground, which is not accessible to guests.

Most of the rooms from the second floor to the top floor have been left unfurnished, but there are exhibits in some of these rooms and hallways showing pictures and artifacts of the Thousand Islands region during the era in which the Boldts lived. These rooms are also left unfurnished to give the visitor an opportunity to imagine what the castle may have looked like if it had been completed.

Since the restoration, an archway that was originally intended by George Boldt to be the entranceway for boats, has been fully restored, but has a bridge connecting the two sides. Recently opened after renovations is a balcony which overlooks the southern half of the island and Alexandria Bay, NY. There are numerous fountains located around the castle, including one that was originally to be used as a swimming pool in the basement, most of which have statues of lions spitting a continuous stream of water from their mouths.

Two other buildings on the island are the Power House and the Children's Tower; both are open to the public. The Power House was built to hold a generator to supply the island with power, and now is more of a museum of how electric power was obtained in the early 1900s, as well as a few stories of getting tools and equipment to Heart Island during the castle's construction.

The Child's Tower was built as a playhouse for the children of Boldt. It is purposely constructed with slanting and uneven walls, ceilings, and roofs. The public who enter the Children's Tower are able to climb out a doorway and walk on some of the roofs, which are more of balconies and outside portions of the tower, but are slightly slanted and miscolored to seem like the roof.

The island where Boldt Castle stands was named Heart Island by Mr. Boldt, perhaps because of the romantic significance of the name, and in recognition of the physical shape of the island after his modifications. Before then, however, the island was named Hart Island, after the previous owners. The original home which stood on the castle site when George Boldt purchased the island was slid across the ice to Wellesley Island during the winter of 1899, being made a part of the exclusive Thousand Island Club frequented by the very wealthy of the period. That home is now being renovated as a Bed & Breakfast, and has been renamed Hart House in honor of the original owners.

Boldt Castle

2007-03-20T19:06:00.000-07:00

Boldt Castle on Heart Island, Alexandria Bay, Thousands Islands New York

Boldt Castle, located on Heart Island (New York) in the Thousand Islands of the St. Lawrence River, along the northern border of New York State, is the major landmark and tourist attraction of the region. Boldt Castle is open to the public from the middle of May to the middle of October, and is accessible by private watercraft, tour boats, and water taxis.
Visitors can take scenic boat cruises or take a shuttle boat from Alexandria Bay to get to the castle. For more information about Boldt Castle, visit www.boldtcastle.com

Boldt Castle is a 120 room mansion that was designed by the firm of W. D. Hewitt and G.W. Hewitt, Architects, Philadelphia, Pa., who also designed Druim Moir castle in Philadelphia.

Combining Medieval and Victorian architectural elements, Boldt Castle has six towers and 120 rooms and sits on a dramatic spread of forested land. Best of all is the manse's brooding story, which is even more evocative than the structure itself.

Boldt Castle is located near the 1000 Islands International Bridge,
Maintained by the Bridge Commission it is open to the public during the summer months.

Boldt Castle was built at the turn of the century by multi-millionaire George C. Boldt for his wife, Louise, as a testimony of his love for her. Mr.Boldt invested over $2.5 million to build this replica of a Rhineland castle. He planned on presenting it to his wife on Valentine's Day. Work was underway on the eleven buildings that would comprise the castle complex when in January of 1904 Louise Boldt died, ending the dreams of a lifetime. George Boldt ordered that all work be stopped and for 73 years the Castle and the other structures on the island were left to the forces of nature.

The Thousand Islands Bridge Authority acquired the property in 1977 and decided to preserve it for the enjoyment of future generations. Since then several million dollars have been spent rehabilitating and restoring the castle and surrounding structures.

Main Gate And Child's Tower

Like an ancient landmark of northern Europe, the castle is modeled after buildings of the 16th century, when newly revived classical details were applied to the towered, medieval forms, combining traditional elements with modern features, such as large, plate glass windows and extensive verandas. Rising six stores from the foundation level of the indoor swimming pool to the highest tower room, an elevator served the 120 room mansion. Steel and concrete roofs and floors provided fireproof construction. Massive granite walls were richly ornamented with decorative details of cast terr cotta, and roofs were tiled with the same material.

Powerhouse at Boldt Castle

When people think of castles, they usually think of Europe, and with good reason. The greatest number of castles on earth are in Germany, Great Britain, and France. But there are castles in the U.S., and some of them even look like the real thing, with grand stone walls and tall spires, dramatic parapets, and gothic embellishments.

New York state has a perfectly wonderful citadel, Boldt Castle, the Castle Where Love Died. Each summer some quarter-million people visit Boldt Castle and learn its tragic love story.
Mid-May through mid-October, Boldt Castle can be reached by water taxi, private boat, or tour boat. Onsite visitors can take self-guided tours of Boldt Castle, Power House & Clock Tower, Alster Tower, Hennery, The Arch and Stone Gazebo. There are exhibits inside the structures and a 15-minute video illuminates the lives of George and Louise Boldt. There is a food and beverage concession on the island, and romantics will find scenic vistas galore and benches for picknicking.

Did You Know?
Jersey City is a city in Hudson County, New Jersey, United States. Jersey City lies on the west bank of the Hudson River across from New York City, and is part of the New York metropolitan area. As of the United States 2000 Census, the population of Jersey City was 240,055, making it New Jersey's second-largest city, trailing Newark.

Jersey City is one of the most ethnically and culturally diverse cities in the country. Jersey City is an important transportation terminus and distribution center. It has railroad shops, oil refineries, warehouses, and plants that manufacture a diverse assortment of products, including chemicals, petroleum, electronics, textiles, and cosmetics. There has been increased housing and shopping areas over the years. Click for more information about visiting, traveling and site seeing in Jersey City, New Jersey.

Kokura Castle

2007-03-17T00:50:00.000-07:00

Kokura Castle (小倉城) or Katsuyama-jo, Yuukin-jo in Kitakyushu, Japan was built by Hosokawa Tadaoki in 1602. It was the property of the Ogasawara clan (from Harima) between 1632 and 1860. The castle was burnt down in 1865 in the war between the Kokura and Chōshū clans.

Kokura Castle is about a ten-minute walk from JR Kyushu's Kokura Station. The North side of the moat is next to the Riverwalk shopping complex (completed in 2003). Kokura Castle is the symbol of the old castle town of Kokura. Though what-you-see is replica built in 1958. Today, the town is the central district of Kitakyûsyû.

History of Kokura Castle
In 1600 after the Battle of Sekigahara, Hosokawa Tadaoki was rewarded the lands of Buzen and Bungo. The ruling castle of the area was really at Nakatsu Castle, but Hosokawa found Kokura to be a much more convenient place from which to rule. It is also located at the vital point in transportation between Kyushu and Honshu. He started building Kokura Castle in 1602 and completed it in 1608.

Hosokawa's Son, Tadatoshi, was moved to Kumamoto in 1632. Ogasawara Tadazane replaced him and 9 generations of his descendents ruled for the next 230 years. The donjon burned down in a fire in 1837 and was not rebuilt. The castle itself was intentionally burned down and abandoned in 1866 when the Ogasawara fled Kokura during the second Battle of Shochuseito. The reconstructed castle you see today is borogata style with decorative gables called kara hafu and irimoya hafu, but the original donjon was a very simple sotogata and had no such gables.

The Kokura castle garden introduces the history of rules of decorum with the mind, and facilities in Japan to pass on a traditional life culture that makes rules of decorum a center to future generations and it is uique facility.

Japan is situated in northeastern Asia between the North Pacific and the Sea of Japan. Japan comprises over 3,000 islands, the largest of which are Honshū, Hokkaidō, Kyūshū and Shikoku. Most of the islands are mountainous, many volcanic, including Japan’s highest peak, Mount Fuji. Its capital and largest city is Tokyo. The Greater Tokyo Area, which includes Tokyo and several surrounding prefectures, is the largest metropolitan area in the world, with over 30 million residents.

Japan is famous for its castles built during a time when the nation was controlled by military leaders called Shoguns. The castles of Japan have stood for centuries relatively unnoticed by the rest of the world. There are three main types of Japanese castles -- mountaintop (yamajiro), flatland-mountain (hirayamajiro), flatland (hirajiro). The castle types are named according to their location. This is because a castle's location is most important for defensive reasons. Visit Japan, appreciate the beauty of Japanese Castles. AsiaHotels provide Hotels in Tokyo, with pricing and ratings to help you choose your ideal accomodation for your Japan tour. Witness the beauty of the many castles of Japan such as the ancient Samurai castle, Himeji-jo, and many more. Discover medieval Japan, begin your search and book Hotels in Tokyo!

Edinburgh Castle

2007-03-16T02:00:00.000-07:00

Edinburgh Castle, an ancient fortress, is Scotland's most famous castle, its number one visitor attraction. The number of visitors reaches approximately one million people every year. It is a place of great historical interest, remarkable fortress and former royal residence. It has a splendid panoramic views of the city. It is from these battlements, for example, that the traveller immediately appreciates the dramatic topography of Edinburgh, situated between sea and hills. No matter whether you are on the lowest levels of the Castle, or the highest points, visitors are delighted by what can be seen. When you look to the north, on a clear day, you can see the mountains of The Kingdom of Fife in the distance and immediately below you are the world famous Princes Street Gardens. Princes Street is unique in that the shops along its length are only on the north side of the street, so from them you have an uninterrupted view of the Castle. Beyond Princes Street is George Street the most original of Edinburgh's Georgian New Town Streets - with shops along its length. Continuing to the north you have Queen Street which runs parallel to it. Beyond Queen Street the remaining New Town Preservation area is mostly residential, and the city can boast of having the most intact Georgian city in the whole of Europe, and has Unicef World Heritage Site status.

Human habitation of the site is dated back as far as the 9th century BC. As it stands today though, few of the castle's structures pre-date the 16th century. Within the confines of the Castle, there is much to see. The Castle was once the royal residence of Scottish Kings and Queens (Queen Mary Queen of Scots gave birth to her son in the confinement of the Castle). The historical apartments include the Great Hall, which now houses an interesting collection of weapons and armour. The Royal apartments include a tiny room in which Mary, Queen of Scots gave birth to the boy who was to become King James VI of Scotland and James 1 of England upon the death of Queen Elizabeth in 1603. The ancient Honours of Scotland - the Crown, the Sceptre and the Sword of State - are on view in the Crown Room. Nearby is the Scottish National War Memorial, a building designed and created shortly after the First World War; many who enter find the experience a moving one.

As with all castles, Edinburgh's fortress has been a centre of military activity. The Castle has a strong connection with the Army. Serving soldiers stand watch at the castle gatehouse, with responsibility for the Honours of Scotland. The Scottish National War Memorial is an emotional part of Edinburgh Castle. Built shortly after the First World War it now contains records of every single Scot who perished in the 20th century world wars and. Edinburgh Castle is the home of the One O'Clock Gun. The One O'Clock Gun fires every day at exactly one o'clock every day except Sundays. It is one of the moments that visitors of Edinburgh Castle aim to capture on film.

During the rest of the time the castle is now run and administered, for the most part, by Historic Scotland. Edinburgh is the capital of Scotland and its second-largest city. There are an estimated 3,000 castles in Scotland, ranging in size from royal residences and large military outposts with hundreds of rooms; to simple fortified farmhouses. Many of these castles are now ruins and some are known only through historical records.

Edinburgh is situated on the east coast of the central lowlands, on the south shore of the Firth of Forth, on the North sea and, because of its rugged setting and vast collection of Medieval and Georgian Architecture including numerous stone tenements, it is one of the most dramatic cities in Europe.

Edinburgh had a total resident population of 448,624, making it the 7th largest city in the United Kingdom. Getting to Edinburgh is easy -- You can choose to take a train, plane, car, coach or boat. Excellent rail links throughout the UK make the train a great way to get there. There are numerous direct scheduled flights from major airports, both in the UK and overseas. Start planning your travel to Edinburgh and book Cheap Edinburgh Hotels. At HotelClub, you can search for your ideal Edinburgh Accomodation. Numerous Cheap Edinburgh Hotels, with ratings, pictures, price range and information are all available to you. Sheraton Grand and Spa Hotel Edinburgh nestled in the shadow of historical Edinburgh Castle, is a five star hotel. It is the perfect spot from which to explore the history of the medieval Old Town and the architectural interest of the Georgian New Town. The hotel's guest rooms and suites are among the most spacious in Edinburgh.

Edinburgh Castle is rich in what it has to offer to its visitors -- history, splendid views of the city and an impressive fortress to discover. The views allows the visitor to appreciate Edinburgh's variety in geology -- hills, sea and volcanoes. Visit Edinburgh, the gateway to Scotland -- book for Edinburgh Accomodation and stay in Discount Edinburgh Hotels

Beautiful Pictures Of Neuschwanstein Castle

2007-03-15T00:49:00.000-07:00

Bavaria has some of the most impressive castles and palaces in Europe, three of which were created out of the fantasies of reclusive King Ludwig II. King Ludwig, who was enthralled by the music of composer Richard Wagner, built one of his castles to resemble the set of the German composer's operas.

The Neucheswanstein castle is perched high on a hill overlooking both the border town of Schwangau and its sister castle, Hohenschwangau. Neucheswanstein Castle was originally called "New Hohenschwangau Castle" until the king's death, when it was re-named Neuschwanstein, the castle of the Swan Knight, Lohengrin, of Wagner's opera of the same name. In origin, the castle has been the Schwanstein, the seat of the knights of Schwangau, who's emblem had been the swan.

The German King Ludwig II built this fairy tale castle on top of the ruins of a much older castle. This castle housed many people who belonged to the king's court. Its location on a remote hill afforded the castle security from invaders. Neuschwanstein Castle is the model used for Disney's amusement park castles.

Neucheswanstein was unfinished when, in 1886, the King was declared insane by a State Commission and arrested at the castle. Taken to Berg Palace, he was found drowned in Lake Starnberg, along with the psychiatrist who certified him, on 13 June 1886. The exact circumstances of his death remain unexplained.

Neuschwanstein's setting is breathtaking, as the castle sits on a rugged hill with a verdant backdrop of Bavaria's best mountain scenery. In winter, this lush forest landscape transforms into a snowy winter wonderland. More than 1 million visitors make the pilgrimage to this mecca of mythology each year, making it one of Germany's most popular tourist destinations.

Paintings Of Neuschwanstein Castle

2007-03-14T19:23:00.000-07:00

Neuschwanstein Castle was built by King Ludwig II, also known as Mad King Ludwig to replicate medieval architecture and to pay homage to the operas of Wagner. The Castle is under tremendous tourism pressure; in summer over 6000 people wind through the castle per day--1.3 million per year. From Neuschwanstein Castle there are great views of alpine lakes, especially the Alpsee. Hiking trails abound near the Alpsee, and the one circling the lake is protected as a nature reserve.

Ludwig had always wanted a medieval castle, so he had Neuschwanstein built in what you might call a neo-Romanesque style. That is to say, it was made to look a lot older than it really was, and unlike authentic medieval castles, it had such luxuries as forced-air heating and indoor plumbing. But the most distinctive feature of the castle was that it was designed to be a stage for Wagner’s operas, both literally and figuratively. Some rooms were designed explicitly as places where an opera might be performed, but in every room and corridor of the castle the architecture and artwork reflected the German mythology that formed the basis of Wagner’s operas. All but a very few of Wagner’s operas are depicted in one way or another in the castle. One of the most unusual rooms—if you can call it that—is called the Grotto. It’s actually an incredibly convincing artificial cave, complete with stalactites and a waterfall. The Grotto was intended to represent a cave from Wagner’s opera “Tannhäuser.”

Around the time construction began, estimates were that Ludwig would be able to move into the castle within about three years. But the work proceeded at a painfully slow pace and more than a decade later, the castle was still not complete. In 1883 Wagner died, causing Ludwig tremendous grief. So the composer never actually set foot inside the castle that had been built in his honor. A year later, Ludwig decided to move in, even though the structure was still unfinished and the throne room was not yet ready to hold a throne. But the king resided there for a grand total of only eleven nights. After Ludwig died under suspicious circumstances in 1886 at the age of 41, construction on Neuschwanstein continued for another eight years. When the builders finally stopped, only a third of the rooms had been finished and decorated.

Without Ludwig, Wagner may never have achieved the successes he did, and without Wagner, Neuschwanstein would never have been built. But there is much more to the story of the life and death of King Ludwig II than Neuschwanstein. The “swan king,” as he is sometimes called, built other equally interesting castles and led a fascinating, if deeply troubled life. His story, like his castles, reminds me that there’s more to Bavaria than meets the eye.

Neuschwanstein Castle was opened to the public 7 weeks after the death of King Ludwig II.
Although the Castle was designed to look medieval, it had quite modern refinements: hot air, running water, automatic flush toilets were all part of the royal residence. The kitchen at Neuschwanstein has been preserved in its entirety, featuring automatic spits and cupboards that could be heated with hot air from the large kitchen stove.

Neuschwanstein Castle

2007-03-13T19:23:00.000-07:00

Neuschwanstein Castle, royal palace in the Bavarian Alps of Germany, is one of the most popular destinations in Europe. Neuschwanstein Castle is the most famous of three royal palaces built for Louis II of Bavaria. Neuschwanstein Castle is located in the German State of Bavaria close to the Germany's border with Austria, not far from the popular ski resort of Garmisch-Partenkirchen. The closest airport is Munich, 128km to the north east.

Neuschwanstein was built by King Ludwig II, the eccentric ruler of Bavaria in the mid 1800s. King Ludwig lived in the castle for just 180 days before he mysteriously drowned along with his doctor. Seven weeks after the death of King Ludwig II in 1886, Neuschwanstein was opened to the public. The shy king had built the castle in order to withdraw from public life – now vast numbers of people came to view his private refuge.

Neuschwanstein Castle is the inspiration for the fairy tale castle at Disneyland. Today Neuschwanstein is one of the most popular of all the palaces and castles in Europe. Every year 1.3 million people visit "the castle of the fairy-tale king". This is also the castle that Walt Disney patterned his theme park after. With its turrets and mock-medievalism, and its interior styles ranging from Byzantine through Romanesque to Gothic, Germany's number one tourist spot is a real fairy-tale fantasy come true.

The scenery around Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau is spectacular, and the castle offers a splendid bird's eye view of the countryside below.

The castle comprises a gatehouse, a Bower, the Knight's House with a square tower, and a Palas, or citadel, with two towers to the Western end. The effect of the whole is highly theatrical, both externally and within. The king's influence is apparent throughout and he took a keen personal interest in the design and decoration. An example can be seen in his comments, or commands, regarding a mural depicting Lohengrin in the Palas; "His Majesty wishes that .. the ship be placed further from the shore, that Lohengrin's neck be less tilted, that the chain from the ship to the swan be of gold and not of roses, and finally that the style of the castle shall be kept medieval."

The suite of rooms within the Palas is intoxicating and overwhelming; the Throne Room followed by Ludwig's suite, followed by the Singers' Hall and by the Grotto. Throughout, the design pays homage to the operas of Richard Wagner, a reflection of Ludwig's love for Wagner's work, and perhaps for Wagner himself. However, many of the interior rooms remain undecorated; only 14 rooms were finished before Ludwig's death.

Europe has many historic castles. You can find castles just almost anywhere in Europe and there are many types of castles. Some castles are the center of tourist attractions in a city, while other are located high in the mountains or off in the fields -- many of which have been standing, in one form or another, for more than a thousand years.

Explore the different types of great castles of Europe. Some castles are ruins; others are schools, youth hostels, or government buildings; still others are private homes; and many are open to the public as tourist attractions or hotels. Eurobookings.com Hotel Guide provides a first hand look at popular European attractions such as museums, galleries, and restaurants.

Book your holiday vacation or business trips to Europe through Eurobookings.com. Eurobookings.com provides hotel information and reservations in 13 different languages. They also provide users with the ability to sort by popular hotels, star ratings, or by proximity to nearby landmarks. Their hotel rates include top destination like London, Paris, Barcelona, United Kingdom and Prague, etc.

Chillingham Castle

2007-03-06T02:23:00.000-08:00

Chillingham Castle lies some 25 miles north of Rothbury, just off the A697 to Coldstream and Scotland.

Chillingham Castle, a four-cornered towered castle, is a privately owned medieval castle in the village of Chillingham, Northumberland, close to the border between England and Scotland. It has been owned by descendants of the Grey family since the 13th century. It claims to be the most haunted castle in Britain. It was subjected to many attacks over the centuries due to border raids and skirmishes.

Dating back over 800 years this castle was built for one purpose and one purpose alone, killing. In the heart of Northumberland the castle was the first line of defence, preventing the Scots getting over the border to invade England back in the days of William Wallace when the castle was ruled over by King Edward I (Edward Long shanks). It has a truly amazing, yet horrific history and that’s why its one of the most haunted places on Earth.

In 1066 Grey (then Prince of Kroy) came to England with his first cousin King William the Conqueror. His family were sent to guard the Eastern Scottish border in 1100 and in 1246 the Grey family stormed Chillingham which was then a one tower castle.

Henry III stayed and Edward I was based here for some time, as he vanquished William Wallace. In 1344 Sir Thomas Grey was licenced to extend the Castle and by 1348 it was broadly of the present day form. By the early 1500's the Grey family controlled a number of local castles, in 1513 they lost four of them to the Scots, fleeing to the safety of Chillingham. They later joined the force of 20,000 English troops who defeated 36,000 Scots at nearby Flodden Field. In 1536 failure to join the rebellion against Henry VIII saw much of the East wall and towers fall to the then newfangled heavy cannon of their rebel neighbours, the Percy family of Alnwick. Since then, the history of the English and Scottish thrones and politics have been closely bound up with those who lived in this amazing place. In the 17th Century it was a Grey who signed the death warrant of Charles I only to pay for the privilege with his own head upon the restoration of Charles II.

In 1590 alterations were made to the castle, which included moving the main entrance to its present position, in preparation for the royal visit of King James VI of Scotland on his journey south to his English coronation. Further rebuilding was carried out during the 18th and 19th century, turning the castle into a comfortable stately home with landscaped gardens.

With such history, no surprises that Chillingham is one of the most haunted buildings in the country. Since 1933 the castle has been totally neglected, but it is now open to the public and Sir Humphrey Wakefield is now working to restore it as the family home.

The castle is an amazing hodge podge of artefacts from many centuries. From antique furniture to ancient tapestries; from armour to fishing rods; from arms to walking sticks. All lying as if the owner had just laid them down. The museum is a treasure from the past. Woodland walks, formal gardens, lake, breathtaking views, dungeons, torture chamber and tea room; this is a place to spend a day wandering, walking, rambling and sightseeing. Or if you wish to stay longer there are a few private self catering apartments within the castle.

Britain is strewn with castles of every conceivable size, shape and condition. It contains several thousand castles, most of which were built in the 11th through 15th centuries. Virtually every town, even small villages, have their identifying castle. York is central to Britain's colourful history. York is a compact walled riverside city and home to countless world-class attractions, museums and galleries. York is a year round destination offering a lively café bar and restaurant culture and vibrant entertainment and festivals. Ideally located as a touring base, atmospheric York is roughly 2-hours by rail from London, Edinburgh and Manchester. For Information about York England or Britain's Heritage Cities: Bath, Brighton, Chester, Oxford, Stratfort and York, click York UK.

Belvedere Castle

2007-02-15T04:09:00.000-08:00

Location: Mid-Park at 79th Street

Details: (212) 772-0210

Hours: 10am-5pm, Tuesday- Sunday

One of the most enchanting spectacles in Central Park, New York City, is Belvedere Castle.
Belvedere means 'beautiful view' or 'panoramic view' in Italian and the castle provides impressive views across Central Park and New York. Belvedere Castle sits upon Vista Rock, the second highest natural elevation in Central Park, New York City. It was designed as an additional feature of the Central Park "Greensward" plan by Calvert Vaux and the sculptor Jacob Wrey Mould, when the team of Olmsted, Vaux and Mould were reappointed to oversee the park's construction once again in 1865. It was built in 1869. The castle provided a feature— a folly— that capped the natural-looking woodlands of The Ramble, as seen from the formal Bethesda Terrace. As the plantings matured, the castle has disappeared from its original intended viewpoint.

When it was built, the view from Belvedere Castle provided a vista over the rectangular receiving reservoir, which has been replaced by the 55-acre Great Lawn, an oval of turf with baseball diamonds, loosely defined by plantings of trees in clumps in the manner of the English landscape garden and Turtle Pond, redesigned in 1997 as a naturalistic planting, in which no single vantage-point reveals the water's full extent. Sunken concrete shelving at varying depths provide ideal water depths for shoreline plants such as lizard's tail, bullrush, turtlehead, and blueflag iris. The success of habitat for birds, insects, amphibians, and reptiles is embodied in sightings of species of dragon-fly not previously sighted in Central Park.

From its perch on an immense outcropping of bedrock called Vista Rock visitors to the Park can be enthralled by the view of the Delacorte Theater, Turtle Pond and the Great Lawn far below. This Victorian structure with its two balconies rises up on one of the highest natural
elevations in the Park. It is a silhouette of distinction from the surrounding landscape
and a mystery to behold as it appears through the tree branches to visitors who
approach through the dense underbrush of the Ramble.

The Castle is also the home of the Henry Luce Nature Observatory. With its medieval stairways and ancient ambience along with the carefully thought out exhibits
youngsters have a grand opportunity to learn about nature and the Park in a
compelling environment. On the main level, nature exhibits with telescopes and
microscopes are available to provide an extended dimension to the learning experience.

The Castle’s second floor contains a plywood tree filled with papier mâché reproductions
of birds often seen in Central Park. Recorded bird songs can be called up at the push of a
button. Visitors of all ages can borrow Discovery Kits that contain binoculars, reference material and maps for exploring either the many species of birds in the Ramble, or the aquatic life at the edge of Turtle Pond.

The Castle also provides up-to-the-minute weather reports given to anyone who requests a forecast. A voice from a box announces,” The Temperature in Central Park is…" Twirling meteorological instruments located atop the tower access information regarding weather conditions. The U.S. Weather Bureau has collected data at this site since 1919.

Belvedere Castle provides a panoramic view in almost every direction. It is also perhaps the most magical monument in Central Park, one that combines function, form and romance - all in one convenient, central location.

New York City is the greatest city in the world. There is so much to see and do, the Empire State Building, Macy’s, St Patrick’s Cathedral, Rockefeller Center and Madison Square Garden just to name a few. Travel to New York City, visit Central Park's Belvedere Castle which overlooks Turtle Pond, Delacorte Theater and the Great Lawn. The Swedish Cottage and Shakespere Garden are nearby. To make your stay in New York better, book for New York Hotels. You can also search for more hotels for your desired tour destination at Search For Hotels. Visit this wonderful site now to start searching for your favourite hotels!

Beautiful Pictures Of Belvedere Castle

2007-02-14T04:22:00.000-08:00

Belvedere Castle (also known as Fort Belvedere or Belvedere Tower) was designed in 1865 by Calvert Vaux and JacobWrey Mould. It sits on Vista Rock in Manhattan's Central Park next to Shakespeare's Garden" and was built in 1869 as a lookout.

The Belvedere Tower later came to house the New York Meteorological Observatory which was founded by Dr. Daniel Draper in 1868. Upon Dr. Draper's retirement in 1912, the United States Weather Bureau took over the observatory.

After its restoration in 1982, while still housing weather measuring devices, the tower once more became a lookout. In May 1996, the Henry Luce Nature Observatory also moved in.

Belvedere Castle, the object of much vandalism and deterioration, was closed to the public in the 1960s. It was restored and reopened by the Central Park Conservancy on May 1, 1983. In 1995, the Conservancy's Historic Preservation Crew replaced the painted wooden loggia of the castle, working from Vaux's designs, on the granite piers and walls that had survived.

The original design, represented in a published lithograph (Rosensweig and Blackmar 1992 p 203), had called for a more weighty Manhattan schist and granite structure with a corner tower with conical cap, to balance the mass of the main castle structure to the east, with the existing lookout over parapet walls between them.

The castle housed the New York Meteorological Observatory, which was taken over by the United States Weather Bureau in 1912. It is still the site at which meteorological data is collected for Central Park.

Beautiful Pictures Of Clinton Castle

2007-02-10T20:09:00.000-08:00

New York City: Monument at Castle Clinton

Castle Clinton National Monument/earlier New York Aquarium (1896-1941)/earlier Emigrant Landing Depot (1855-1890)/earlier Castle Garden (1824-1855)/originally West Battery (1808-1811, renamed Castle Clinton, 1815). Lt. Col. Jonathan Williams and John McComb, Jr. Open to the public: 7-5 daily. 212-344-7220.

Until recently, one of the most vitally involved structures in the city's life and history. Built as West Battery for the War of 1812 to complement Castle Williams across the waters on Governors Island (it never fired a shot in anger), it was originally an island fortification some 300 feet offshore, connected to Manhattan by a combination causeway bridge.

Twelve years after the war it was ceded to the city. As a civic monument it served for the reception of distinguished visitors at the very edge of the nation (General Lafayette, Louis Kossuth, President Jackson, Prince Albert). Remodeled as a concert hall and renamed Castle Garden, it enjoyed a moment of supreme glory in 1850 as the site of the P.T.

Barnum-promoted American debut of the Swedish soprano Jenny Lind. Only five years later it was transformed into the Emigrant Landing Depot, run by N.Y. State, where some 7.7 million new Americans were processed. Scandal led to its closure, and the processing of immigrants was transferred to federal control, at the Barge Office in 1890 and at Ellis Island in 1892. Changed by McKim, Mead & White, it became the New York Aquarium until 1941.

It was doomed by Robert Moses' call for its demolition to build approaches for his ill-fated harbor bridge to Brooklyn -- today's Brooklyn-Battery Tunnel. A loud civic clamor and the reported intervention of Eleanor Roosevelt miraculously saved it though it languished inside a construction fence for decades. In 1946 the ruin was named a National Historic Monument. In 1986 it became a ticket office for the boats to National Park service attractions in the harbor.

Castle Clinton

2007-02-09T20:08:00.000-08:00

Castle Clinton National Monument/earlier New York Aquarium (1896-1941)/earlier Emigrant Landing Depot (1855-1890)/earlier Castle Garden (1824-1855)/originally West Battery (1808-1811, renamed Castle Clinton, 1815). Lt. Col. Jonathan Williams and John McComb, Jr. Open to the public: 7-5 daily. 212-344-7220.

Castle Clinton or Fort Clinton is a circular sandstone fort and national monument in Battery Park at the southern tip of Manhattan, New York City.

Castle Clinton, also referred to as Castle Garden, is a fort and national monument located in Battery Park at the southern tip of Manhattan in New York City. The structure has served as a fort, theater, opera house, national immigrant receiving station, and aquarium throughout its long history. Today, Castle Garden is called Castle Clinton National Monument and serves as the ticket center for ferries to Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty.

Construction began in 1808 and was completed in 1811 on an island known as West Battery (sometimes South-west Battery), and was designed by architects John McComb Jr. and Jonathan Williams.

West Battery was intended to complement Fort Williams (still extant) on Governors Island, which was East Battery to defend New York City from English forces in the tensions that marked the run-up to the War of 1812, but never saw action in that or any war. Subsequent landfill expanded Battery Park, and placed the fort on the mainland of Manhattan Island.

As with all historic areas administered by the National Park Service, Castle Clinton National Monument was listed on the National Register of Historic Places on October 15, 1966.

History of Castle Garden
Castle Clinton began its interesting life as a fort built to defend New York Harbor from the British during the War of 1812. Twelve years after the war it was ceded to New York City by the U.S. Army. The former fort reopened in 1824 as Castle Garden, a public cultural center and theatre. In 1855, Castle Garden became America's first immigrant receiving center, welcoming more than 8 million immigrants before it was closed on April 18, 1890. Castle Garden was succeeded by Ellis Island in 1892.

In 1896 Castle Garden became the site of the New York City Aquarium, a capacity in which it served until 1946 when plans for the Brooklyn-Battery Tunnel called for its demolition. The public outcry at the loss of the popular and historic building saved it from destruction, but the aquarium was closed and Castle Garden stood vacant until it was reopened by the National Park Service in 1975.

Due to its location at the foot of New York Harbor, Castle Clinton can be a lovely place to have an outdoor lunch or a place to test extreme weather gear. Spring and Fall are generally mild. However, winters bring on the full force of wind swept harbor waters and can be quite cold. Summers tend to be very hot and humid.

In June 1824, Castle Clinton was leased by the city as a place of public entertainment. Opened as Castle Garden on July 3, it soon became one of the favored"places of resort" in New York. A newspaper described the interior as a "fanciful garden, tastefully ornamented with shrubs and flowers." In time, a great fountain was installed. The Garden was the setting for band concerts, fireworks, an occasional balloon ascension, and demonstrations of the latest scientific achievements. The gun rooms, decorated with marble busts and painted panoramas, became a promenade and, from boxes seating eight people, a place from which to watch the show. A more popular promenade was the top of the Garden wall, where awnings covered a 4.2-meter (14-foot) walkway. The officers' quarters became a bar selling choice liquors, confections, and ices.

Today Castle Clinton is a national monument because of its historical importance. The wails of the 1811 fort remain intact, while the interior has been given a new life. Located in Battery Park at the southern tip of Manhattan, convenient to bus and subway routes. the Castle is now a visitor center for the national parks in Manhattan.

Exhibits introduce the site itself as well as other parks in and around New York City. A bookstore and an information desk are located at a kiosk on the parade ground; another kiosk is the ticket sales outlet for transportation to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. Ferry departure times vary throughout the year. Accommodations have been made for those with hearing, visual, and mobility impairments.

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Royal Palace

2007-01-23T22:58:00.000-08:00

Royal Palace on Dam Square

Amsterdam is the capital of The Netherlands. The Royal Palace in Amsterdam (Koninklijk Paleis te Amsterdam in Dutch) is one of three palaces in the Netherlands which is at the disposal of Queen Beatrix by Act of Parliament. It is situated in the west side of Dam Square in the centre of Amsterdam, opposite the War Memorial and next to the Nieuwe Kerk.

Built between 1648 and 1655 as the Stadhuis (Town Hall), this was later chosen to be an official residence of the royal family. A sculpture on the rooftop depicts Atlas shouldering the globe.

The construction of the Royal Palace was begun in 1648 and completed in 1665. The building was designed to serve as a town hall. Jacob van Campen is the architect responsible for the overall design, while Daniël Stalpaert, the city architect, was put in charge of the technical realisation. After Van Campen's quarrel with the city administrators, he left the city. In 1654 Stalpaert was appointed project manager in charge of the entire operation. Artus Quellijn, the Flemish sculptor, and his associates completed the sculptures. However, at the time of the opening ceremony, in 1655, the project had not been fully completed yet. It would take another ten years to finish the entire operation, whereas the internal decoration was an ongoing process that continued till well into the 18th century.

At first sight the Royal Palace on Dam square doesn't seem very royal, and doesn't even look like a palace at all. Except for official receptions it is not used much. In summer you can take a guided tour of the palace, the highlights of its interior being the Empire furniture Bonaparte left behind, and paintings by Rembrandt's pupils Govert Flinck and Ferdinand Bol.

Interior of Royal Palace, Amsterdam, Netherlands

The Royal Palace in Amsterdam is now used mainly for entertaining and official functions, such as state visits, the Queen’s New Year receptions and other official receptions.

Every year, it provides the setting for the presentation of the Erasmus Prize, the Silver Carnation, the Royal Awards for Painting and the Prince Claus Award.

The foundation that manages the palace opens it to the public when it is not in use by the Royal House. Every summer, an exhibition highlights one historical or artistic feature of the building. Following the annual presentation of the Royal Awards for Painting in October, the prize-winning works of art are put on public display.

During the guides tours the symbolic meaning of the various works of art in the building is explained. The Royal Palace also appeals to children. They will be fascinated by the enormous ballroom, the study Atlas, and the snakes and lions made of stone, about which many entertaining and educational stories exist. Guided tours are also given for children, during which amusing tales are told about the things that used to happen in the Palace. Depending on the age of the children, they can look for the animals hidden in the sculptures and paintings, or imagine they are distinguished figures of the past living in the Palace.

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Pictures Of Duino Castle

2007-01-09T19:39:00.000-08:00

There are two castles at Duino: one, still inhabited, has medieval parts that give it a fortified appearance; the other, on a cliff overlooking the sea, is in ruins. This, the earlier castle, occupies a site whose natural features make it extremely well-defended. A steep rocky outcrop is inked to the mainland by nothing more than a narrow and low saddle of land.

The differences between early medieval and late medieval castles generally became less obvious as a result of constant rebuilding as well as restoration. At Duino, in contrast, the distinctive characteristics of the older and the newer buildings have been preserved. The building of the new castle not only left intact the form and dimensions of the old one, but the change of site is indicative of the reasons that led to the abandonment of the security of the cliff.

The medieval part of the castle comprises only a small part of the present building. The adaptation of the castle into living accomodation has so masked the medieval core that only detailed architectural analysis can identify the original parts. There is a walled-up Gothic window in the part of the castle overlooking the sea, the least vulnerable side. This would suggest that the oldest part of the castle was here. The only recognizably medieval part of the castle is the tower. This, with its dressed rectangular blocks of stone and imposing size, is certainly the finest castle tower in Friuli.

The medieval parts of the castle at Duino are exceptional and without equal in Italy. At the beginning of the twentieth century, Bobo Ebhard noted that the architectural models for Duino have to be sought in the castles built around 1200 in Austria, and above all, in southern Germany. Given this unusual choice of model, the question of the origins of the design of Duino Castle is intriguing.

The entrance is decorated with classical statues which, together with the luxuriant Mediterranean vegetation and the view over the sea, make the castle seem more like a delightful villa.

Despite the extensive restoration and rebuilding, today Duino Castle is essentially a sixteenth-century building which retains the essential elements of the medieval plan dating from the mid fourteenth century.

The furnishings and furniture in the castle, now dispersed, were a mixture of Venetian and Austrian. Marie Thurn and Taxis, the patron of Rainer Maria Rilke, restored the castle and its interiors after it suffered damage in the First World War. Click here to view the interior furnishings of the Duino Castle.

Duino Castle

2007-01-08T18:02:00.000-08:00

The two castles are the main attraction: the older, dating back to the eleventh century, is in ruins, while the newer is inhabited to this day and can be visited by tourists.

Duino (Devin in Slovenian, Tybein in German) , a small tourist village 20km from Trieste, in the coastal part of the Municipality of Duino-Aurisina, lying in the region of Friuli-Venezia Giulia in the province of Trieste in north-east Italy.

The total population is recorded as 8,753 (males 4,281, females 4,472, number of families 3,753), the population density (per square kilometre) as 193.8, and housing units as 3,983.

It is noted as the place of death of the physicist Ludwig Boltzmann, and for the Duino Elegies of Rainer Maria Rilke.

There are two castles at Duino: one, still inhabited, has medieval parts that give it a fortified appearance; the other, on a cliff overlooking the sea, is in ruins. This, the earler castle, occupies a site whose natural features make it extremely well-defended. A steep rocky outcrop is linked to the mainland by nothing more than a narrow and low saddle of land.

Below the ruins of the ancient castle, there lies a white rock projecting into the sea, the Dama Bianca, which resembles a veiled woman and gave origin to many gothic legends.

The new castle of Duino is approximately dated to about the year 1400, when the family Wallsee commanded the construction of a strong fortress. Over time, the Wallsee family disappeared and the castle, after having been used as a prison, became the residence of the Luogar and Hofer. At the end of the 19th century, it became property of the Prince of Thurn and Taxis, as it remains today.

Since 1982, the town has been home to the United World College of the Adriatic, an international school attended by students from 80 different countries.

Private Residence of the Princes of the Tower and Rate (von Thurn und Taxis)
On the Monfalcone - Trieste road
Opening Hours:
Mar-Sep: Wed-Mon 9.30am-5.30pm
Oct: Wed-Mon 9.30am-4.30pm
Nov-Feb: Sat & Sun 9.30am-4pm
In winter the castle is open in weekends only.
Click here for Cheap Flights To Italy

Duino Castle is open to the public. The owners have decided to open the gardens and most of their Castle home to the public for tours, conferences, art exhibitions, concerts, gala dinners and other events. Set out on to number of levels, the gardens display fines-coloured beds and cascades of all types of flowers, forming attractive splashes of colour amid the classical Mediterranean vegetation and acting as to backdrop for to wealth of statues and an old well decorated with the family coat of arms.

The differences between early medieval and late medieval castles generally became less obvious as a result of constant rebuilding as well as restoration. At Duino, in contrast, the distinctive characteristics of the older and the newer buildings have been preserved. The building of the new castle not only left intact the form and dimensions of the old one, but the change of site is indicative of the reasons that led to the abandonment of the security of the cliff.

Duino, a small tourist village 20km from Trieste, is dominated by its 700 year-old medieval castle. Built on a promontory overhanging the sea, the building is a collage of different architectural styles in a stunning setting, surrounded by a magnificent garden.

Book for cheap flights to castle tours. Visit the 700 year-old medieval castle, Castle of Duino.
A famous legend has it that a medieval lord of the castle threw his wife out of a window at the top of one of the towers. The ghost of the White Lady apparently still haunts the castle and people say that light can be seen from outside on stormy nights... Click here for Cheap Flights

Harlech Castle

2006-08-15T23:58:00.000-07:00

A Bird's Eye View Of Harlech Castle
Harlech, North Wales

Harlech Castle, located in Harlech, Wales, is a Concentric castle, constructed atop a cliff close to the sea (which has since receded). It is particularly notable for its massive gatehouse. Built under the supervision of James of St George towards the end of the 13th century, Harlech Castle is one of the four great castles in Wales constructed for Edward I. Concentric in design, the rectangular inner bailey, with a round tower at each corner and a gatehouse mid way along the east wall, is surrounded by a second rectangular fortification, and the outer bailey enclosed by an outer curtain wall.

Situated on the top of a rocky elevation (about 200ft (60.6m) above the shoreline of Tremadoc Bay), this superb location provided Harlech Castle with naturally strong defences. The castle's only potential weakness was from the east and south, so a wide, deep ditch was cut into the rock surface to prevent attack from these points, and a gatehouse was built on the higher ground to the east.

This magnificent gatehouse is the most impressive, surviving structure within the inner bailey. Resembling a Keep (or great tower), inasmuch as it was a self-contained fort, the three-storey structure has two cylindrical towers flanking the entrance passage, and on either side lie two guardrooms. Two smaller, cylindrical towers project into the inner bailey. As with a traditional Keep, the gatehouse also contained domestic accommodation.

Little else in the inner bailey survives above foundation level, but the original domestic buildings can be identified as a chapel, bakehouse and well along the northern wall, a granary and the small hall along the southern wall, and the great hall along the west wall. The outer bailey closely surrounds the inner bailey and provides a good point from which to study the design and structure of the inner bailey walls. Harlech Castle withstood a Welsh attack at the very end of the 13th century, but was attacked again during the early 15th century and surrendered. Harlech Castle was regained by the English and once again came under royal control a few years later by the future King Henry V.

The last Royalist stronghold in Wales, Harlech Castle witnessed its end in the Civil War but did not experience the wilful destruction so prevalent at that time. Only constant weathering and the natural process of decay over the last seven centuries has left Harlech Castle much as it stands today, but there is sufficient remaining to fully appreciate the splendid military architecture employed in its design. A massive and powerful coastal defence, Harlech Castle still appears formidable, with its unyielding strength and dominance set against a backdrop of the magnificent Snowdonia mountain range.

Paintings Of Caernarfon Castle

2006-08-14T22:24:00.000-07:00

History: In the uprising of 1294 -1295, Caernarfon was besieged, but the garrison was supplied by sea and held out to be relieved in the spring of 1295. In 1403 and 1404 it withstood sieges by the forces of Owain Glyndwr. During the English Civil War its Royalist garrison surrendered to Parliamentary forces in 1646.

Caernarfon Castle is one of the most impressive of all the castles built by Edward I and is one of Europe's great medieval fortresses. Set on a peninsula bounded by the Menai Strait and at the heart of North Wales, Caernarfon became the English administrative centre.

Robinson and Thomas (qv) say that "... King Edward seems to have gone to considerable lengths to give substance to the tradition linking Caernarfon with imperial Rome. The king must have known that the Roman fort of Segontium, lying just above the modern town, was inseperably associated in legend with Magnus Maximus, the usurper emperor. Maximus appears as the Macsen Wledig of the Mabinogion, and it is Segontium which provides the background to his dream of journeying from Rome into a land of high mountains facing an island. There he saw a great city with towers of many colours and eagles fashioned out of gold.

Thus it was that at Caernarfon, the walls were given a prominent patterning with bands of different coloured stone. Moreover, the towers were constructed in an angular fashion rather than the usual rounded form of, for example, Conwy or Beaumaris. It is difficult to escape the conclusion that Edward was drawing upon symbolism, and turned for inspiration to the great city of Constantinople. There, in the eastern successor to Rome and one of the wonders of the ancient world, the fifth century walls bear a striking resemblance to this late thirteenth century castle."

Today, the castle houses the Museum of the Royal Welsh Fusiliers, Wales' oldest regiment, and there are a number of exhibitions housed within its towers. You can also take a walk around the well preserved town walls.

Aside from the castle there is also a Roman fort, the Welsh Highland Railway, a floating restaurant, the Performing Arts Centre, craft shops, restaurants, the area's largest "Fun Centre", a golf course and indoor swimming pool and sports facilities at the Leisure centre. Whatever your interests, you'll be able to find something to do, even if the British weather lets you down.

Pictures Of Caernarfon Castle

2006-08-13T23:18:00.000-07:00

Edward I built many castles in North Wales to help subdue the Welsh following his conquest of the principality in 1277 and the defeat of the Prince of Wales, Llywelyn ap Gruffydd. The other important fortresses of this "iron ring" were Beaumaris, Conwy, and Harlech, but Caernarfon is probably his supreme achievement.

Caernarfon Castle, overlooking the River Seiont and Menai Strait, looks today, much as it would have done when building was finished in 1330. With its massive curtain wall with different coloured bands, and its hexagonal towers, the design is reminiscent of the great Roman city of Constantinople.

Birthplace to the first English Prince of Wales, the tradition continues to this day, with the castle acting as the setting to the Investiture of Prince Charles as the Prince of Wales in 1969.

Construction: Begun in 1283 during Llywelyn's unsuccessful uprising, it reached something like its current state in 1323. It was never completed, and even today there are joints visible in several places on the internal walls ready to accept further walls which were never built. Contemporary records note that the castle's construction cost some £22,000 – an enormous sum at the time, equivalent to more than a year's income for the royal treasury. The castle's linear design is sophisticated by comparison with earlier British castles, and the walls are said to have been modelled on those of Constantinople, Edward being a keen Crusader. The castle dominates the Menai Strait, which had been of great strategic importance during Edward's Welsh campaigns.

Caernarfon Castle Trivia

The castle was used in 1911 for the investiture of the then Prince of Wales, the future Edward VIII of the United Kingdom, because of its past associations with the English crown. This set a precedent which was to be repeated in 1969 with the investiture of Charles, Prince of Wales.

The castle also houses the regimental museum of the Royal Welch Fusiliers, and is part of the World Heritage Site "Castles and town walls of King Edward I in Gwynedd".

A legend states that Edward II of England was born here in 1284, but there is no contemporary evidence.

Caernarfon Castle

2006-08-12T22:48:00.000-07:00

Mighty Caernarfon is possibly the most famous of Waless many castles. Its sheer scale and commanding presence easily set it apart from the rest and, to this day, still trumpet in no uncertain terms the intentions of its builder, Edward I.
Castle Ditch, Caernarfon, Gwynedd, LL5 2AY

Of the four castles in northern Wales built by order of Edward I, Caernarfon Castle is the most magnificent. The grandeur Caernarfon Castle displays signifies King Edward I's intent that it should serve as the powerful seat of English government in Wales. Building work commenced in 1283 and continued for some fifty years.

Caernarfon Castle was constructed in the form of two baileys, joined to create a figure eight shape, and completed part of a large defence wall that enclosed the town of Caernarfon. Adjoining the nine curtain walls of the castle are a series of polygonal towers which distinguish this castle from Edward's other Welsh castles. The eastern bailey of Caernarfon Castle - the Upper Ward - contains the Black Tower, Queen's Gate, Northeast Tower and Granary Tower, and the Lower Ward, to the west, houses the Well Tower, Eagle Tower and Queen's Tower. Where the baileys meet, there is the King's Gate to the north, which provided an entrance to the castle from the town, and the Chamberlain Tower to the south.

During the first phase of building, a ditch was created to separate the town to the north from Caernarfon Castle to the south, and the moat was excavated. The town walls were completed within the first two years, along with the majority of the castle's curtain walls. In 1294 the people of Wales revolted against the English administration of the town. Once the town walls were breached, the ditch afforded the castle little protection and consequently Caernarfon suffered severe damage during the revolt. Following this invasion, the second phase of building work commenced to strengthen Caernarfon Castle's defences. Firstly, the north curtain wall was constructed, then a series of secondary barriers - including a drawbridge, five doorways and six portcullises - were installed, before final access to the Lower Ward was possible via a second drawbridge. A statue of King Edward II, the first English Prince of Wales, was erected in 1321 and can be seen above the entrance at the King's Gate.

At the same time as the new defence work was being undertaken, the timber-framed 'Hall of Llywelyn', originally situated at Conwy, was shipped to Caernarfon and erected within the castle. One of the three-storey towers along the northern wall - The Eagle Tower - served as the main living quarters, and this significance was denoted by three turrets (and a stone eagle added at the end of the 13th century). This polygonal, ten-sided tower has a strange legend attached to it concerning the bands of colour used in the walls: reputedly copied from the walls of Constantinople to commemorate the fact that Constantine the Great was born at the nearby Roman fort. The Queen's Tower, almost identical to the Eagle Tower, currently houses the regimental regalia of the Royal Welsh Fusiliers, dating back to 1689. The Queen's Gate was never fully completed, as indeed was the case with many of the castle buildings, because some of the original plans were never implemented.

This huge, old fortress has survived remarkably in tact for almost seven centuries, although only foundations survive of many of the courtyard buildings. Caernarfon Castle is an awesome and powerful sight, and its vast structure still overshadows the town as it sits defiantly along the banks of the River Seiont. It is also a magical place for exploration with its labyrinth of covered passageways and exciting wall walks.

Paintings Of Beaumaris Castle

2006-08-11T22:15:00.000-07:00

This unusual, yet magnificent building, located in the county town of Anglesey was the last Welsh castle of Edward I. In keeping with its 'fairytale' appearance, even the name 'Beaumaris' is derived from the French for beautiful marsh - 'le beau marais'.

Beaumaris Castle owes its unique design to the King's architect, Master James of St. George. Construction began in 1295, and spanned over approximately 35 years, yet despite the enormous amount of money and labour that went into the building of it, Beaumaris Castle was never completed. Most of the structural remains on this extensive site today have changed little since the 1330s. Beaumaris Castle was never subject to wilful destruction, and the deterioration to lead-work and timber is merely as a result of lack of restoration over the years. The uniform topography of the marshy land adjacent to the Menai Straight, allowed Master James to design Beaumaris Castle with perfect symmetry and, in keeping with that period, Beaumaris has no keep or central tower.

Although the defence strategies were never really called upon, the major consideration in the original construction of the castle was security. All residential accommodation was situated either within the Inner ward, or in adjacent towers. Encompassing the Inner Ward were four defence barriers - a curtain wall (up to 16ft or 4.8m thick), an Outer Ward with an area of open ground to its exterior, a lower octagonal-shaped outer curtain, and a surrounding moat, water for which was provided by tidal flow from the sea.

Entrance to the Inner Ward resembles a well-thought out obstacle course, with fourteen defence barriers to overcome. There's a drawbridge over the moat, murder slots, and a robust door located at the 'Gate next the Sea' on the outer curtain wall, followed by two further barriers: the door to the barbican, and the barbican itself. On reaching the main gatehouse, several more murder slots, portcull

ises, outward-opening doors and spy-holes are encountered.The curtain wall of the Inner Ward has a tower on each corner, plus a middle tower on the East and West walls, and a two-turreted North Gatehouse and South Gatehouse, neither of which were completed.

The design of the North Gatehouse was based on the gatehouse at Harlech Castle, yet was intended to be much larger had it been finished. The construction of the Southern Gatehouse reached an even lower level of completion, with the turrets standing no higher than the curtain walls. The Chapel, displaying a fine, ribbed stone vaulted ceiling, is located on the first floor of the middle tower on the East curtain wall and can be reached by a modern timber staircase from the courtyard. From the wall walk, between the fragmented battlements, a wonderful 'birds eye' view is possible of this splendid residential fortress.

Beaumaris Castle is a beautiful, evocative and very photogenic place, but due to its squat appearance does not dominate its surroundings like some other Welsh castles. However, having survived the best part of seven centuries in such amazing condition, it is a castle that any family could take much pleasure in exploring.

Pictures Of Beaumaris Castle

2006-08-10T19:25:00.000-07:00

Beaumaris is situated on the Menai Straits in Anglesey North Wales. The name comes from the old french for beautiful marsh "beau mareys".

It's location close to the two bridges that join the mainland to Anglesey make it suitable for touring both the Isle of Anglesey and the Snowdonia National Park. Anglesey prides itself on it's many fantastic beaches and is also popular for horse riding, walking, bird watching, angling, canoeing, and cycling.

There are a number of hotels and holiday cottages either within the town or close by. The town of Beaumaris is renowned for its Castle.

Beaumaris Castle stands impressively on the edge of the Menai Straits and was part of the iron ring of castles built to subdue the Welsh by the English king.

Edward the 1st began building the Castle here in 1295, but due to a shortage of money and supplies the castle was never completed. It did however see military action during the Welsh Revolt when it fell to the supporters of Owain Glyndwr in 1403 . The town later served as an administrative centre and port, until in late Georgian times the town became popular with holidaymakers and established itself as a tourist resort by marketing its many attractions such as the pier, the green on the seafront, the children's playground adjacent to the castle walls, the Museum of Childhood, and the ancient Court House and Gaol. These latter attractions are today part of an interesting audio tour that recreate past crimes and punishments including the trial and incarceration, in the condemned cell of Beaumaris Gaol, of Richard Rowlands the last man to be hung there in 1862.

From the outside Beaumaris appears almost handsome, it does not rear up menacingly like other fortresses but sits amid a scenic setting overlooking mountains and the sea partially surrounded by a water-filled moat. The gate next-the-sea entrance protected the tidal dock which allowed supply ships to sail right up to the castle.

Today Beaumaris is a bustling little place, a cross between a seaside resort and a market town, and with the building of a new marina is set to become even more popular with the yachting set. Lets hope the new development enhances it's superb location, and respects the marine environment of the Menai Strait.

Beaumaris Castle

2006-08-09T21:46:00.000-07:00

A Bird's Eye View Of Beaumaris Castle, located in North Wales, and was never completed. Castle Street, Beaumaris, Anglesey LL58 8AP
Admission prices in 2005 were: £3 (adults), £2.50 (concessions), free (under 5s), £8.50 family (2 adults and up to 3 children).

Beaumaris Castle, located in Beaumaris, Anglesey, was built as part of Edward I's campaign in North Wales. Begun in 1295, it was designed by James of St. George. It was designed using a concentric plan, with its inner ward completely surrounded by an outer ward. For various reasons, the castle was never fully completed.

Beaumaris (beau mareys - fair marsh) Castle was the last of Edward I's fortresses in North Wales and was built to complement Conwy, Caernarfon and Harlech castles in the same area. Many people regard Beaumaris as the most architecturally perfect castle in Britain, and it has been designated as a World Heritage site. However, the fortress was never fully completed as finances and material ran out before it reached its full height.

The King's architect, Master James of St George, brought all his experience to bear when constructing Beaumaris: its defences and lines of supply are superbly thought out. The castle has a tidal dock which allowed it to be supplied directly from the sea, and it is surrounded by a water-filled moat. The defences also include numerous ingeniously sited arrow slits, and the entrances are protected by murder holes from which substances such as hot oil could be poured over invaders. Any attack on Beaumaris Castle would have to overcome 14 separate obstacles and four lines of fortifications made possible by the clever 'walls within walls' design.

The castle is run and managed by Cadw, (the Welsh Assesmbly Government's agency for historic monuments), which provides visitors with a guidebook, an exhibition, gifts and souvenirs, good disabled access and picnic facilities in the castle grounds. Ducks and swans swim on the castle moat.

History Of Conwy Castle

2006-08-08T19:20:00.000-07:00

The magnificent Edwardian Castle and town walls are a World Heritage Site and after a visit to the town you will understand why they have been chosen for this award. The castle itself is one of the most impressive examples of mediaeval military architecture and offers spectacular views of both the estuary and the mountains of Snowdonia. Visitors can also walk along the almost complete town walls between Uppergate Street and Berry Street. The circuit of walls, over three quarters of a mile long and guarded by no less than 22 towers, is one of the finest in the World.

A SHORT HISTORY OF THE TOWN: In the year 1283 King Edward 1 and his English army had completed the conquest of Snowdonia and terminated the rule of the Welsh princes. The capture of Dolwyddelan Castle gave Edward the control of the Conwy valley and he moved to Conwy in March of 1283. Here the monastery of Aberconwy, the spiritual heart of Gwynedd and the burial place of Llewelyn the Great, was destroyed and a new home for the monks was built at Maenan some 8 miles away. All that remained was the unfinished abbey church which was to become St. Mary’s Church the parish church of the new town, which it still remains. Edward immediately set about organising the building of the Castle and within 4 short years this " the most magnificent of Edward 1's Castles" would be substantially complete. Conwy Castle has withstood the passage of time and today the views from the battlements are breathtaking looking out across mountains and sea and down to the roofless shell of the castles 125ft Great Hall. It is from these battlements that visitors can best appreciate Conwy's other great glory, its ring of town walls. Conwy is the classic walled town. Its circuit of walls, over three quarters of a mile long and guarded by no less than 22 towers, is one of the finest in the World.

The story of the castle and walled town of Conwy begins in the year 1283. King Edward 1 and his English army had completed the conquest of Snowdonia and terminated the rule of the Welsh princes.

On 18 January 1283 the capture of Dolwyddelan Castle gave Edward the control of the Conwy valley and he moved to Conwy in March of 1283. Here the monastery of Aberconwy, the spiritual heart of Gwynnedd and the burial place of Llewelyn the Great, was destroyed and a new home for the monks was built at Maenan some 8 miles away. All that remained was the unfinished abbey church which was to become the parish church of the new town, which it still remains.

Conwy castle was to be built above the original tomb of Llewelyn the Great. Edward immediately set about organising the building of the Castle. Under the supervision of James of St George and his associate at Conwy James of Chester, the Master carpenters Henry of Oxford and Laurence of Canterbury and Mason John Francis had charge over a force of English craftsmen and labourers that reached a peak of 1500 strong in the summer of 1285, and within 4 short years this " the most magnificent of Edward 1's Castles" would be substantially complete.

The cost to Edward of building Conwy was near to £15,000, indeed the cost of the five major Castles - Caernarfon, Conwy, Harlech, Cricieth, and Beaumaris - built after the war of 1282 - 3 and the revolt of 1294 was around £60,000. The total cost to Edward for his Welsh campaigns and Castle building was in the region of a third of a million pounds. More than ten times his annual income. That he went to the bank , the Riccardi Company of Tuscany to borrow the money ( £122,000 between the years of 1276 and 1287 specifically to finance his Welsh campaign ) I personally find very surprising and reveals a sophistication of the times of which I was previously unaware. It has been said that the increase in the banker's business due to the conquest of Wales was a considerable factor in the growth of international capitalism.

The stone used for the main part in the construction of the Castle and Walls is the hard grey Silurian grit of which the Castle rock itself is formed.There is a large quarry on the Llangelynin road, not far outside the Upper Gate which may have been the source. The yellowish brown "rhyolite" rock used in the spur wall and in the northern and eastern parts of the town walls could have been obtained from nearby at Bodlondeb Hill or Conwy Mountain. Pinkish sandstone probably from the nearby Creuddyn peninsular across the river is the likely source of the stones dressed to form the windows, door-jambs, arrow loops , chimneys etc. While sandstone from Chester is known to have been used in the construction of the 14th century roof arches.

Timber would have been brought down river from Trefriw and beyond, and the lead and coal for the forges came by sea from near Flint. Iron and steel and nails were purchased at Newcastle under Lyme. Sand for the mortar was brought from over the river at Deganwy. Purple slate may have come from Ogwen or by cart from nearby Llangelynin. Simon the Glazier from Chester may have supplied the glass as he had at Caernarfon.

Photographs Of Conwy Castle

2006-08-07T19:10:00.000-07:00

Conwy Castle is a medieval walled town and Castle with a picturesque harbour overlooking the estuary of the River Conwy.

Conwy Castle (sometimes spelled Conway Castle) is a castle in Conwy, North Wales. It was built between 1283 and 1289 as part of King Edward I's second campaign in north Wales. Like many of the castles in the area, it was designed by James of St. George, although Richard of Chester was responsible for the initial stages. The castle is divided into two wards, with the outer ward and inner ward surrounded by four towers each, with turrets.

Conwy superficially resembles a Concentric castle, but more accurately it is linear. Like Caenarfon Castle, it is built on a rock outcrop, to reduce the possibility of undermining. It also takes advantage of other geographical features.

Nearby Bodysgallen Hall was built in the 13th century as a watchtower for Conwy Castle to lookout for attack from a northerly exposure not easily watched from Conwy itself. Some of the stone used in construction of Conwy Castle has been linked to a quarry at the Bodysgallen property (C.M. Hogan, History of Bodysgallen Hall, July, 2004, Aberdeen Municipal Library Acrchives, Aberdeen, United Kingdom).

The castle is a Scheduled Ancient Monument and a World Heritage Site.

Today Conwy is a bustling town catering for both tourists and the local community. Ancient buildings sit comfortably among more recent properties and there is an abundance of places to visit. Top of the list is the Castle, but there are many more including Plas Mawr, an architectural gem, said to be the finest surviving town house of the Elizabethan era to be found anywhere in Britain. Or down towards the quayside you will find Aberconwy House a 14th-century merchant's house believed to be not only the oldest house in Conwy but the oldest town house in Wales. It has been carefully restored to reflect the daily life of its residents over time.

On the quayside you may enter the smallest house in Britain, or visit the Aquarium and Conwy mussel museum. Take a boat trip on the river and see the Great Orme, or sail upriver to see the full beauty of the Conwy Estuary and the Conwy Valley.

Conwy also offers the chance to see what is probably the worst designed building in Britain.....the extension to the public library near the quayside. You could not find a more inappropriate place for such an ugly concrete monstrosity. Conwy has some very fine hotel accommodation, pubs, restaurants, and tea rooms, all offering excellent food and drink with a warm welcome and friendly service.

Paintings Of Conwy Castle

2006-08-06T17:45:00.000-07:00

Conwy Castle was designed for King Edward I by Master James of St. George and was built between 1283 and 1289. James of St. George was a master mason summoned from mainland Europe to implement Edward's plans. He was born around 1230 and worked on a number of great European castles before starting on his massive undertaking for Edward. The beautiful Beaumaris Castle was his last design in Wales and with this he had perfected the concept of the "concentric castle".

Conwy is said to have been captured as the result of a trick in 1401. On Good Friday, with most of the garrison at church, a carpenter gained access and admitted a group of Welsh rebels who proclaimed their allegiance to Owain Glyndwr. Most were pardoned when the castle was finally returned to the crown, others were jailed.

Conwy Castle is one of the earliest examples of Edward I's "iron ring" of castles built to pacify the rebellious princes of northern Wales.

Edward finally subdued the Welsh threat in Snowdonia in 1283. Well aware of the strategic importance of Conwy to the area, Edward immediately began building a massive castle there. So important was the castle to Edward that he imported up to 1,500 craftsmen from all over England to speed the building process. The castle was completed in only four years, a remarkable feat in those days.

Conwy is unusual in that the castle walls swoop down from the high cliffs where the castle stands, to enclose the entire medieval town. Some of the wall has disappeared over the centuries, but in general it has fared well, and a visitor can walk along the old battlements. There are still 21 towers along the course of the wall, and the three gateways flanked by twin towers gives you a sense of the original grandeur of Edward's scheme.

The reason for the strong defensive walls becomes clear when you consider that Edward not only imported builders, he imported a whole population of English settlers to Conwy! These new settlers were carefully protected from the local Welsh population by the castle and town walls. In a sense, Conwy became an outpost of England within hostile enemy territory.

The castle itself is comprised of eight massive round towers forming a rectangle. This in itself sets Conwy apart from the model of concentric rings Edward and Master James perfected at most of his other Welsh castles.

Conwy Castle saw its last military action during the English Civil War. Cromwell's Parliamentary army besieged the castle for three months in 1646 before the defenders capitulated. After the Restoration of the monarchy the Earl of Conwy took ownership of the castle. The Earl unfortunately used his position to strip the castle of iron, timber, and lead for building, leaving Conwy open to centuries of disintegration and neglect.

The castle is remarkably well preserved, especially considering the depredations of the Earl, and terrific views of the harbour and town of Conwy can be had from the towers. The Inner Ward contains the royal apartments built for Edward and Queen Eleanor in 1283. These apartments originally rose above heated basements, but the floors are no longer intact.

The importance of Conwy Castle from an architectural standpoint is borne out by the fact that it has been named a World Heritage Listed Site.

In the village of Conwy you can see the Smallest House in Britain, the Teapot Museum, and Aberconwy House, an authentic 14th century merchant's dwelling. Also, Conwy is home to the striking Conwy Suspension Bridge, built by Thomas Telford in 1826.

Conwy Castle

2006-08-05T17:45:00.000-07:00

Conwy was more than a castle, a small town was protected by 1,400 yards of wall on average 24 feet thick. Some of this can be walked upon and it provides a view of what has been called a masterpiece of military engineering.

Conwy castle is a gritty, dark stoned fortress which has the rare ability to evoke an authentic medieval atmosphere. The first time that visitors catch sight of the castle, commanding a rock above the Conwy Estuary and demanding as much attention as the dramatic Snowdonia skyline behind it, they know they are in the presence of a historic site which still casts a powerful spell.

Conwy, constructed by the English monarch Edward I between 1283 and 1289 as one of the key fortresses in his 'iron ring' of castles to contain the Welsh, was built to prompt such a humbling reaction.

A distinguished historian wrote of Conwy, 'Taken as a whole, Conwy's incomparably the most magnificent of Edward I's Welsh fortresses'. In comparison to other great Edwardian castles it is also relatively straightforward in design, a reflection of the inherent strength of its siting.

There are no concentric 'walls within walls' here, because they were not needed. Conwy's massive military strength springs from the rock on which it stands and seems to grow naturally. Soaring curtain walls and eight huge round towers give the castle (a World Heritage Inscribed site) an intimidating presence undimmed by the passage of time.

The views from the battlements are breathtaking looking out across mountains and sea and down to the roofless shell of the castles 125ft Great Hall. It is from these battlements that visitors can best appreciate Conwy's other great glory, its ring of town walls.

For many years the castle was not properly maintained and it was bought by Viscount Conwy in 1628 for just 100 pounds. The local authority took over in the 19th century and now the castle is cared for by Cadw (Welsh Historic Monuments).

Conwy is the classic walled town. Its circuit of walls, over three quarters of a mile long and guarded by no less than 22 towers, is one of the finest in the World.

History Of Olavinlinna Castle

2006-08-04T09:43:00.000-07:00

In the beginning of the 14th century a peace treaty was made between Sweden and Novgorod (Russia), according to which the eastern border of Sweden went through Savonlinna region. At that time Finland was a part of Sweden. However, the border line remained unfixed and this caused continual fights. In the 15th century Grand Duchy of Moscow became more powerful and even more threatening.

There was only one castle in Wyborg, further down in south-east, to protect the eastern border of Sweden-Finland. The Swedes decided to build a castle in order to improve safety on the eastern border and to control an important waterway. Olavinlinna castle was founded by Erik Axelsson Tott. The building work began in 1475. The Russians did their best to disturb the work, in their opinion the castle was built on their side of the border.

Erik Axelsson was a Danish knight (in the 15th century Sweden-Finland was still united with Denmark and Norway). He named Olavinlinna Castle, or St. Olof's Castle, after the patron saint of all knights, St. Olof. St. Olof lived in the 11th century and he was a famous Norwegian crusader.

Olavinlinna castle was built on a rocky island in Lake Saimaa area. The castle was easy to defend all year round, water floats around the castle so fast that it hardly ever freezes. The medieval castle consisted of three towers and the connecting walls between them. Two of these towers still exist, the Bell Tower and the Church Tower. The third, St.Eric's Tower, tumbled down or was pulled down in the beginning of the 18th century. Later a bailey, two more towers and apartments were added.

Olavinlinna castle served as a Swedish border castle until the beginning of the 18th century. The Great Northern War broke out in 1700. In 1714 Olavinlinna Castle had to surrender to Russian soldiers, there was no food and munition left in the castle after a long siege. The first Russian period was short and was over in 1721. In a peace treaty the border line was moved again and Swedes got their castle back.

In 1743 Olavinlinna Castle became a Russian garrison again after a peace treaty of Turku. At that time Russians stayed in the castle for nearly 100 years.

Olavinlinna Castle lost its' military purpose in 1809 when Finland became an autonomous part of Russia. However, Russian soldiers stayed in the castle until 1847. Finland became independent in 1917.

In the 1850's castle served as a prison for a few years. In the 1860's two fires caused extensive damage to the castle. First restorations were made already in the 19th century, but the castle was restored thoroughly between 1961-1975.

Olavinlinna Castle is nowadays run and owned by the Finnish state. It is one of the best preserved medieval castles in Nordic countries. It hosts Savonlinna Opera Festival every July ( http://www.operafestival.fi/ ). The castle is open to tourists all year round and it is a popular venue for e.g. wedding receptions, concerts and theatre performances.

Olavinlinna Castle

2006-08-03T09:34:00.000-07:00

Location: Savonlinna, Finland

Olavinlinna Castle was founded in 1475 to secure the eastern border of the Kingdom of Sweden-Finland. During its history the castle has experienced both Swedish and Russian rule. Nowadays it is the best preserved medieval castle in Nordic countries and therefore a popular tourist attraction. It also serves as a venue for the world famous Savonlinna Opera Festival.

The entrance to the castle is across a floating bridge, which can be seen to the far left in the pictures of the exterior. The castle served to repel attacks from the east, although none happen, and to guarantee control of the Savo region of Finland for the Swedish Crown.

In 1475, Erik Axelsson Tott founded a fortress on a rocky island in the swiftly flowing strait of Kyrönsalmi between Lake Haukivesi and Lake Pihlajavesi to secure the volatile eastern border of Sweden and to protect the settlement of Savonlinna. The castle was named after St Olav, a Nordic patron saint. In 1742, the Russians captured Olavinlinna and converted it into a node in the defences of the country’s western border. When Finland was completely annexed by Russia in 1809, the castle lost its strategic role, and it was subsequently used for a number of purposes, for instance as a prison. The castle was thoroughly renovated twenty years ago.

Looking northeast towards Olavinlinna Castle. Olavinlinna, or Saint Olaf's fortress, was established by the commandant of Vyborg fortress in 1475. The medieval castle consists of a main castle, three towers seen in this picture, and a bailey with an encircling wall reinforced by towers. The castle is located in the swiftly flowing strait of Kyrönsalmi between Lake Haukivesi and Lake Pihlajavesi, near the city of Savonlinna in southeastern Finland.

The town of Savonlinna grew around Olavinlinna Castle and its garrison. Today, the castle hosts the internationally celebrated Savonlinna Opera Festival.

The castle served to repel attacks from the east and to guarantee control of the Savo region for the Swedish Crown. The medieval castle consists of a main castle with three towers and a bailey with an encircling wall reinforced by towers. The castle went through numerous phases of construction, first as a Swedish and from 1743 as a Russian border fortification. It has been among Finland's best-known tourist attractions since the latter 19th century. It houses a restaurant and festival halls.

Moat Of Eltham Palace

2006-08-02T10:02:00.000-07:00

Eltham Palace is one of the oustanding Art Deco properties in London, though little is now left of the medieval palace except the Hall. The gardens were laid out in 1936 for Stephen and Virginia Courtauld, and a major programme of garden repair and restoration has started in the areas where most of the structures and features of the Courtauld design still remain. The rose garden has been replanted using early hybrid tea and hybrid musk varieties, a permanent planting scheme created in the Triangle garden, and the cascade in the rock garden revealed. Widely mown paths have been created in the wild meadows and framed views of the Palace opened up on the route from the new car park. A Contemporary Heritage Garden in the 100-yard-long South Moat border and the banks at either end is being re-designed in the spirit of the 1930s' garden by designer Isabelle Van Groeningen.

Part of the medieval moat was restored and incorporated into the landscaped gardens. This scene with the bridge across to the Palace is enhanced by the orange hue of the spring shrubbery and the reflections in the moat.

This view shows the Loggia at the end of Courtauld House and part of the restored and landscaped moat.

This is a view of the Moat and Eastern Ridge from the Garden Rooms area in early spring.

The Story Of Eltham Palace

Eltham Palace

2006-08-01T08:51:00.000-07:00

Eltham Palace, Courtyard, Eltham, London, SE9 5QE, England

Eltham Palace is an Art Deco house in Eltham, London, currently owned by English Heritage and open to the public. It has been said that it is a 'masterpiece of modern design'.

Eltham Palace is one of the few important medieval royal palaces in England to survive with substantial remains intact. Initially a moated manor house with vast parkland, it was acquired by the future Edward II in 1305 who subsequently passed it on to his queen, Isabella.

Under Edward IV significant changes were made, most notably the addition of the Great Hall in the 1470s which is still visible today. Henry VIII was the last monarch to spend substantial amounts of money or time at Eltham and in the 16th century the Palace was eclipsed by Greenwich Palace and declined rapidly.

This is the North facade of the Building in March 2006, showing the Medieval Great Hall building on the extreme left and Courtauld House with (on the ground floor) from left to right the Library, Boudoir and Drawing Room.

In the mid 17th century, the owner, Sir John Shaw, built Eltham Lodge in the Great Park and lived there. For the next 200 years Eltham Palace was used as a farm and the buildings were tenanted. In the early 19th century a villa was built within the moat walls and gardens and kitchen gardens laid out in the west and south moats.

A campaign to save the Great Hall from demolition resulted in its restoration in 1828 but it was still used as a barn. Later in the 19th century Eltham Palace became a gentleman's residence, and glasshouses and gardens were laid out in the west moat. By the early 19th century the parkland had been reduced to two small areas of 21 hectares and 29 hectares, the rest had reverted to arable or pastureland. The larger park was cleared of its parkland trees between 1808 and 1828.

In the 1930s an important private house, boasting an ultra-modern design was built adjoining the Great Hall by a wealthy couple, Stephen and Virginia Courtauld. In 1935, an initial design for the gardens was produced by Andrew Mawson and Partners for the Courtauld’s. This was then modified to incorporate ornamental plantations, shrubberies and specimen trees. The Courtauld’s were keen horticulturists and new areas were laid out including lawns, a mixed border, a sunken rose garden, a spring bulb meadow, a rock garden and woodland garden. Stephen had a passion for orchids, which he raised in the glasshouses, and Virginia for roses. After they left Eltham, a red rose was created in their Rhodesian home and named ‘Virginia Courtauld’. The Courtaulds left Eltham in 1944 and the site was occupied by Army educational units until 1992.

English Heritage assumed management of the palace in 1995, and in 1999 completed a major programme of repairs to and restoration of the 1930s interiors and gardens. Today the gardens are a rare and very fine example of a 1930s garden design with the fact that they incorporate elements of the medieval palace adds a further intriguing dimension.

Ross Castle

2006-07-11T08:12:00.000-07:00

Located 1.5 miles SW of Killarney on Ross Island within Kenmare Demesne, now incorporated within Killarney National Park. NGR: V 949887. National Monument. Open daily May - September. Admission fee charged. Access by guided tour only. Tours limited to 15 people only. Exhibitions and excellent collection of old furniture.

Ross Castle is the ancestral home of the O'Donoghue clan. It is located in Ireland on the edge of one of Killarney's famous lakes in Killarney National Park.

There are few castles anywhere in Ireland that can boast such a dream-like enchanted setting as this ruined tower house on the shore of Killarney's Lower Lake. Built in the late fifteenth century, it is fairly typical of its type, with square bartizans on diagonally opposite corners and a thick end wall containing a tier of chambers and a winding mural stair.

The tower stands within a square bawn defended by round corner towers, two of which survive, the others having been removed in 1688 to make room for an extension, the ruins of which remain on the south side of the castle. The castle was the chief seat of the O'Donaghue Mors, hereditary rulers of this district and descendants of the ancient kings of Munster.

After the Desmond rebellion their fortified lands were acquired by the MacCarthy Mors from whom they were purchased by Sir Valentine Browne, ancestor of the Earls of Kenmare. In 1652 the castle was held by Lord Muskerry against a Cromwellian force of 1,500 foot and 700 horse soldiers, commanded by Edmond Ludlow. It fell after floating batteries were brought over land to bombard it from the lough as well as from the land. The Brownes, who retained the old faith, remained in the castle until they lost their estates in 1690 for supporting the Jacobite cause.

Although their lands were recovered around 1720, they were unable to regain possession of the castle, which had been taken over as a military barracks. They subsequently built a grand new house a little further to the north, close to the town, and in time the old castle was incorporated as a picturesque feature of its landscape park.

Ross Castle Photographs

2006-07-10T08:52:00.000-07:00

Irish Castles

Ross castle is set on the romantic shores of County Kerry's Lake Killarny. Built in the mid-1400s, this castle was the last Irish stronghold taken by Cromwellian forces in the 17th century.

There was a medieval legend that stated this medieval fortress would never fall into enemy hands unless it was attacked from the lake. Knowing this legend, a Cromwellian commander ordered that a large boat be transported to the lake.

It was launched and when the defenders at Ross Castle saw this ship, they feared the prophecy had been fulfilled and abandoned the castle. Furniture from the later medieval years and early Renaissance can bee seen here.

Paintings Of Lewes Castle

2006-07-09T08:11:00.000-07:00

Erected in 1068 for strategic purposes, Lewes Castle remains one of only two double-motted castles known in England, and also one of England's oldest. Today, the castle sits slightly off the main street of Lewes town, somewhat worse for wear but still emanating the grandeur that allowed it to command an important piece of the Southern England coastline.

Shortly after William the Conqueror seized control of England in 1066, he set about establishing a series of fortifications throughout his new kingdom, an effort to control his new and as yet uncooperative Anglo-Saxon subjects. Lewes became one of several castles rimming the southern coast of England, placed to allow William swift escape across the English Channel back to his homeland in Normandy, if the English rebelled.

The line of castles stretched from Hastings on the east to Arundel on the west, outposts that also offered King William protection from any comers in France. In fact, the scores of castles founded by William I during the first decade after the Norman Conquest became his greatest weapons of subjugation. Situated along main communications routes or at strategic points along river crossings, the castles and their garrisons watched over all activity that passed through the realm.

Lewes Castle, for example, commands a key position at the head of the River Ouse, which drains into the English Channel and has a panoramic view of the surrounding countryside, an ideal situation for guarding a key route into central England. In order to ensure the loyalty of his knights and to secure his kingdom, William I established feudalism in Britain, granting land and feudal rights to his most prized subjects. They were responsible to keeping the peace, supplying an army, and administering law and order in the name of the king. In return, these noblemen received lavish estates and the right to build castles.

To keep control over the southern region along the River Ouse, William de Warenne, the king's Chief Justiciar and later Earl of Surrey, received the Rape of Lewes, a broad swathe of land that reached from the coast to the Surrey border. Warenne then established Lewes Castle, one of several he owned in England.

The development of Lewes Castle dates to the tenure of the Warennes at the site. Consisting primarily of two motte castles and an associated bailey, Lewes Castle is a masterpiece of early Norman construction. Single-motted castles (some with multiple baileys) still fill the countryside in England and Wales, demonstrating their effectiveness in dominating a place despite their superficially flimsy design. Yet, only one other double-motted castle existed in England, the fine Lincoln Castle.

Essentially composed of an earthen mound (the motte) and an adjacent enclosure (the bailey), these fortifications were true castles, built to house a lord and also as a military base. At first, timber defenses protected these earthwork castles, but the wooden ramparts were quickly replaced with stone walling and towers, or the castles were themselves replaced with more sturdy stone fortresses.

Pictures Of Lewes Castle

2006-07-08T07:19:00.000-07:00

Lewes is a rare example of a castle that has two mottes associated with one bailey(Lincoln Castle is another). It was built by William de Warenne, around 1069-70, and became the main seat for his family. In 1088, William was made Earl of Surrey, and the title continued until 1347, with the death of the last of the line, John de Warenne, the 8th Earl.

One was on high ground overlooking the River Ouse and the second more imposing one linked by a ditch and fence to the town wall. Part of the shell keep built on the second mound survives and dates from about 1080. A magnificent barbican was added in the 14th century and today this is the best preserved part of the castle.

In 1347, as John de Warenne, 8th Earl of Surrey had no legitimate heir, the castle became untenanted as part of the property of the earls of Arundel.

The castle was damaged in a riot of 1382 and thereafter it was plundered as a source of building material. In 1620 much of it was pulled down and the flints sold off by the load.

In 1733 the property was granted to Thomas Friend and in 1774 the keep was converted into a summer house.

In the 20th century the keep became property of the Sussex Archeological Society.

Lewes Castle

2006-07-07T06:59:00.000-07:00

Lewes Castle stands at the highest point of Lewes (England, Sussex), on an artificial mound built originally of chalk blocks. The original name was Bray Castle. The original fortification was a wooden keep, later converted to stone. It is unusual for a motte and bailey construction because it has two mottes. It was built in 1087 by William de Warenne, 1st Earl of Surrey, the brother-in-Law of William the Conqueror. Often known as the Earl of Warrene, William and his descendants also had estates and built castles in Reigate, Surrey(Reigate Castle) and in Yorkshire(Sandal Castle and Conisbrough Castle). When the last of the Warennes John, the 8th Earl died without issue in 1347 he was buried in Lewes monastery and his title passed to his nephew Richard Fitzalan who was also Earl of Arundel.

Situated high above the valley of the River Ouse, on the edge of the South Downs, the little Saxon town of Lewes boasts one of the best preserved castle barbican's in England. When William the Conqueror returned to Normandy in 1067, he made grants of land, including the town of Lewes, to one of his lords, William de Warenne. Within a few years Warenne had built an unusual motte and bailey stronghold here, surrounded by defensive earthworks and a moat. Lewes Castle became his main residence, although he did build two other castles, one in Surrey and one in Norfolk.

In 1075 the King appointed Warenne joint Chief Justiciar, and soon after that he became the first Earl of Surrey. The full extent of the oval-shaped bailey constructed by Warenne has been lost among the town's development but both the mottes (mounds), one to the west and one to the east of the bailey, have survived. It is uncertain which is the earlier, but the assumption is that Brack's Mount was the original, smaller outlook post. This may have become redundant at a later date when the larger motte was constructed at the western end of the bailey.

From the high towers of Lewes Castle visitors can see both the town and the distant views of downs, river and forest. The best way to appreciate this view is to visit Barbican House Museum first and watch 'The Story of Lewes Town', a sound and light show based on a scale model of the town.

Certainly this was a more strategic site for commanding the town. Experts cannot be absolutely certain about the first building erected on the larger motte, but most are of the opinion that it would have been a simple wooden tower with palisade. During the early 12th century this was replaced by a circular shell keep of flint rubble. From the surviving part of this keep there are fragments of knapped flint set in herringbone masonry, similar to patches found in the ruinous stretch of curtain wall still standing between the bailey and the town.

About 150 years later, two semi-octagonal towers were added to the shell keep at Lewes Castle, and then a range of buildings inside the shell wall. A gate tower was positioned at the foot of the motte, but little of this survives. Almost 300 years after the Norman castle was first erected, a magnificent barbican was added by the 8th Earl of Surrey, John de Warenne. As there was no legitimate heir upon his death in 1347, Lewes Castle became untenanted, and passed into the hands of the earls of Arundel. Already left to decay, Lewes Castle was further damaged in a riot some four decades later and became a source of local building material. By the middle of the 17th century many of the domestic buildings still standing were demolished, but the keep was converted to a summer house in the mid-18th century.

William de Warenne certainly left his mark on the town of Lewes. Not only did he begin an imposing fortress, but he also founded a cluniac priory close by. When he died in 1088 his body was interred in the chapter house. Although only fragments of Warenne's building remains today, it is fitting that it should be remembered by the impressive barbican gatehouse that completed the castle in the 14th century.

The castle was begun soon after 1066 by William de Warenne as his stronghold in Sussex but not completed until 300 years later with the building of the magnificent Barbican. A later owner of the castle was Thomas Read Kemp, local MP and the architect of Brighton's Kemptown. Barbican House Museum now houses the Sussex Archaeological Society's archaeology collections, a changing temporary exhibition gallery and a specialist bookshop providing books on all aspects of history and archaeology.

Paintings Of Framlingham Castle

2006-07-06T05:38:00.000-07:00

Framlingham castle is said to have been founded by Redwald, one of the most powerful of the kings of the East Angles, between 599 and 624. It belonged from its first erection to the Crown, and it was to it that St. Edmund fled from the Danes in 870; but it was set on fire, and he was thus driven from it. He fled to Hoxne, about twelve miles from Framlingham, where he was discovered and martyred, as we have recorded in the last sketch. Framlingham Castle remained in the hands of the Danes until they were conquered by the Saxons.

William and Rufus kept the castle in their own possession, but Henry 1. gave it to Roger de Bigod, in whose family it continued till another Roger de Bigod appeared, a most turbulent and troublesome subject Edward I. made him resign this strong fortress again to the Crown. It is supposed that Framlingham was entirely rebuilt in the reign of Henry II., and the walls attest that it is of Norman, not Saxon architecture. Edward II. gave the castle to his half-brother, Thomas Plantagenent, of Brotherton, from whom it descended to Thomas de Mowbray, Duke of Norfolk. From the Mowbrays it descended to the Howards, Sir Robert Howard having married Margaret, daughter of Thomas Mowbray. His son, John Howard, was created Earl Marshal and Duke of Norfolk, June 28th,, 1483. He was the “Jockey of Norfolk” in Shakspeare’s Richard III., and fell at the battle of Bosworth Field, 1485; his son being attainted, the castle became the property of Henry VII, who granted it to John de Vere, thirteenth Earl of Oxford, from whom it again returned to the Howards.

Thomas Howard, the third Duke of Norfolk, gave it to Henry VIII. “for the royal children.” He saw that the Seymours would succeed in effecting his mill, and he was resolved to disappoint them of Framlingham, of which they were covetous.

Edward VI. gave it to his sister Mary, and here she sought refuge and found safety when her young brother’s death exposed her to the machinations of her enemies - the Northumberland clique and the council.

She had a very narrow escape of losing her liberty and probably her life then, for the Duke of Northumberland, who had kept the dying Edward in a state of absolute thraldom, concealed his death for two days, and the council, at his instigation, wrote to Mary as if by command of the king, asking her to come to her brother, who was very ill, and earnestly desired the comfort of her presence. Mary at once set out to go to him, for she loved him almost with a mother’s love; but young Throckmorton had overheard the duke talking from his bed to Sir John Gates early in the morning after the death of the young king. They were discussing the destination of the Princess Mary, and he heard Sir John exclaim sharply: “What, sir! Will you let the lady Mars escape and not secure her person?”

Young Throckmorton hurried home and told v hat he had heard to his father and brother. They all knew the king was dead, for Sir Nicholas Throckmorton, his elder brother, had been present at Edward’s deathbed, and had returned from it in deep grief. They resolved to save Mary. They sent for her goldsmith, and persuaded him to meet her at Hoddesdon and tell her the true state of affairs. At first she feared the message was a trap to lure her into an act of treason by proclaiming herself queen in her brother’s lifetime; but the elder Throckmorton soon appeared on the scene to confirm their messenger’s story, and she believed his account of the deception just practised on her. She must fly at once, and she did. She diverged from the London road to Suffolk, taking the direction of Cambridgeshire as the nearest way to Bury St. Edmunds. They travelled late, she and her attendants, but at last, wearied and anxious, they reached Sawston Hall, near Cambridge, and by the advice of Andrew Huddlestone, one of her gentlemen, Mary asked hospitality of his relative, its owner, Mr. Huddlestone. He saw the danger he ran in receiving her, but he at once admitted the royal fugitive. Tradition says that the princess left the house very early the next day in the disguise of a market woman, riding behind Mr. Huddlestone, who had put on the livery of one of his own servants. When she gained the rise called Gogmagog Hills she turned her steed and looked back at Sawston Hall. At that moment it burst into flames. The party adverse to her at Cambridge had attacked the house as soon as they had heard that it sheltered her, and set it on fire. She gazed at it undaunted. “Let it blaze,” she said; “I will build Huddlestone a better.” But unhappily she forgot her promise, or only partially redeemed it, for the present Sawston Hall was not finished when she died. Mary was received loyally at Bury St. Edmunds, but she did not stay there; she hastened on to her house in Norfolk, Kenning Hall. But this dwelling was much exposed, and could not be defended if attacked. Therefore Mary (after writing to the council) started for her castle of Framlingham, in Suffolk. It was twenty miles distant from Kenning Hall, but she never drew bridle till those twenty miles were achieved, and she had reached Framlingham, embosomed in the Suffolk woodlands. The treble circle of moats that girdle the town and fortress were then full and efficient, and the castle in good repair. The queen arrived at nightfall with her little train of cavalry, her knights and their servants, and her ladies, and ascended by torchlight the woodland eminence on which Framlingham is built. They passed the mighty causeway, over two deep moats, and very soon afterwards the standard of England floated over its towers. The next day the chivalry of Suffolk gathered round their queen, and she was soon at the head of an army of 13,000 men, all volunteers and unpaid, though she ordered her captains if any man were in need to relieve him ” as a gift.”

Mary remained at Pramlingham. The tide of popular feeling set in her favour; the fleet yielded its officers to the adherent of Mary who claimed them from Yarmouth as traitors, and her cause was everywhere successful. She left her castle of refuge, and made almost a triumphant progress from Suffolk to London, to take a crown with its cares and temptations and miseries, and the dreadful name it has brought her for ail time.

The site of Framlingham Castle is a high mound, from whence springs the source of the river Orr. This stream supplied the three moats, which are in the summer season gaily enamelled with golden irises. On the edge of the mound is reared a magnificent circle of walls and towers enclosing an area of more than an acre. The outer walls remain nearly entire at the present day. They are forty feet high, and more than eight feet thick, and there were once in them thirteen square towers.

After crossing a walled causeway over the double moat, and passing through the gateway, the spectator enters into the spacious area. To the right, nearly opposite, are seen several chimneys, whose summits are hollow pillars of wreathed brickwork very elaborately wrought. The chimney of the state bedroom on the second floor still remains, and on one side of it is a recess about the size of a dressingroom with an arched window looking towards the east This is declared by tradition to have been Mary’s chamber, but it was evidently the oriel or private oratory pertaining to her state chamber which was the room to which the chimney belonged.

The defences consisted of the outer and inner moats, the latter running close to the walls save where the mere, on the west side, protected it. The outer wall of the ancient building alone remains. The Rev. C. Hartshorne, who was a very distinguished and learned antiquary, was of opinion that there was a keep to the castle, and that it stood in the south-east angle. The barbacan appears to have been built in the reign of Henry VIII., probably by the Duke of Norfolk, who erected the church at Framlingham about that time. The seats of the warders are in good preservation, though the work is dilapidated.

James I. granted Framlingham to the first Baron Howard de Walden, youngest son of the fourth Duke of Norfolk. He was created Earl of Suffolk in 1603, but he made Audley Inn his abode, and the castle fell to decay. His son sold it to Sir Robert Hitcham, senior sergeant to James I., who bequeathed it in 1636 to the master and scholars of Pembroke College in trust for charitable use. Thus the castle was never repaired when it would have been possible to preserve so interesting and noble a pile.

Information About Framlingham Castle

Beautiful Pictures Of Framlingham Castle

Framlingham Castle

Information About Framlingham Castle

2006-07-05T05:37:00.000-07:00

Framlingham Castle has an interesting history as a result of many different ownerships and has, during its life, been a fortress, a prison, a poor house and a school.

The Bigod family rebelled against Royal authority, and Framlingham castle was first taken by King John in the early 13th century.

During the reign of King Edward I Frmalingham Castle became the property of the Mowbray family, and later passed through Ann Mowbray to the Howard family who were responsible for extensive repairs to the castle. Despite being one of a number of properties owned by the new Earls of Norfolk, because Framlingham Castle was less elaborate as a residence, it was little used.

Therefore, during the 17th century the castle was bequeathed to Pembroke College with the condition that a poor house be constructed. It was at this time that the majority of Framlingham Castle’s original buildings were purposely demolished. The Great Hall, built by the Bigod family along the western curtain wall, was incorporated into the structure of the poor house, and the three small windows at low level date from that original Norman hall.

The present remains date almost entirely from late 12th Century. In 1190 Roger Bigod, Earl of Norfolk made good the damage to the castle caused when Henry III ordered its destruction 1177. He also added to the castle resulting in 13 strong towers, walls and defending earthworks. It was one of the first to dispense with a great tower. In 1213 King John stayed at the castle and three years later he besieged and captured it. It then became the chief seat of the Mowbray family and later the Howards, dukes of Norfolk. In 1553 Princess Mary came to stay at the castle and it was here that the Earl of Norfolk came to tell her that she had become Queen of England. The dukes of Norfolk preferred to stay in their more comfortable properties and little use was made of the castle except when it was used by Elizabeth I as a prison.

The main entrance was altered and the bridge built by the 3rd duke and the ornamental chimneys on most of the towers were added in the 16th century. The castle took no part in the Civil War and as a result its battlements are well preserved. In 1636 the castle was bequeathed to Pembroke College, Cambridge with the proviso that all castle excepting the stone building should be demolished and a poor-house built on the site. The great hall and other internal buildings were gradually pulled down. The poor-house lasted for 200 years and the castle was then used as a county court.

Framlingham Castle

2006-07-04T05:35:00.000-07:00

Framlingham Castle is an important castle in the market town of Framlingham, Suffolk, England.

It was built by Roger Bigod, and became the seat of the Earls of Norfolk and the Dukes of Norfolk. In common with many other buildings in Suffolk, the main walls of the castle are faced with flint.

One of its most famous residents was Mary Tudor before she was crowned Queen.

It is now managed by English Heritage.

Framlingham Castle has 12 hollow towers (a 13th collapsed) connected by a large curtain wall, 13m high and 2.5m thick. The wall walk along the top is open to visitors.

Roger Bigod built the castle, between 1189 and 1200, to replace his father’s castle, which Henry II had destroyed in 1175. The castle never had a keep, instead relying on the defensive strength of its walls, towers and surrounding earthworks. If attackers managed to scale the wall, the planks spanning the hollow towers could be removed, isolating that section of wall.

In 1553, King Edward VI gave Framlingham Castle to his sister Mary, and it was at this castle, a few months later, that she learnt she had been made queen. Mary’s successor, Queen Elizabeth, used the castle as a prison for priests who defied the new Church of England.

The castle courtyard once contained a number of stone buildings, including a great hall, but this was demolished in order to build a workhouse in 1664, and the other buildings were pulled down in 1688. The castle still contains a poorhouse built in 1729, which now houses the visitor centre.

Great Pictures Of Framlingham Castle

2006-07-03T05:33:00.000-07:00

Framlingham Castle seen from the meadow to the South-East.

It looks, from the outside, almost as it would have done when it was built over 700 years ago. The curtain wall is in excellent condition and there is a walkway along the top.

This is one of the finest examples of a curtain-walled castle.

None of the original buildings inside the walls remain but there is this rather fine 17th Century building which has been used as a poorhouse and is now the castle shop.

Although climbing the medieval stairway is quite an experience in itself you will be relieved to know that the way down from the walls is a modern wooden staircase at the far end of this shop.

On the walls of Framlingham Castle.

This shows the walkway round the top of the walls. More evidence of Tudor ‘modernising’ can be seen in the ornate chimney stacks.

It was here that Mary Tudor, ‘Bloody Mary’, heard that she had become queen.

Framlingham Castle Gatehouse.

The castle was ‘modernised’ during Tudor times and evidence of this can be seen in the obvious Tudor arch.

The brick walls seen on the approach to the gatehouse are part of a bridge over the very deep ditch which runs around the castle. It is possible to walk around this ditch and imagine how difficult it would be for an enemy to try to scale these walls.

The view across Framlingham Mere from the walls of Framlingham Castle. The mere is a wildlife reserve owned by Framlingham College but maintained by Suffolk Wildlife Trust on their behalf.

All the views, from the walls, of the surrounding countryside are very picturesque indeed as can be seen here.

Medieval Life

2006-07-02T05:32:00.000-07:00

Life during the Middle Ages was not good: Women were treated miserably, plagues (such as the Black Death) were feared and common, there were innumerable enemies to any given castle or town and the little knowledge about medicine and science that survived from Greece, Rome or Egypt was badly translated.

That’s without counting the actual problems that could arise from living in society. It was common to decapitate a thief over some bread or to drown a woman accused of witchery. The way criminals were punished during the Middle Ages varied from town to town, but it was mostly reserved to heavy Torture, decapitation, or imprisonment in either the tallest tower (which was fairly common) or in a heavily-guarded dungeon.

Before Castles

Before castles widely towered throughout Europe, it was fairly easy and common for an enemy to pillage a town overnight. Such raids were mostly reserved for smaller towns where there was no noticeable opposing force. The Vikings were very notorious for doing this during the well-known Viking Era which lasted from 793 to 1066 AD. As it is imaginable, it was terrible to be constantly subject to immense raids. However, it wasn’t until the year 1066 when real castles began to appear.

Life Inside a Castle

Considering the protection that a castle offered to its inhabitants, it’s no wonder that thousand were built. Though their construction took many years, they considerably improved the overall life quality of peasants who were otherwise terrified of yet another invasion.

However, by living in a tightly-secured castle, other problems arose. Most of the time, farmers lived outside while nobles lived inside a castle. The problem with this was hygiene, for farmers had to constantly enter and leave the castle spreading diseases and germs. Nobles rarely took a bath. For example, it is said that King Louis XIV of France only bathed three times during his lifetime!

If it was hard living outside, it was even harder living inside a castle. Though castles offered great protection, they were cold and undesirable. If someone was sick, it was common for him or her to be considered “touched by the Devil” and thus condemned to leave the castle. Additionally, castles relied on exterior farming. Opposed to former villages which under an extreme situation of famine or shortage of water could abandon the place altogether, this wasn’t the case for castle inhabitants who usually remained inside until the end.

During times of war when an enemy besieged a castle, life was much harder for those living inside. Enemies usually cut off any water supplies, threw all types of projectiles at the defenders (including rotting bodies to spread diseases) and would not let any food to come in, nor sick people to go out. This is described by many medieval historians as a “nightmare”. If the defenders were determined to resist until the end (which was frequently the end) they would kill their horses to drink their blood, kill women and commit many other atrocities just for the sake of survival and resisting a few weeks longer. In less severe cases, when no relief arrived, the defenders usually surrendered and the besiegers would let them walk freely to a neighbor town or castle.

Medieval Health

As mentioned in the introduction, medieval health was terrible. If living inside a castle, it was even worse. Early doctors were not really doctors but priests, for they would “heal” the sick with prayer which obviously condemned them even further. In the Late Middle Ages, Health improved notoriously with the creation of the first universities where students could actually learn previous knowledge. However, there was a problem. Most of the knowledge derived from Greece, Rome, Egypt or the East where terrible translations resulted. The original document was often translated three or more times: From Egyptian manuscripts to Greek to Latin to English, French, etc. An additional problem was the lack of a well-defined written language. In the case of Middle English, those who could write did it based on their hearing. Subsequently, many didn’t understand each other.