England castles Archive

Walmer Castle

Walmer Castle is the most southerly of the three Henrian coastal forts which protected the Downs, that sheltered strait lying between the coast and the Goodwin Sands.  It stands a mile from Deal Castle, to which it was originally connected by earthworks, and was built at the same time.

Though resembling Deal in principle, it is simpler in design. It consists of a squat cylindrical tower closely surrounded by a lower curtain, the latter projecting outwards in four semi-circular lobes to form a quatrefoil plan.  It was a plan shared by Sandown Castle, the northern member of the group and now almost totally destroyed.

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Leeds Castle

Leeds Castle rises serenely from the waters of its urrounding lake.  The lake is an artificial one created by damming the River Len.  The castle existed in 1139 because, in that year, King Stephen wrested it from Matilda’s supporters.

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Portchester Castle

Portchester Medieval Castle is is located at Portchester, east of Fareham in Hampshire county, England. Portchester Castle originated as the “Saxon Shore” fort of Portus Adurni.  It is the best preserved of the chain of Roman forts erected along the southeast coast in the late third century AD.  The reason for their construction is still debated.  Defense against Germanic raiders is the for the most part the likely explanation and they were without a doubt used for that purpose in the following century.

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Donnington Castle

Donnington medieval castle is located in the small village of Donnington,  north from the town of Newbury, in Berkshire county, England.  Sir Richard Abberbury, the queen’s chamberlain, obtained a license crenellate the place in 1386. In 1414 Thomas Chaucer, son of the poet, purchased the castle and through him it passed to the De la Pole dukes of Suffolk.

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Muncaster Castle

Set in the dramatic grandeur of the Lakeland Fells, Lake District, the wild, woodland gardens are home to an incredible collection of rare and beautiful plants. Muncaster Castle offers many fantastic Attractions within its grounds.

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Colchester Castle

Colchester Castle located in the southeastern part of England, in Colchester, Essex. The castle is an example of a largely complete Norman castle.

Colchester Castle, near the center of the walled town, has by far the largest ground area of any keep in England, measuring 150 by 110 feet. 

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Hurst Castle

Hurst Castle is located on the south coast of England. Its nucleus is one of the coastal forts of Henry VIII, expanded as a result of another invasion scare in Victorian times.  The original castle was built in 1539-44 and the master mason, Thomas Bertie, later became captain of the garrison here, a curious but not uncommon reward for a castle builder.  

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Castle Howard

Castle Howard is one of the 10 Treasure Houses of England that has become a popular tourist attraction in recent years. Technically, it is not a true castle, because it was built after the castle-building era and was never used as a defensive position in battle.

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Windsor Castle

Windsor Castle is a royal palace and one of the principal residences of the British sovereign. Queen Elizabeth and her family spend some weekends here. Her Majesty uses it for state and private entertaining. Windsor Castle, Buckingham Palace and Holyrood Palace in Edinburgh are the official residences of the royal family, while Sandringham House and Balmoral Castle are their private homes.

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Barnard Castle, Durham

Barnard Castle, Durham is an ancient medieval castle that is located in the town of Teesdale in Durham county, England. This towering monument now serves as a major tourist’s destination that brings in thousands of tourists every year.

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