In 1958-1960, when I lived just outside Hucknall, Nottinghamshire, I remember that about 1.74 miles/2.80 kilometres from my home I often passed an old farm close to a parish church. I simply noticed, that’s all. Back then I wasn’t particularly interested in history. I was a teenager, more concerned with the likes of Buddy Holly,… Continue reading The mystery castle I didn’t know I was passing in 1957-1960….
Tag: castles
A 14th-century castle and moat unearthed beneath a French hotel….
I have learned from this site (as well as numerous other sites, all you have to do is search “castle remains under vannes hotel”) that the remarkably well preserved remains of a14th-century castle and moat have been discovered only about 10 feet below the foundations of the Hotel Lagorce in Vannes. This lost castle… Continue reading A 14th-century castle and moat unearthed beneath a French hotel….
A spare £9.5 million will get you a beautiful historic castle in Cumbria….
Britain fair bulges with castles, especially along borders or simply impose control in troublesome areas. Some of these fortresses are stark, dramatic ruins that still carry the threatening air that was intended when they were built. Others are more beautiful….and still occupied by those fortunate enough to have, say, £9.5 million stashed away for a… Continue reading A spare £9.5 million will get you a beautiful historic castle in Cumbria….
Now the Welsh discovered America….
We were always taught that Columbus discovered America in 1492. Then the Vikings (see here) and Irish (see here) were said to have beaten him to it, and maybe the Templars too (see here). But now it seems the Welsh have thrown their hat into the ring as well. In this article it is declared… Continue reading Now the Welsh discovered America….
The top ten English castles….?
My two favourite kings, Richards II and III, get a mention in this article Top 10 castles in England (readersdigest.co.uk). All ten castles are splendidly impressive, but there are so many more, equally splendid and impressive, that are omitted. As witness Arundel above. But if you’re selecting your own top 10 in England, these are… Continue reading The top ten English castles….?
How about renting a castle for your hols….?
Rent a castle? Yes please. A nice little New Year Lady-of-the-Manor sojourn would do nicely, thank you very much. My selection from the list at this site has to be Fernhill Castle near Skipton . Don’t ask me why. I simply like it, and it is genuinely old (from 14th century). There are other… Continue reading How about renting a castle for your hols….?
Why were moats desirable….?
I’ve always thought that moats were entirely for defence, but it seems no, there are other reasons as well, as you’ll read if you go here: 9 Myths About Medieval Moats and the Truth Behind Them | Ancient Origins (ancient-origins.net) Moats were also for showing off. The deeper and wider the moat, the more influential the… Continue reading Why were moats desirable….?
Caernarfon Castle, one of Wales’s great historic sites….
The great fortresses built by Edward I to subdue the rebellious Welsh are all spectacular and have survived the centuries. Now they are considered beautiful examples of medieval workmanship and have become great tourist attractions, which isn’t really what old Longshanks ever intended! One of the finest of these fortresses is Caernarfon which is always… Continue reading Caernarfon Castle, one of Wales’s great historic sites….
“Romantic and storied” St Michael’s Mount in Cornwall….
Once again the excellent Country Life magazine has come up with an interesting item, this time about St Michael’s Mount in Cornwall Unfortunately, considering this is a Country Life article, there aren’t many photographs, and none at all of the castle interior. But if you go here you’ll find some very exciting views of the approach… Continue reading “Romantic and storied” St Michael’s Mount in Cornwall….
Trial by Combat.
You might think that the Church would have approved of trial by combat. After all, it effectively remitted the cause to God’s judgement – assuming that you believe God intervenes in such affairs, as many people (presumably) did. In fact, as far back as the Fourth Lateran Council of 1215 (Canon 18) the Church… Continue reading Trial by Combat.
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