The British are an amazing people who draw strength from their history and traditions. Therefore, the castles of England and its palaces are already a kind of brand, without which no trip around the country can do. They keep beautiful and tragic stories of love and betrayal, victories and defeats, cruelty and greatness of the human soul.
The earliest Norman castles in England date back to the 9th-10th century, and there aren't many of them. And in the Middle Ages, every major feudal lord built his own powerful castle, made in a characteristic Gothic style. So in each county there were several dozen castles built at different times. To date, 282 buildings of majestic castle architecture have been well preserved.
The symbol of London is considered to be the ancient Tower, built a thousand years ago by William the Conqueror. The Tower has changed its purpose many times - from the royal palace to a gloomy dungeon. Now it houses a luxurious royal treasury and the best historical museum.
The largest residential medieval castle in the world is Windsor Palace - the royal residence of the ruling British monarchs. Herea brilliant collection of paintings and sculptures has been assembled, and the majestic Windsor Park impresses with exquisite landscape architecture. Not only the park, but also most of the palace is open for tours.
The castles of England are impossible to imagine without the amazing Leeds Palace, a favorite of six queens. It is located on two islands and is surrounded by picturesque vineyards and a unique park. Historically, this castle often hosts various exhibitions and festivals.
The mystical ancient castles of England are headed by the castle of St. Michael, built on the mountain of the same name. It is considered the "pearl of the crown" of the famous county of Cornwall. The name of the castle and the mountain is associated with the appearance of the Archangel Michael in this place back in the 5th century AD. And in the middle of the 6th century, an amazing story happened here, when the army of King Arthur was saved by the sea, which suddenly burst its banks near this mountain and swallowed up the army of Arthur's opponent, King Mordred.
Many castles in England were built like powerful fortresses. Thus, the five-hundred-year-old Bodnam Castle evokes invariable admiration - heavy, but in its own way elegant, decorated with magnificent towers.
Temple Castle, the residence of the legendary Knights Templar, will tell about the times of the heroic crusades. The temple still has 10 tombs of ancient knights.
It is impossible to imagine the castles of England without mysterious ghosts and chilling bloody stories. So, in the county of Norfolk there is Blickling Hall Castle, which regularlythe ghost of Anne Boleyn appears, executed on the treacherous order of her husband, King Henry VIII. And the legend of Glamis Castle says that his master was immured in the room by his own servants, because he decided not to stop playing cards, even if the devil was at his table. So he plays the endless game of his imprudent desire.
Filmmakers can find suitable castles in England for any historical or fictional event. For example, some episodes of Harry Potter were filmed at Blenheim Palace, while the acclaimed The Da Vinci Code was filmed at Beaver Castle.
British laws make sure that the owners of ancient castles restore them, do not violate the architecture and maintain them in proper condition. Castles in England are a sought-after form of real estate. They are sought after by famous singers, movie stars, businessmen and politicians. So, Madonna and Angelina Jolie became the happy owners of their own castles.
To feel the spirit of Great Britain, you should definitely visit its ancient palaces and castles. This is the heart and soul of an amazing country.
