Castle Hunting UK

8th July 2018  This is one of our favourite castles, I'd been here once before and there is just something about it I just love !  Exactly when the castle was built is unknown  1157-1164 - Henry II granted the castle and estate to Roger Fitz Eustace - it is thought that the castle wasn't very big at this time  1199 - Roger's son Robert purchases Warkworth Castle and works on castle- much of which is still seen today 1213 - King John visits the castle 1214 - Robert's son, John completes the work to the castle  1292 - King Edward I stays at the castle  During the Anglo-Scottish wars, Warkworth played its part and had some military presence  1328 - Edward III grants the castle to Henry Percy, 2nd Lord Percy, which becomes the Percy's favourite residence  Late 1300s - Henry Percy, 1st Earl of Northumberland builds the Great Tower  1399- Henry Percy is involved in deposing Richard II, but then quarrell with replacement Henry IV. Warkwo...

23rd July 2019 Castle Drogo is a modern castle and essentially a residence as opposed to any defensive purpose. It was built/designed by Edwin Lutens for Julius Drewe between 1911-1930. It was the last castle to be built in England.  It was given to the National Trust in 1974 and has undergone extensive restoration recently. Castle Drogo is an impressive castle (so much so it is hard to get it all in one photo!) in a beautiful location. The rooms are more "modern" as castles go and more resemble a stately home- but well worth the visit !  Owned by National Trust Designated car park Shop, Cafe, Toilets  Dogs allowed in some areas  N & K 

7th  July  2018 We are back for our latest adventure castle hunting in Northumberland :)  1290s - castle built by Robert de Raymes 1305 - licence to crenellate Aston castle was caught up in some of the action and turmoil that followed Robert the Bruce's ascent to the Scottish throne (1306) and Edward I death in 1307 1315 - castle pillaged and burnt by the Scots 1317 - castle seized again 1450 - castle described as ruined following the Anglo-Scottish war of 1448-9 1500s - castle changed hands from the de Raymes family to the Carnabys who made extensive repairs/changes 1654 - castle sold to William Collinson after the current owner, Ralph Carnaby, was penalised after the Civil War 1702 - castle sold to John Douglas - Aydon estate by this time is being used for farming 1751 - through marriage the castle and estate were and are still owned by the  Blackett family 1800s - castle deteriorated though the area around still being farmed 1830 - ground floor of cas...

1st June 2017 Also known as Bow and Arrow castle Evidence of a Saxon defence work previously 11th century - Castle constructed for William II, to protect the vulnerable Church Ope cove from enemy invasion 1142 - Robert, Earl of Gloucester captured the castle from King Stephen for the Empress Maud 1250s - Richard de Clare, Duke of Gloucester, had a licence to crenellate the castle 1432-1460 - the current ruins are thought to date back from 15th century, therefore possibly rebuilt during this time, funded by Richard Duke of York 1539-1541 - With the construction of Portland castle, Rufus castle fell into disuse and was prone to cliff erosion and collapse 1800 - John Penn, a politician and writer, became owner of the castle and enclosed it from the public You can only view the exterior of the castle, and even then unfortunately cannot view close up. It is a shame that you cannot explore more of the castle, we would've of loved to. Beautiful views however, if you walk u...

1st June 2017 No good picture unfortunately the best picture of the castle front would have to be taken from the sea! 1539/1540 - Castle built as part of essential anti-invasion measures, ordered by Henry VIII 1584-1586 - Due to the threat of Spanish invasion, the castle underwent improvements 1588 - Sir Walter Raleigh became captain of the castle and on recognising its potential, saw the need for effective armament Civil War - Isle of Portland was Royalist 1642 - Parliamentarians took control of the island and castle 1643 - Royalists retook the castle disguised as Parliamentary forces 1644 - a four month siege of the castle, Royalists Vs Parliamentarians however the castle remained a Royalist stronghold 1653 - The castle had a key role in protecting anchorage during the first Anglo-Dutch battle which occurred just off Portland  1655-1657 - castle used as a prison after the Battle of Worcester 1660 - Charles II on the throne, the garrison at Portland castle is re...

1st June 2017 1539 - castle is built by order of Henry VIII, to defend ships anchored in the Portland Roads. It is thought that stone from local churches was used to build the castle following the Dissolution of the Monastries 1584 - due to sea damage the castle was in poor condition 1610-1611 and 1623 - castle received essential repairs Civil War - castle was a Royalist stronghold 1644/1645 - Royalists abandoned the castle after it was no longer considered of use 1665 - Sandsfoot is removed from the Military Register 1691 - Sandsfoot ceases to be used as a storehouse and falls into ruins This is a very small castle, but worth a visit if you're in the area. The castle is now set within some pretty gardens and some lovely views looking towards Isle of Portland. Free entry  Parking on side of road near by No facilities No guidebooks, but an information panel Dogs allowed? N & K

31st May 2017 978 - Rumour has it that the site of today's Corfe Castle was the location for King Edward the Martyr's murder, by his stepmother 1086 - William the Conqueror began building the castle 1105 - Henry I is thought to be responsible for building the 23 metre tall stone keep 1106 - Henry I imprisons his brother, Robert of Normandy, at Corfe Castle, after seizing the throne 1130s - The castle finds itself in the midst of action during the Anarchy between Stephen and Matilda 1199 - 1214 - King John imprisons his niece, Princess Eleanor of Brittany at Corfe During King John's reign he was a frequent visitor to the castle, strengthening its defences and building the Gloriette 1220 - 1294 - Henry III and Edward I make several alterations to the castle, including converting from timber to stone, strengthening defences and adding towers Henry VII gifted the castle to his mother, Lady Margaret Beaufort 1509 - Lady Margaret dies and the castle is passed ba...

31st May 2017 1608-1610 - Thomas Howard built the castle 1641 - Humphrey Weld purchased the estate and castle from Thomas Howard Civil War - estate was taken by Parliamentarians Following the Civil War, Humphrey Weld refurbished the interior of the castle to make it suitable as the main residence for the family  1786 - a Roman Catholic church built near the castle/ on the estate French Revolution - surviving members of the French royal family used Lulworth Castle as one of their "residences-in-exile" 1929 - a fire broke out that devastated the castle, Lulworth castle burned for three days and eventually couldn't be saved due to lack of water 1970s - English Heritage restored the castle exterior This is a beautiful castle on the outside, the four round turrets and the entrance. It is quite a shock when you enter the castle as it is really just a shell. The interior is basically bare, as it has not been fully restored since the fire, however it is really int...

30th May 2017 No good picture! Aerial views are better 😉 This is the largest and most complex Iron Age hill fort in Britain 4000BC - evidence of occupation during the Neolithic period Iron Age - hill fort present Over the next 400 years the site of Maiden castle is a prominent settlement, being extended and re-fortified several times AD 43 - evidence of Roman occupation during the conquest During the Roman rule , the hill fort was abandoned as Romans had established in Dorchester/Durnovaria 4th century - a temple was built within the hill fort despite being abandoned Absolutely incredible to see, well worth a visit! It is difficult from the ground to appreciate the sheer size of Maiden castle (you would need a helicopter 😜 ) however we really enjoyed walking up and down each of "layers"/rings of the fort. There is quite a climb initially to the fort and it's worth walking along the top of the fort for nice views and also to look around the remains of the te...

30th May 2017 1592 - Sir Walter Raleigh acquired Sherborne Old Castle and tried to modernise 1594 - Instead he built a  rectangular house with 4 floors within the deer park 1600 - hexagonal turrets were added to all 4 corners 1617 - Sir John Digby adds 4 more wings giving Sherborne house a "H" shape , though still in keeping with the style of Raleigh This is an unusual "castle". If you are looking for your typical original and old castle you may be disappointed - it  is more like a manor house! The rooms are very beautiful though and the majority are open to the public. Views of the castle are very impressive from a distance and you can see it from Sherborne Old Castle too.  Entry fee Designated car park Shop, cafe and toilets Guidebooks are available (but they were expensive!) Dogs only allowed on leads around the grounds N & K

30th May 2017 1120s - the fortified palace was built by Roger, Bishop of Sarum (Salisbury) 1139 - castle passed into the ownership of the crown following Bishop Roger's death 1330 - Edward III granted the castle to its constable, William Montagu Thus followed much dispute about the castle's rightful owner  1357 - Bishop Robert Wyvil, the next owner, entertained the Black Prince at the castle 1592 - castle leased to Sir Walter Ralegh by Elizabeth I 1603 - following Elizabeth I death and the arrest of Sir Walter Ralegh for treason, castle remained in his wife's possession  1609 - James I brought the estate 1617 - estate sold to Sir John Digby  1642 - Civil War - castle initially in Royalist possession seiged and occupied by Parliamentarians for 4 months before being retaken by the Royalists 1645 - Civil War - 2nd seige, castle taken by Parliamentarians and ruined to prevent becoming a Royalist stronghold again.  We would suggest walk around the curtai...

30th May 2017 1390s - built for John, 5th Lord Lovell, this is a hexagonal castle! 1578 - the castle is modernised by Sir Matthew Arundel Civil War - during an attempt to reclaim the castle the owner partially blew up the castle! The damage caused was never repaired, partly because the lands/castle were confiscated from Henry Arundel after the Civil War 1700s - New Wardour castle is erected and the old castle becomes a popular, romantic ruin We loved how different this castle was to anything we've seen so far. The different colour brick work is beautiful and the architecture stunning. The views of the lake are pretty and make sure you walk around the perimeter of the castle because no side is the same. Audio tour worth it! The grotto in the gardens is fun to explore (and very romantic 😉 ) .  Owned by English heritage  Own car park Small shop and toilets Guidebook and audio tour  Dogs allowed  N & K  

29th May 2017 1300s - Sir Thomas Hungerford starts building the castle Early 1400s - Sir Thomas' son, Walter (1st Lord Hungerford) greatly extended the castle The castle remained in the Hungerford family for 3 centuries! Civil War - castle was Parliamentarian until the Kings capture. Minimal damage sustained to the castle 1686 - castle sold by Sir Edward Hungerford to Henry Baynton due to severe debt 1705 - castle sold for salvage and consequently fell into ruin Nice castle, although not much of the castle survives, its still characteristic. We especially liked the ruined towers and the Chapel/crypt - look out for some cool surprises in here! Would definitely recommend the audio tour !  Owned by English Heritage Designated car park Small shop and toilets Guidebooks and audio tour Dogs allowed  N & K 

29th May 2017 Late 1300s - castle built by a knight John de la Mare Lates 1400s - modernised by Londoner Richard Prater Civil War - castle remained in Prater family until it was ruined/besieged by Parlimentarians This castle is beautiful. Very magnificent on the outside. It's quite small and there is only a ground floor to the castle but it is very characteristic and we loved it! If you look closely you can tell where certain rooms were by the fireplaces / original features. Owned by English Heritage , f ree entry Car park - up the hill, past the castle  No facilities in actual castle - some in Nunney  No guidebook but information panels Dogs allowed N & K 

25th August 2016 1300s - main body of the castle seen today was built by Geoffrey Gilbert after marrying the heiress Joan de Compton in 1329 1400s - Manour house is enlarged 1785 - Reverend Edmund Gilbert sold Compton and moved to Cornwall 1931 - Walter Raleigh Gilbert brought the castle, bringing it back into the Gilbert family again and restoring the castle The castle is impressive to see from the outside on you approach up the drive. There are onlya handful of rooms open so it didn't take long to visit but worth it all the same. Many of the rooms are more modern with the exceptions of the kitchens and chapel. The rose and knot Gardens are pretty too.  Owned by National Trust Car park in front of castle and an overflow opposite Small shop Guidebooks available N & K 

25th August 2016 Built between 1522 and 1536, this small fort was the last line of defence after Dartmouth and Kingswear castles and the chain. There are 11 openings for where heavy guns would've been placed.  This site is owned by English Heritage and entry is free. It is an unmanned site and there are no facilities, but definitely worth a quick visit all the same.  N & K

25th August 2016 1388 - castle is built by the townspeople of Dartmouth under the "instruction" of mayor John Hawley - the purpose of the castle was to guard the town against the French raids during the Hundred Years' War Late 1400s - a gun tower was added - one of the first in Britain 1462 -  Edward IV granted money for the use a chain (from Dartmouth castle to Godmerock) for defence and this funding was continued by Henry VII Civil War - castle was sieged by the Royalists where it remained for over 2 years The castle has had a significant role in safeguarding Dartmouth harbour The castle was different to what we expected. The actual castle was brilliant - lovely and old, the guardhouse was interesting but more modern. Lovely views back to Dartmouth and across to Kingswear.  Owned by English Heritage Very limited car parking - park and ride then approximately 1 mile walk or castle ferry. Toilets, shop, cafe N & K 

24th August 2016 Lydford castle began as a Norman fort 1068 - the castle was used to control the Devonian rebellion against the Norman Conquest Mid 1100s - the Norman fort was abandoned 1195 - Richard Earl of Cornwall reconstructs a castle to restore law and order - serving as a courthouse and prison until the construction of Princetown prison in the 1800s Nice little castle, definitely had the prison feel! Well preserved. Not lots to see but worth a visit. We also walked to and around Lydford Gorge which is also worth the visit (owned by National Trust). Owned by English Heritage, free entry Free car park opposite Information leaflet in church next door Audio guide downloadable from English heritage website N & K

24th August 2016 W e're back! Uni is complete so castle hunting resumes. 1068 - building of the castle begins by Baldwin de Brionne 1173 - castle passed to Courtenay family through marriage Wars of the Roses - the Courtenay were heavily involved in these wars - originally fighting for the Yorkists and then becoming Lancastrian 1461 - Thomas de Courtenay dies following the Battle of Towton and Edward IV confiscates the castle Henry VI returns the castle to the Courtenay family 1539 - Henry VIII executes Henry Courtenay and the castle once again becomes Crown property where it later falls into decay The castle reminds us a lot of Launceston Castle. Much of it is still intact. It's set on a hill, with the bailey buildings such as the great hall, kitchens and chapel, then the castle keep on the motte. There's a lovely woodland walk around the castle. Lovely views of surrounding area/deer park. There is an interesting garderobe/latrine system!  Owned by English...

27 th June 2015 Old Sarum sits on the site of an Iron Age hill fort 1067-1070 - William the Conqueror builds a wooden castle in the centre of the hill fort Henry I reign - castle is reconstructed in stone 1075 - Herman Bishop of Ramsbury created a cathedral at the site 1130 - castle acquired by Bishop Roger of Sarum 1139 - during Bishop Roger's downfall the castle was passed back to the King Queen Eleanor of Aquitaine was kept under house arrest here During the reigns of King Richard I and John, the castle was well looked after 1220s - Bishop Richard Poore decided to build a new catherdral Castle was later abandoned by the clergy and eventually the Crown lost interest in the castle too This was another fascinating site and much remains considering the age of site/buildings. We did the audio tour which was interesting. There was plenty to see, though not much is undercover so good/dry weather would be required! Owned by English Heritage Designated car par...