Here is a list of castles in the London area. Used as a poor house in the 17–19th centuries. Highclere Castle, Berkshire Probably one of the most famous castles in England, fans of Downton Abbey will instantly recognise Highclere Castle as the home of the Crawley family. First built in the 12th century, the castle was later the property of Richard III. Bolton Castle was once a defensive fortress as well as a luxurious family estate. As a country resident of the British monarchy, the Windsor castle sits upon an extensive 13-acre of land. Largely rebuilt in the 16–18th centuries. Scroll through below to enjoy some of the finest castles and manor homes that England has to … Barracks for English troops were created underneath the castle in tunnels. Today, visitors to the white cliffs of Dover are able to uncover the secret tunnels, become immersed in its medieval interiors, or climb the Great Tower. This article discusses the oldest castles in England. Castles such as Herstmonceux were built with fortifications seemingly designed more for show than for strength,[19] implying a further evolution in the role and concept of the castle, becoming less a means of enforcing power but instead a symbol of its possession, a castle becoming a grand residence proclaiming the status of its owner. Surrounded by 1000 acres of parkland, Highclere Castle was the home of Carnarvon family that lived there ever since the castle was built. Bamburgh Castle, Northumberland . Alnwick Castle, Northumberland Famed for being used today in Harry Potter films, this castle is well strategically placed on the banks of the river Aln where it protects a crossing point. Lacking a central keep, the castle’s chambers … Visitors of the castle can peruse rooms like the old kitchens, the nursery, the great chamber, Mary Queen of Scots’ bedroom, the armory, and even the dungeon. 18th-century farmhouse built within ruins. Many castles were owned by royal families or by wealthy people in society. Featured Historic Hotel. Gatehouse of house sacked during English Civil War, with 19th-century alterations. It was originally built in the 11th century following the Norman invasion of England led by William the Conqueror. The Neuschwanstein Castle really looks like a fairytale castle, it is one of the most visited castles in Germany and one of the most popular tourist destination in Europe. Altered in 13th century to form enclosure castle, abandoned by 1485. Originally built in the 11th century, this is also the oldest occupied castle in the world, having been home to the families of kings and queens for a thousand years. 6 The Windsor Castle in Windsor, Berkshire, England is a royal residence at Windsor popular for its long association with the English and later British royal family and for its architecture. These are truly spectacular homes with a great deal of history to them. Altered and remodelled in the 17–20th century. The Underground Hospital is a part of the Dover Castle that dates back to the 11th Century. Once symbols of power and prestige, they now stand as monuments to hundreds of years of history. Alnwick Castle was also used as the location for part of the filming of Downton Abbey. Prison from 1745, 20th-century Shire Hall replaced medieval buildings, now. Surrounded by 1000 acres of parkland, Highclere Castle was the home of Carnarvon family that lived there ever since the castle was built. The grounds at Windsor contain a large church, several homes, and the royal palace. Converted into mansion in the 17th century. A few castles are known to have been built in England before the Normans invaded in 1066;[4] a great many were built in the years following, the principal mechanism by means of which the Normans were able to consolidate their control over the country. Famous Castles 2013. Edgar Tower, now the entrance to College Green, may incorporate the remains of a castle gatehouse. The criteria adopted for inclusion in the list include such factors as: how much survives from the medieval period; how strongly fortified the building was; how castle-like the surviving building is; whether the building has been given the title of "castle"; how certain it is that a medieval castle stood on the site, or that the surviving remains are those of a medieval castle; how well-known or interesting the building is; and whether including or excluding a building helps make the list, in some measure, more consistent. Well-preserved gatehouse survives, barns used for events. Remains incorporated in a 19th-century house. Often known as the oldest and largest inhabited castle in the world, the Windsor Castle is among the many official residences of England’s Queen Elizabeth. [32] Many other buildings with some castle-like features are also excluded. Less than 100 miles from London, the stately Warwick Castle is known for its superb medieval interior and great period re-enactments. Some of the most popular of these include: The Tower of London Being situated along the River Thames in the heart of London, this castle is one of England's best known. Today the castle is one of the best preserved castles in the whole of North Wales. 16th-century house built within the castle. During the 14th century, largely as a result of the decline of feudalism,[9] the construction of strong castles began to decline, in favour of more lightly fortified structures often described as fortified manor houses. Additionally, the castle has also been used as a location for feature films such as Robin hood: Prince of Thieves, The Black Adder, and Becket. Constructed in the 11th century after the Norman invasion of England, the castle features Georgian, Victorian, Gothic, Baroque, and modern architecture. However carefully the criteria for including a building or site on this list are set out, borderline cases are inevitable. [207], † Goltho Castle was built on the site of a Saxon fortified dwelling of c. 850, established by excavation. World’s Most Beautiful Castles: Windsor Castle, England. However, previously the site was owned by Bishops of Winchester and an earlier home stood in the place of where Highclere Castle is … Demolished in 1651, later mansion on site, a much-restored 14th-century gatehouse remains. The Romans also built town or city walls in England, which can still be seen, for instance at Silchester. The United Kingdom has proud Royal traditions that are known around the world, so it’s only fitting that some of the most beautiful and grand castles in the world are found in England, Scotland and Wales. The credit for its construction can be given to Bavaria’s King Ludwig II who chose it to be used as a retreat for himself. Single tower survives, adjoining a 17th-century building. Very late castle, designed to defend against artillery. Cliff-top position, site partly occupied by a 19th-century building. Remodelled in the 18th and 19th centuries. As it stands now, the castle will be around for many years to come. However, this residence is much more than just a castle. [22] In the 18th and 19th centuries especially, many castles underwent "improvements" by architects such as Anthony Salvin, and in this period a fashion developed for entirely new houses to be built in the style of castles, and to be known as castles. A mini guide … Today, the castle is on display and is the home site to an original 1215 Magna Carta. By Amelia Meyer. Initially used in the Napoleonic times to shelter troops and as an air raid cover during the World War II, the place underwent a huge transformation during the 1940's as an underground hospital to act as the Medical Dressing Station for the injured troops. 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