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Bamburgh Castle at Dawn
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Church of St. Michael , Castle Frome, Herefordshire standing in the north part of the parish, is built of local sandstone
In 1086 Castle Frome belonged to Roger de Lacy, who inherited numerous estates in Herefordshire and Shropshire from his father Walter who died in 1085. The family was based at Weobley, and their lands included 58 manors valued in 1086 at £234.00 at least, an enormous sum for the time - Castle Frome named Brismerfrum after its pre-Conquest owner Brihtmer (with Brichtmer(es)froma and Castelli in the margin). Walter a great benefactor, is thought to have built an earlier church and also a motte & bailey castle which survives as a small mound 350 yards to the east.
Son Roger de Lacy was banished in 1096 when the estates passed to his brother Hugh who died c1115 and whose only child Sybil married Payn FitzJohn, who thus inherited most of the Lacy fortune Sybil survived her husband who died in 1137
The present chancel and nave were built in the first half of the 12c, possibly by Sybil and her husband. The magnificent carved font installed c1150 www.flickr.com/gp/52219527@N00/0E731B may also be thanks to Sybil.
High on a window ledge in the chancel is a small carved figure of a knight holding a heart, possibly Adam de Lacy (d.1297) Stolen in 2012, he was returned in 2014 www.flickr.com/gp/52219527@N00/1c8J19
Restoration took place in 15c with the installation of windows and new roofs in the nave and chancel
The tower has 3 bells, one inscribed in lombardic capitals "Mauddillamor. W.T." probably mediæval.
The Unett family acquired the manor on the marriage in 1432 of John Unett with heiress Elizabeth Brace grand daughter of lord of the manor Sir William Devereux a descendant of the Lacys - there is a tomb by the altar steps of mid 17c www.flickr.com/gp/52219527@N00/k2i0jc
All restored in 1878 when the bell-turret was re-built and the north vestry and south porch added.
Hochosterwitz Castle (also known as Burg Hochosterwitz) is considered to be one of Austria's most impressive medieval castles. It is situated on a 160 metres (520 ft) Dolomite rock near Sankt Georgen am Längsee, east of the town of Sankt Veit an der Glan in Carinthia. The castle can be seen from about 30 km (19 mi) away on a clear day. First mentioned in 860.
Bran Castle is a castle in the Romanian village of Bran, 16 miles southwest of Brașov. It is a national monument and landmark in Romania.
Commonly known outside Romania as Dracula's Castle, it is often erroneously referred to as the home of the title character in Bram Stoker's Dracula. There is no evidence that Stoker knew anything about this castle, which has only vague associations with Vlad the Impaler, the assumed inspiration for Dracula.
The castle is now a museum dedicated to displaying art and furniture collected by Queen Marie the last Queen of Romania as the wife of King Ferdinand I.
Kenilworth Castle, near Coventry, England, is an excellent example of how some castles evolved from relatively humble origins into powerful fortresses and then into comfortable homes and palaces.
For a dramatic silhouette view, please link below :
www.flickr.com/photos/59303791@N00/1025219339/
Fortress
The castle began as a Norman motte and bailey castle of earth and timber, erected between 1100 and 1135 by Geoffrey de Clinton, Chamberlain to Henry I. In the reign of King John (1199-1216) major work was undertaken to make the castle a strongly defended royal fortress. Kenilworth Castle’s defensive capabilities were tested in 1265 when the castle was held by a garrison of 1,200 rebels. Kenilworth castle did not witness any further military action until the Civil War in 1649 when the castle was used as a garrison by both Royalists and Parliamentarians.
Tudor Palace
Between 1361-1399 the building programme of the Duke of Lancaster John of Gaunt, changed the castle’s role from defensive to palatial. Domestic buildings were added and work began to make the castle more comfortable. The castle once again became a royal residence when Gaunt’s son became King Henry IV. In 1553, John Dudley, Duke of Northumberland, was granted the castle. Both he and his niece Lady Jane Grey were executed for treason by Queen Mary. However, the castle was regained ten years later by his son Robert Dudley, a favourite of Queen Elizabeth I, whom she made Earl of Leicester. The castle now entered its most romantic period as Dudley completed the transformation of Kenilworth to a stately Elizabethan palace. Elizabeth did indeed visit several times, the most famous being in 1575 when she stayed for nineteen days.
Castle Ward
Co Down, Northern Ireland.
Castle Ward has been the home of the Ward family since ca. 1570.
The current building was built in the early 1760's.
The house and its gardens were presented to the National Trust in 1952.
This is an exposure fusion (9 shots) of Bamburgh Castle.
Beautiful place! I ran around the sand dunes.
The best preserved medieval castle in Czech republic.
"Hard as a bone (Kost)"
Český ráj, Czech republic
Castle Campbell is a medieval castle situated above the town of Dollar, Clackmannanshire, in central Scotland. It was the lowland seat of the earls and dukes of Argyll, chiefs of Clan Campbell, from the 15th to the 19th century, and was visited by Mary, Queen of Scots, in the 16th century.
History
The castle was originally known as Castle Gloom, possibly deriving from the Scottish Gaelic: glom, meaning a chasm, and referring to the narrow gorges to either side of the site. The naturally defended position may have been the site of a motte in the 12th century. The present tower was built in around 1430 for John Stewart, Lord Lorn, (d.1463) or one of his kinsmen.
In 1465 the property was acquired by Colin Campbell, 1st Earl of Argyll, (d.1493) on his marriage to Isabel, Lord Lorn's daughter. The first historical record of the castle dates from the following year, when Pope Paul II issued a bull against Walter Stewart, son of Lord Lorn, for attacking and damaging the "Place of Glowm". Argyll, who was at the papal court at the time, may have been instrumental in arranging the Pope's intervention. The tower shows signs of early rebuilding following this episode.
The acquisition of Gloom expanded the power of the Campbells from Argyll in the west into central Scotland, and suited his position as Master of the Household to James III, which required his frequent presence at court. In 1488 Argyll petitioned the newly crowned James IV to formally change the name of Gloom to Castle Campbell, and this was done by an act of parliament. The change in name may imply that the term "castle" was seen as particularly prestigious, requiring royal approval for its use. At this time, the castle would have comprised the tower house, with other buildings arranged around the courtyard, and gardens outside. The east range was probably added first, and some time after the accession of the 2nd Earl in 1493 the large south range was begun. This building shows the influence of the contemporary works at Stirling Castle, now known as the King's Old Building. It included a state apartment of hall, outer chamber and bedchamber, with large south-facing windows overlooking the gardens and the view across the Devon Valley. The range also provided additional private lodgings, and was accessed via two symmetrically placed stairways facing the courtyard
16th century
In the 16th century, the 4th Earl of Argyll (d.1558) embraced the cause of religious Reformation, and became one of the leading Protestant lords of his day. His family supported the Calvinist preacher John Knox while he was in Scotland in the 1550s. Knox visited Castle Campbell and preached there, some time in 1556. In January 1563 Mary, Queen of Scots, stayed at Castle Campbell on the occasion of the marriage of Margaret, sister to the 5th Earl of Argyll, and James Stewart, Lord Doune. However, on the marriage of Queen Mary and Lord Darnley two years later, Argyll joined other Protestant lords in rebellion. During the Chaseabout Raid which followed, Mary and Darnley received the surrender of Castle Campbell. In the more peaceful 1590s Archibald Campbell, 7th Earl of Argyll, rebuilt the east range of the castle to link the south range with refurbished guest chambers in the tower. The new work consisted of a fine two-arched loggia facing the courtyard, with a façade of polished ashlar masonry above. Behind this were galleries, fashionable additions to the accommodation within the castle, and new stairs to north and south. The east range has been compared to the north courtyard façade at Crichton Castle which was erected around the same time. An inventory of 1595 records the furniture, tapestries, carpets and other items in each room of the castle, including a total of 47 beds.
Destruction and later history
The Earls of Argyll continued to support the Protestant cause, and in the religious conflicts of the mid-17th century Archibald Campbell, 8th Earl of Argyll, became the leader of the Presbyterian Covenanters, in opposition to the leading Royalist James Graham, 1st Marquess of Montrose. In 1645 Montrose's troops, on their way to the Battle of Kilsyth, laid waste to the lands around Castle Campbell, including Dollar and Muckhart. Many of Montrose's men were MacLeans, long-standing adversaries of the Campbells. The castle itself was undamaged, and no siege was attempted. In response, Argyll ordered the destruction of Menstrie Castle and Airthrie Castle, both seats of Royalists. After the execution of Charles I the Campbells initially supported Charles II, with Argyll placing the crown of Scotland on Charles' head at Scone in 1651. However, Argyll opposed Charles' invasion of England, and in 1652 he submitted to Oliver Cromwell's Commonwealth. Cromwell's forces were garrisoned in Castle Campbell in 1653. In July 1654, Royalist rebels attacked and burned Castle Campbell over two nights.
Argyll was executed following the Restoration of 1660 and his son, the 9th Earl, built Argyll's Lodging in Stirling rather than renovate Castle Campbell. Apart from being briefly garrisoned during the Jacobite rising of 1715 the castle was abandoned, and in 1805 the 6th Duke of Argyll sold it to Crawford Tait of Harviestoun, an adjacent estate. In 1859 Harviestoun, and Castle Campbell, was bought by businessman and former Lord Provost of Glasgow Sir Andrew Orr. His son James Orr had excavations carried out at the castle in the 1870s, turning up fragments of stained glass from the windows of the south range.
In 1948 the then-owners of the Harviestoun estate gave Dollar Glen to the National Trust for Scotland, who arranged for the castle to be cared for by the Ministry of Works. Restoration works have included a new roof on the tower, and excavations in the 1980s which revealed charred timbers from the 1654 burning. The castle is now managed by Historic Scotland. [Wikipedia]
View of the Wachau Valley from the castle above Dürnstein.
It was worth the hike. Shelly and I were not planning on going to the top, but somehow after wandering around town we found a path leading up the hill. Spectacular views and several benches along the way to stop to rest. We were surprised that only two other people were at the top and they left soon after we arrived. We had the place to ourselves.
Castle Howard, a magnificent 18th-century stately home in York, England, is an architectural masterpiece set within 1,000 acres of breathtaking parkland. Designed by Sir John Vanbrugh for the 3rd Earl of Carlisle, its baroque grandeur is evident in its majestic domes, ornate interiors, and extensive art collection. Visitors can explore beautifully landscaped gardens, serene lakes, and woodland paths, offering picturesque views year-round. The estate also hosts various events, including historical tours, weddings, and seasonal festivities, making it a vibrant cultural hub. Castle Howard’s rich history and stunning beauty make it a must-visit destination for history enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.
Ogmore Castle guards a major fording place into southern Wales, and sits on flat land rather than atop a ridge-crest where nature would have provided extra defense. From Ogmore and its sisters at Coity and Newcastle at Bridgend, Welsh access to this Norman lordship was effectively barred. The Normans made their claim to this area as early as 1116, when William de Londres established the first castle (a ringwork or motte) at the site. The surviving earthworks, encompassing an inner ward with a ditch that filled during high tide, may date to this original stronghold.
Not surprisingly, the earth and timber fortification was quickly reinforced with stone, and included a great keep, the remains of which may still be explored. Situated next to the entrance into the inner ward, this rectangular great tower was probably built by Maurice de Londres, William's son, soon after his father's death in 1126. Once rising three stories and 40 feet high, the structure is extensively ruined, but impressive nonetheless. The first story contained the great hall, with an ornate fireplace and elaborate windows. A staircase led from the hall to the floor above, which served as apartments for the lord and his family, and a trap-door opened from the hall down into the basement. A well-preserved latrine tower adjoins the residential complex.
A proper castle with towers in the corners and a moat filled with water! A "must visit" National trust property.
The small, but very attractive castle of Fordyce, is in the village of the same name, a few miles south west of Portsoy in Banffshire. It was built in the late 16th century by Thomas Menzies, with a later addition – the building to the left. The building is particularly well supplied with shot-holes, for keeping unwelcome guests at bay, some containing 3 or 4 cut through a single stone. There are 2 angle turrets, which allow defenders within, to cover all the exterior walls with musket fire.
Castle Fraser is the most elaborate Z-plan castle in Scotland and one of the grandest 'Castles of Mar'. It is located near Kemnay in the Aberdeenshire region of Scotland. The castle stands in over 300 acres (1.2 km2) of landscaped grounds, woodland and farmland which includes a walled kitchen garden of the 19th century. There is archaeological evidence of an older square tower dating from around 1400 or 1500 within the current construction.
Originally known as Muchall-in-Mar, construction of the elaborate, five-storey Z-plan castle was begun in 1575 by the 6th Laird of Fraser, Michael Fraser, on the basis of an earlier tower, and was completed in 1636. A panel on the northern side of the castle is signed "I Bel", believed to be the mark of the master mason John Bell of Midmar, the castle is a joint creation over several decades with another master mason of this period, Thomas Leiper.
Castle Fraser is contemporary with other nearby castles: Craigievar Castle, Crathes Castle and Midmar Castle which are also believed to have been designed by the Bell family of master masons.
The castle was modernised in a classical style in the late 18th century, with a new entrance inserted in the south side and sash windows throughout. This work was supervised by Elyza Fraser, the lady laird. Elyza was also responsible for the landscaping of the grounds, sweeping away the remains of the original formal gardens and orchards, and for the construction of the impressive octagonal stable block.
The interiors of the building were entirely reconstructed again between 1820 and 1850, by Charles Fraser, using the architects John Smith and William Burn. The Library is a fine example of John Smith's regency style with Tudor detailing. Many of William Burn's more extravagant gothic designs for the most important rooms were not carried out, although a gothic style pipe organ was installed (now removed to Kemnay Church).
External works during this period included the construction of the twin gatehouses (still extant), and a grand domed stair and access corridors with loggias in the courtyard (removed).
The castle was given a partial 'restoration' by the new owners around 1950. The architect and antiquary Dr William Kelly supervised the removal of much 19th-century work to reveal the earlier fabric.
Castle Fraser retains the atmosphere of a family home and still contains the original contents, including Fraser family portraits, furniture and collections. The evocative interiors represent all periods of the castle's history, from the Medieval stone vaulted Great Hall to the Regency Dining Room.
Castle Fraser was built as the home of the Frasers of Muchalls, later Frasers of Castle Fraser. The castle was passed down through the Lords Fraser, the Frasers of Inverallochy and then the Mackenzie family who took the name Mackenzie Fraser. In 1897 the last male Fraser of the direct line, Frederick Mackenzie Fraser, died childless. In 1921 his widow, Theodora, sold the castle due to the lack of a suitable heir and mounting financial difficulties. The buyer was Weetman Pearson, 1st Viscount Cowdray. The Pearson family restored the castle as a shooting lodge and gave it to the National Trust for Scotland in 1976.
Vajdahunyad Castle was built in 1896 as part of the Millennial Exhibition which celebrated the 1,000 years of Hungary. The castle was designed by Ignác Alpár to feature copies of several landmark buildings from different parts the Kingdom of Hungary, especially the Hunyad Castle in Transylvania (now in Romania). As the castle contains parts of buildings from various time periods, it displays different architectural styles: Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque. Originally, it was made from cardboard and wood, but it became so popular that it was rebuilt from stone and brick between 1904 and 1908. Today, it houses the Museum of Hungarian Agriculture, the biggest agricultural museum in Europe.
Huntly Castle is a ruined castle in Huntly in Aberdeenshire, Scotland. It was the ancestral home of the chief of Clan Gordon, Earl of Huntly. Architecturally the L plan castle consists of a well-preserved five-story tower with an adjoining great hall and supporting buildings. Areas of the original ornate facade and interior stonework remain. A mound in the grounds of the castle is all that remains of an earlier 12th century motte. Originally named Strathbogie, the castle was granted to Sir Adam Gordon of Huntly in the 14th century. King Robert the Bruce was a guest of the castle in 1307 prior to his defeat of the Earl of Buchan.
It was fired in 1452 by a force under the command of Archibald Douglas, Earl of Moray. In 1449 the king was at war with the powerful Black Douglases, the Gordons stood on the king’s side and, with their men involved in the south of the country, the Earl of Moray, a brother of the Earl of Douglas, took the opportunity to sack the Gordon lands, setting Huntly Castle ablaze. The Gordons returned and quickly destroyed their enemies.[citation needed] Although the castle was burned to the ground, a grander castle was built in its place. In 1496, the pretender to the English throne Perkin Warbeck was married to Catherine Gordon at Huntly Castle, an act witnessed by King James IV of Scotland.
Wings were added to the castle in the 16th and 17th centuries. In 1640 it was occupied by the Scottish Covenantor army under Major-General Robert Monro (d. 1680). The parson of Rothiemay tells us how the house ‘was preserved from being rifled or defaced, except some emblems and imagery, which looked somewhat popish and superstitious lycke; and therefore, by the industry of one captain James Wallace (one of Munro’s foote captaines) were hewd and brocke doune off the frontispiece of the house; but all the rest of the frontispiece containing Huntly’s scutcheon, etc, was left untouched, as it stands to this daye’.
Captured in October 1644, the castle was briefly held by James Graham, 1st Marquess of Montrose against the Duke of Argyll. In 1647 it was gallantly defended against General David Leslie by Lord Charles Gordon, but its 'Irish' garrison was starved into surrender. Savage treatment was meted out, for the men were hanged and their officers beheaded. In December of the same year Huntly himself was captured and on his way to execution at Edinburgh was detained, by a refinement of cruelty, in his own mansion. His escort were shot against its walls. In 1650 Charles II visited briefly on his way to the Battle of Worcester, defeat and exile. The Civil War brought an end to the Gordon of Huntly family's long occupation of the castle.
In the early eighteenth century it was already in decay and providing material for predatory house builders in the village. In 1746, during the Jacobite Risings, it was occupied by British Government troops. Thereafter, it became a common quarry until a groundswell of antiquarian sentiment in the 19th Century came to the rescue of the noble pile.
Huntly Castle remained under the ownership of the Clan Gordon until 1923. Today, the remains of the castle are cared for by Historic Scotland.
Conwy Castle is a medieval fortification, built by Edward I, during his conquest of Wales, between 1283 and 1289.
Constructed as part of a wider project to create the walled town of Conwy, the combined defences cost around £15,000, a huge sum for the period. Over the next few centuries, the castle played an important part in several wars. It withstood the siege of Madog ap Llywelyn in the winter of 1294–95, acted as a temporary haven for Richard II in 1399 and was held for several months by forces loyal to Owain Glyndŵr in 1401.
Following the outbreak of the English Civil War in 1642, the castle was held by forces loyal to Charles I, holding out until 1646 when it surrendered to the Parliamentary armies. In the aftermath the castle was partially slighted by Parliament to prevent it being used in any further revolt, and was finally completely ruined in 1665 when its remaining iron and lead was stripped and sold off.
Conwy Castle became an attractive destination for painters in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Visitor numbers grew and initial restoration work was carried out in the second half of the 19th century. In the 21st century the ruined castle is managed by Cadw as a tourist attraction.
This is the north wall of Castle Lachlan. The solitary window up near the parapet corbel course, is probably in the connecting block, and the opening below and to the left of it is the opening of a garderobe chute. M&R state, referring to a flue from the battlements, that "We have been informed that in one of these flues there was found, about twelve years ago (so 1870s), a number of small square tiles with Scripture subjects painted on them."
Like the south-west corner, the north-east corner of the castle has collapsed - and perhaps for the same reason. They are both reported to have one had "overhanging" turrets. M&R again tell us that:
The writer of the MS. saw it then with all its external walls entire, "ramparted on the four sides, and with embrasures at equal distances apart." He further says: "The north corner" (now fallen) "had a jetty, substantially trussed, attached to it." This doubtless means an over-hanging turret. The west corner (south-west on Plan) was surmounted by a small tower or lantern, which served the double purpose of watchtower and beacon for the guidance of friends who might be seaward ; while on the south wall there was a gable (called a pediment) " which helped to support a conical roof over the main staircase."
St. George's Castle (1482) in Elmina, Ghana, is one of the oldest European structures in sub-Saharan Africa.
The castle ruins enjoy a superb setting above the cliffs overlooking the North Sea near North Berwick. I had been inspired to visit by a photograph in my recently-acquired tome, the ‘AA Treasures of Great Britain’. The lavish illustrations set me on a course that would continue for the next +40 years in my life, I made it my mission to explore every corner of the British Isles. Over that period, I pretty well managed to achieve that goal, with only the West Cumberland Coast, North Cornwall and a slew of Scottish islands escaping my attention. I soon learnt that one visit was never enough, as there were always fresh facets to explore. I hope I could one day return to Tantallon Castle and this corner of East Lothian - I am sure I would find fresh vistas to photograph.
August 1973
Zorki 4 camera
Agfa CT18 film.
Norham Castle, near Berwick On Tweed, was founded in 1099 AD adjacent to the River Tweed. It suffered many attacks from the Scots and was abandoned after 1596 as Queen Elizabeth refused to spend any more money on it.
The painter, J.M.W. Turner painted the ruins in 1797 and returned several times after that.
Dunstanburgh Castle is built on a rocky cliff top overlooking the North Sea on the east coast of Northumberland. It's position is remote and only accessible on foot. It was built by Thomas of Lancaster on a massive scale in 1313. Thomas of Lancaster was the nephew of Edward 1st and the Gatehouse at Dunstanburgh has similarities to those of Edward 1st's castles in Wales although Dunstanburgh Is considerably larger. In addition to providing the entrance to the castle the Gatehouse contained a Great Hall and accomodation. There was a Courtyard behind the Gatehouse which served an an Inner Bailey. The walled Outer Bailey is substantial but there is little evidence of permanent buildings within. The South and West walls on the landward sides were of stronger construction than those on the East and North sides which were protected by substantial drops from the cliff top to the rocks below. For a short period Sir John Lilburn, a well known local bandit, served as Constable of the Castle. In 1322 Thomas of Lancaster was involved in a rebellion against Edward 11. He was captured at Boroughbridge then executed. Dunstanburgh passed into Royal ownership. In 1362 it came into the possession of John of Gaunt who was a Warden of the English East March and responsible for securing the north east border with Scotland. He built an additional Gatehouse in the West wall in 1383. There was always a threat from the French who were allied with the Scots and Dunstanburgh, in its coastal position, was well placed in the event of invasion. It also provided a refuge for the local population in the case of raids from the Scots or Reivers. The Castle saw some action in the Wars of the Roses but was largely redundant by the late 16th century.
6,000-feet tall glacier-polished crags along the Sacramento River with a view of Mt. Shasta. Castle Crags State Park, part of the Shasta-Trinity National Forest.
We did not attempt the hike because it was blazingly hot that day - nearly 100 degrees !
Discover a hidden gem at Hearst Castle—its intricately detailed coffered ceilings, like the one featured here, are a testament to master craftsmanship. This stunning wooden ceiling features finely carved figures encased within geometric frames, each telling a story rooted in history and art. Notice the central figure, which resembles a classical Madonna, flanked by symbolic depictions of figures in armor and religious attire. This ceiling is not only a work of art but also a nod to Hearst’s eclectic tastes, blending European Renaissance styles with a uniquely American grandeur.
The wooden panels are rich in texture, showcasing the high level of craftsmanship brought to life by artisans handpicked by William Randolph Hearst himself. The patterns, borders, and carvings create a sense of depth and opulence while preserving the warm, rustic charm of the material. These ceilings were inspired by European cathedrals and castles, with their intricate designs conveying themes of spirituality, power, and nobility. The natural woodgrain enhances the rich narrative woven into the architectural elements.
Visitors to Hearst Castle are often captivated by these ceiling masterpieces, which are as much a part of the experience as the expansive views and lavish interiors. Beyond their beauty, these ceilings serve as a portal into the mind of Hearst, reflecting his passion for art, history, and craftsmanship.
Enjoyed converting this image into a black and white image - the clouds were spectacular! For post-processing info, check out my blog at www.digitalladysyd.com/?p=5164.