Stafford Castle – Castle Review

May 3, 2020May 3, 2020 Isobel Walster49 Comments

Built: 1347 Location: Stafford ST16 1DJ History: First built as a hugh timber fortrest in 1100 AD by Robert de Toeni, (later known as Robert of Stafford) under the orders of William the Conqueror in the Norman period, Stafford Castle has dominated the local skyline for over 900 years. It saw action during the Civil War, when it withstood… Continue reading Stafford Castle – Castle Review

Bolsover Castle – Castle Review

April 19, 2020February 17, 2021 Isobel Walster24 Comments

Built: 1613 Location: Bolsover, Chesterfield S44 6PR History: The castle was founded in the late 11th century by William Peverel, one of William the Conqueror's knights, but it was neglected from the mid-14th century. Its ruins provided the setting for the Little Castle begun in 1612 by Sir Charles Cavendish as a retreat from his principal seat… Continue reading Bolsover Castle – Castle Review

Castles · Day Trips

Warwick Castle – Castle Review

April 12, 2020April 12, 2020 Isobel Walster25 Comments

Built: 1068 Location: Warwick CV34 4QU History: Warwick Castle is a medieval castle developed from a wooden fort, originally built by William the Conqueror during 1068. Warwick is the county town of Warwickshire, England, situated on a bend of the River Avon. The original wooden motte-and-bailey castle was rebuilt in stone during the 12th century. Review: So I've… Continue reading Warwick Castle – Castle Review

Big Trips · Castles · Day Trips

Dolbadarn Castle – Castle Review

March 29, 2020March 29, 2020 Isobel Walster35 Comments

Built: Between 1220s and 1230s Location: Caernarfon LL55 4UB History: Dolbadarn Castle is a fortification built by the Welsh prince Llywelyn the Great during the early 13th century, at the base of the Llanberis Pass, in northern Wales. The castle was important both militarily and as a symbol of Llywelyn's power and authority. The castle features a large stone keep, which historian Richard Avent considers "the… Continue reading Dolbadarn Castle – Castle Review

Big Trips · Castles · Day Trips

Valle Crucis Abbey

March 8, 2020March 8, 2020 Isobel Walster38 Comments

Built: 1553-1560s Location: Llangollen LL20 8DD History: Valle Crucis was truly Welsh from the moment it was founded in 1201 by Prince Madog ap Gruffydd and the ‘white monks’ of the Cistercian order. Its Latin name (Valley of the Cross) refers to the nearby ninth-century Pillar of Eliseg, erected for the glory of a Welsh chieftain. Monks had… Continue reading Valle Crucis Abbey