Castles

PEMBROKE, WALES—According to a report from BBC News, a team from Dyfed Archaeology Trust has conducted a geophysical survey at Pembroke Castle, which was built in the eleventh century, to look for structures destroyed at the end of the medieval period. Parch marks on the ground, seen in aerial photographs taken in 2013, suggested possible outlines … Continue reading »

Meissen Porcelain has been considered one of the great German luxury brands since the 1700’s – and has an intriguing history, as the creation of porcelain was a basic by-product of making something else. It was, as with many great inventions, an accident and a surprise. Here is the story: porcelain was NOT invented in … Continue reading »

Castleforbes HouseThe largest estate in County Longford, Castleforbes demesne has been home to the Earls of Granard since the early seventeenth century. The castellated neo-Gothic Castle, in the style of the better known Tullynally Castle in neighbouring Westmeath, forms the centrepiece of a complex assemblage of historic buildings which still serve a working demesne with … Continue reading »

Queen Elizabeth II owns a huge property empire, most of which she couldn’t sell if she wanted to.WPA Pool / Pool / GettyThe Royal Family has come under fire after it emerged that Buckingham Palace would be undergoing £369 million of renovations. While the Queen’s administrative residence attracts millions of tourists every year and is … Continue reading »

Last Sunday I took a walk with Inka which I had been intending to do all summer. I chose the best day, for it was sunny and mild. I headed for St Cyrus Parish Church and the track leading to the clifftop walk. There’s a small parking area for half a dozen cars and from … Continue reading »

Humble, charming little Wales is a land of lusty men’s choirs, salty harbors, slate-roofed villages, stunning mountains and stout castles. In fact, Wales is slathered with castles. During the late 13th and early 14th centuries, English King Edward I started building these awe-inspiring fortresses — arguably the most breathtaking you’ll find anywhere in Europe — … Continue reading »

Image copyright Castle Studies Trust Researchers believe they might have uncovered the location of Henry VII’s birthplace at Pembroke Castle. Aerial photographs from 2013 gave glimpses of what lay beneath the surface, with parch marks revealing possible buildings. A geophysical survey has now confirmed the outline of a late-medieval building in the outer ward, where … Continue reading »

Bah humbug! Traffic wardens slap parking fines on the vehicles of officials delivering a Christmas tree to the Queen  Delegates from Coburg in Germany were handed penalty charge noticesA Mini and a van were fined as the 40ft fir was delivered to Windsor CastleTree delivered to the town and installed behind statue of Queen VictoriaCouncil … Continue reading »

Artful Indulgence   Clontarf Castle’s extensive art collection is the key feature in their new experiential offering. Guests are welcome to explore open and hidden areas of the hotel via their art trail, a colourful map that takes you through the history of their varied collection featuring some of Ireland’s up and coming artists as … Continue reading »

2015 was a spectacular year for tourism in Lincoln. A £22 million project to rejuvenate Lincoln Castle was finally completed while an army of barons lined the streets in celebration of the Magna Carta’s 800th anniversary. This year has seen that success continued with an extensive entertainment programme within the castle grounds which included the … Continue reading »