Edinburgh Castle sits high above the Scottish capital, providing fabulous views out across the Firth of Forth. Perched on Castle Rock and located at one end of the historic Royal Mile, the castle attracts thousands of visitors every year. In realtor’s terms, the castle occupies a piece of prime real estate, but just how much …
The Crown Jewels is a collection of precious royal treasures that are housed in the Jewel House at the Tower of London. The collection contains the Coronation regalia used to crown a new sovereign. The collection has been added to over the centuries, but just how old are the Crown Jewels? Many of the pieces …
Beefeaters are one of the Tower of London’s most iconic images. They are the colorfully attired Yeoman Warders who have guarded the Tower since Tudor times. Although the role is largely ceremonial today, their distinctive uniforms remain instantly recognizable. Nine things to look out for with a Beefeater’s uniform are: Beefeaters enhance the experience of …
The primary function of a castle wall is protection. Not only must castle walls be sturdy enough to repel projectiles, but they must also be tall enough to make scaling them a difficult objective. Any visitor to a castle will tell you how imposing the looming walls feel as you stand at their base. Therefore, …
A knight would not want to wear their heavy armor for any longer than was necessary. You could look on armor as their work clothes, switching to everyday clothing when not on the battlefield. However, images of the medieval knight tend to always depict them in armor. Therefore, what did a knight wear when not …
William the Conqueror is a name synonymous with English history. His victory at the Battle of Hastings in 1066 is a date etched into the English conscience from early school days. The Norman Duke became the English King William I, but was he actually a Viking? No, William the Conqueror was a Norman. However, Normans …
When we think of castles we primarily think of imposing defensive walls and towers. However, behind these walls are the rooms where everyday castle life is carried out. This is where the custodian of the castle and his family work, play, eat and sleep. So, how many rooms does a functioning castle have? Nine rooms …
The wonderfully diverse landscapes of Northumberland provide a feeling of unspoiled natural beauty. However, this historic old English county’s location has placed it front and center of conflict down the centuries. The result is a paradise for castle lovers, but just how many castles does Northumberland have? There are over 70 castles dotted around Northumberland …
If you are visiting London, then a trip to one of the famous royal residences of either Windsor Castle or Buckingham Palace is a must. But which one is better? Both Windsor Castle and Buckingham Palace are worth visiting, with many things to see and do. But while Buckingham Palace is the most iconic royal …
The stone keep castle is the image most of us will have of what a medieval castle should look like. A product of Norman design, they were built to withstand attack while radiating power and prestige. Although the size and shape could vary, there are common features you would expect to find within a stone …
Edinburgh Castle is perched high above the Scottish capital on an outcrop of volcanic rock. The castle dominates the skyline, with the city spread out beneath its defensive walls. As you walk up the Royal Mile, the castle looms large ahead, but just how big is Edinburgh Castle? Edinburgh Castle measures 384,669 sq ft (35,737 …
