Christchurch Castle England

Christchurch Castle was built in the late 11thC to protect the town's and river access to the interior of Wessex. It was built inside the Saxon fort whose walls were probably used to build the castle mound or motte. The luxurious Contable's Hall was built around 1150. The stone keep, (slighted after 1650), replaced a wooden structure about 1300. The castle saw action in the Anarchy about 1147 and in the Civil War in 1645

The Royal Citadel -Plymouth England

The building was erected in the 60s seventeenth century by King Charles II. During the Anglo-Dutch War in the years 1664-1667 the king realized how important defensive point is Plymouth.  

Then he commissioned to design a fort with five bastions.

The architect of compiling the plan was Bernard de Gomme. Work began in March 1665 year.
Citadel by more than 100 one hundred years played an important role in defending the English coast against baddies. Its walls have a height of 21 meters. Today, the citadel is the base of one of the branches of the Royal Artillery (29 Commando Regiment).

Plymouth Britain's Ocean City - England

MY LAST DAY in ENGLAND

Plymouth, Britain’s Ocean City, is one of Europe’s most vibrant waterfront cities. Located by a stunning waterfront and harbour

The Barbican and Sutton Harbour is one of Plymouth’s most popular places to visit, with quaint cobbled streets, a picturesque harbour and a wealth of independent shops, galleries, bars, cafes and restaurants along the water’s edge creating a metropolitan feel.

It’s also home to the Elizabethan House as well as the Mayflower Steps where the Pilgrim Fathers set sail on their voyage to the New World in 1620.

 

Plymouth Hoe is where Sir Francis Drake is renowned to have played his last game of bowls before his sailing voyage to engage with the Spanish Armada. Also home to the iconic Smeaton’s Tower, Tinside Lido, Royal Citadel and the city’s war memorials the Hoe a large open-space and jaw-dropping views.

Hoe War Memorials

There are many war memorials on the Hoe, the most

impressive being the First and Second World War Naval

Memorial. The original WWI obelisk has identical

counterparts in Portsmouth and Chatham, although

Sir Edward Maufe’s WWII extension, while similar to

the Portsmouth memorial, accommodates the natural

slope. Other Hoe memorials commemorate the

Spanish Armada, the Boer War, the Soldiers of the First

World War, the Royal Marines and the Airmen of the

Second World War.

The Citadel is still an operational military establishment

Take a trip to the Royal William Yard, which was designed by Victorian architect Sir John Rennie and constructed between 1825 and 1831.

The Yard is considered to be one of the most important groups of historic military buildings in Britain; it is also the largest collection of Grade 1 listed military buildings in Europe.

The Merchants House

A historic building tucked away down one of the city's oldest streets - the Merchant's House is Plymouth's finest surviving example of a 16th/17th century residence. During the 17th century it was home to three Plymouth mayors including privateer William Parker, a friend of Sir Francis Drake.

Climb the winding stairs and you will find the Merchant's House packed with Plymouth's history, a variety of old curiosities and everyday items.

Highlights include a 17th century Trelawney mantelpiece, genuine gold painted 19th century shop front signs, a huge doll's house that dates from the 1870s, a ducking stool, local truncheons and manacles, a Victorian school room and a Blitz-themed room.

Plymouth Guildhall

St. Andrew's Church

 

The Prysten House

 The Prysten House is one of Plymouth’s finest early buildings, dating from the year 1500, this historic courtyard house has within it a number of American plaques. It is also partially occupied by a fine restaurant.
The Prysten House’s north garden door (facing St. Andrew’s Church) is today known as the “Door of Unity” (so named on 30th May 1930). Alongside it is mounted a most interesting American tombstone, dating from the maritime warfare of 1812-14 between Great Britain and President Madison’s USA. 

 A friend is one that knows you as you are, understands where you have been, accepts what you have become, and still, gently allows you to grow. – William Shakespeare

THANK YOU 

Richard James TO INSPIRATION SO BEAUTIFUL PLACE IN MY LAST DAY in ENGLAND

Hastings Castle in England

Hastings Castle is a huge part of England’s history as it was the first Norman motte and bailey castle to be built here.

When William of Normandy, known as William the Conqueror, landed in England in 1066, he ordered Hastings Castle to be built.

Later that year, William went on to defeat King Harold II at the Battle of Hastings at a site close to the town of Battle.

The Castle has had a turbulent past – when King Henry VIII declared himself the head of the Church of England he commissioned the Castle’s church to be destroyed leaving the site in ruins.

By the 1800s the Castle was buried in undergrowth and rubble but was finally revived as a Victorian tourist attraction as Hastings’ popularity as a holiday destination boomed.

Later, during World War II, Hastings was heavily bombed and so an anti-aircraft gun was placed outside the Castle’s East Wall for protection.

In 1951 the Castle was purchased by the Hastings Corporation for £3,000. Queen Elizabeth, who was Princess at the time, received the deeds which were then passed to the Mayor of Hastings. Work was carried out to make the Castle safe.

Now, the Castle remains a popular tourist attraction, with people from all over the world enjoying learning all about its colourful past.

info;  http://www.smugglersadventure.co.uk/hastings/history-2/

the breath-taking views of the Hastings coastline

RECOMEND THE BOOK 

Richard JamesLondon to Brighton a long distance walk  .http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/262237623151?ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1555.l2649

Bodiam Castle England

Bodiam is often portrayed as 'the perfect English castle' - a jostling crowd of tall, grey stone towers protected by square battlements, secured with a round drum tower at each corner, and wrapped in a reflective moat.

 Bodiam Castle was built from 1385 by Sir Edward Dallingridge. Bodiam Castle is set in open parkland and approached through a series of medieval water features, including a picturesque spring- filled moat. Appearing almost complete from outside, inside the extent of the damage incurred over the years becomes evident. However it is easy to imagine how this once grand home would have been, with its chapel, Sir Edward's family quarters, Great Hall and Great Kitchen. An investigation of the towers gives access to the roof and wonderful views of the Rother Valley.

Sir Edward Dalyngrigge, a member of the medieval Sussex gentry, was granted license to build the castle back in 1385. Apart from his fantastic surname (akin to someone from Harry Potter), Dalyngrigge was an important member in Sussex politics, and a man of arms - he fought on numerous occasions in the Hundred Years War in Europe.

Dalyngrigge was never an important figure in national politics of England. But in 1385, likely in recognition of his military service, King Richard II gave him license to 'crenellate' -a license which allowed the creation of battlements, and thus a castle. 

 Four round drum-towers - one at each corner of the castle. The walls are studded with towers and other outbuildings, giving the impression of grandeur and complexity.

The interior of Bodiam

the Postern Gate

the barbican