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Castles
Oct 16, 2004 20:46:38 GMT -5
Post by Charity on Oct 16, 2004 20:46:38 GMT -5
This mini will explore castles of the world. I love castles. The mystery, the romance, the history just fascinates me. Stay tuned this week for lot's of goodies in this topic.
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Castles
Oct 16, 2004 20:49:40 GMT -5
Post by Charity on Oct 16, 2004 20:49:40 GMT -5
What Are Castles? n the early Medieval period in Wales and the border up to 1282, castles in the true sense of the word, were for defence. Other buildings more like country houses were built where the primary function was living accommodation. Not surprisingly these lightly fortified houses were built away from the dangerous frontiers. Obviously such distinction between fortresses and fortified houses still existed though now it is often difficult to tell what was the difference then. Today it is possible, indeed easy to distinguish between a country mansion and a country cottage. However the differences between a converted farm house and a small mansion might not be so easy to define. The same is true with castles. They were all individual expressions of ideas. The word castle covers a broad spectrum of structures. This is as true now as it was then. One man's castle was another man's home! It is noticeable too that in the Domesday Book there are references to enigmatic fortified houses as well as to castles. Such a distinction was obviously as valid and as dubious then as it is now. Castles were not built to any pre-conceived rigid plan as Roman forts once were, rather they took advantage of any existing defensive features. They are often found at the end of ridges, on hill tops, at the junction of rivers or in marshy ground, all of which offered immediate advantages to the defender. Once the position had been chosen, elements were added to make the defensive attributes of the site greater. A large ditch might be dug and powerful ramparts built with the resultant spoil. Often a huge mound of earth called a motte would be made to dominate the area. Timber works might be built on or in these earthen defences, sometimes a palisade round the edge of the ditch and on top of the rampart. Then a wooden tower might be built on or, in several cases, within the motte. READ MORE HERE: www.castlewales.com/castles.html
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Castles
Oct 16, 2004 20:51:55 GMT -5
Post by Charity on Oct 16, 2004 20:51:55 GMT -5
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Castles
Oct 16, 2004 20:53:51 GMT -5
Post by Charity on Oct 16, 2004 20:53:51 GMT -5
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Castles
Oct 16, 2004 20:57:02 GMT -5
Post by Charity on Oct 16, 2004 20:57:02 GMT -5
Castles of Britain Britain is strewn with ruins of castles, rubble from the centuries of her existence. Castles are tangible relics of a remarkable past, a lengthy heritage etched in stone, as well as with the blood and sweat of those who built, labored, fought, and died in their shadow. Ruins stir up in us a profound awareness of those past lives. Castles have a timelessness that is awe-inspiring. That they have endured centuries of warfare and the effects of weather is a testimony to the creativity and power of their medieval owners. How many of us will have such long-lasting success? Read more: www.castles-of-britain.com/
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Castles
Oct 16, 2004 20:58:41 GMT -5
Post by Charity on Oct 16, 2004 20:58:41 GMT -5
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Castles
Oct 16, 2004 21:00:32 GMT -5
Post by Charity on Oct 16, 2004 21:00:32 GMT -5
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Castles
Oct 16, 2004 21:02:40 GMT -5
Post by Charity on Oct 16, 2004 21:02:40 GMT -5
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Castles
Oct 16, 2004 21:06:10 GMT -5
Post by Charity on Oct 16, 2004 21:06:10 GMT -5
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Castles
Oct 16, 2004 21:10:29 GMT -5
Post by Charity on Oct 16, 2004 21:10:29 GMT -5
Blarney Castle - Blarney, County Cork Blarney is probably Ireland's most well known castle, and it receives thousands of visitors every year. The castle today was actually the third one built, and features ruins of a stone keep and towers dating to the 1400s. Legends hold that four thousand Munster men aided Robert the Bruce during the battle of Bannockburn, and in return he presented half of the Stone of Scone to the men in gratitude for their help. This is the foundation for the legend of the famous "Blarney Stone." At this castle, tourists grasp an iron rail while bending over backwards to kiss the Blarney Stone and receive the "Gift of the Gab." This well known phrase reportedly was said by Queen Elizabeth I, who often became exasperated with Lord Blarney's talent for endless debate without ever acquiescing to her point of view.
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Castles
Oct 16, 2004 21:24:52 GMT -5
Post by Charity on Oct 16, 2004 21:24:52 GMT -5
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Castles
Oct 16, 2004 21:28:11 GMT -5
Post by Charity on Oct 16, 2004 21:28:11 GMT -5
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Castles
Oct 16, 2004 21:41:57 GMT -5
Post by Charity on Oct 16, 2004 21:41:57 GMT -5
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Castles
Oct 16, 2004 21:44:15 GMT -5
Post by Charity on Oct 16, 2004 21:44:15 GMT -5
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Castles
Oct 16, 2004 21:47:42 GMT -5
Post by Charity on Oct 16, 2004 21:47:42 GMT -5
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