From 🇬🇧. The 11th century is 1000s. For example the battle of Hastings of 1066 was is the 11th century. 2024 is in the 21st century. Your wife is right.
I think most people who grow up in the UK take for granted how amazing it is to have so much well preserved historic places on our doorsteps. I still remember loving seeing Warwick castle when on a school trip over 30 years ago
I prefer to look up above the shop fronts at the wonderful buildings in my town. Lots of Tudor and Georgian architecture mixed together. It's something people appreciate more the older they get IMO, like appreciating how many shades of green there are in a forest.
@@helenwood8482 ..yes, but what i belive OP ment was we take for granted thay be peserved to the best of our abilities .. as opposed to US .. wher most historocal things hasent been preserved .. US is alot more use and dispose oriented .. we built and build things to last .. and to be recylcled .. most buldings in US is less than 100 years old .. many buildings in Europe are faar older than US .. we even have concrete buildings that are over 1900 years old and still standing from the roman era... EDit: aswell as many beutiful statues/art from the romans etc..
The guy said there were around 1500 castles in England. In the UK we have over 4000 they are literally everywhere. I'm so grateful I live here and our lives are so intertwined with history on every corner
The 1983 survey was around 1500 castle in the UK, however others include pele towers, fortified houses and a variety of structures including those that are just complete ruins
To the man speaking on this video, I say... I'm upset. It's not pronounced Olnn-wick castle 😮 It's pronounced Ann-ik castle... Annik 😊 ❤ from Northeast England ❤️
@@AndyKing1963 It is. That's why the narration doesn't match the video all the time. I saw a video on the channel that was talking about how idyllic a town was as it showed a load of roadworks with a bunch of wheelie bins in background.
I can't stop watching you 2.. your bio "videos from around the world"... but, you like a hell of a lot of British stuff.. which is probaly why I watch.. (because I'm a proud Brit...)... it's just really nice that you can appreciate my country... thank you.
My brother lives in Warwick. His house was built in the late 1600s/early 1700s. Its a three minute walk from the Castle. I love visiting the Castle when I stay with him. I live in an English town that is the ancient Capital of Mercia. We have a Castle too but its not as big or as grand as Warwick but its beautiful and we locals love it. If you get time, look up King Offa, an Anglo Saxon King who ruled Mercia from 757 to 796 and also Ethelfleda, Lady of the Mercians who ruled from 911 to 918 after her husband died.. She was the Daughter of King Alfred the Great - King of the Saxons who ruled from 871 to 899.
My brother lived in Windsor so I've been inside the castle. This was the Queen's favourite place to live and while he says summer residence she lived there most of the year apart. Here's a funny story maybe 10 years ago I was walking with my brother and family along in the great park (which is Royal land but open to the public to use apart from the road which is reserved for the Royals and their vehicles) not paying attention to anything behind me when I became aware there was a car driving slowly behind me. As I stepped off the road I realised it was the Queen driving her car with a burly man sat in the passenger seat (presumably a bodyguard). All a bit surreal!!
@@jimb9063 Them pillars are beautiful. They are so broad because Durham was started using roman arches, then later gothic arches. It where gothic arches were invented
@@oopsdidItypethatoutloud Thanks, didn't know that. The great castles and cathedrals look incredible now. Imagine the impression they'd have made when first built. The original meaning of the word Awesome.
@@jimb9063 I too always think of what people thought when they were first built. Durham Cathedral Castle on that promontory. Get off the train and it's across the river... stunning. My peasant ancestors in their hovels made of sticks, mud and cow sh't, see that, and all the stone would have been new golden yellow 🤯
I live in Northumberland about 7mile from Alnwick castle it's not the only castle there is many more especially Bamburgh castle which is still lived in and open to the public it's been used in movies it was used in the last Indiana Jones, it's a castle worth seeing.
Very true. I went to a Grammar school which was built in the 1500s on the site of a much older building and was originally the manor house of the surrounding area. We just accepted it as the norm.
My house was built in 1775 an important date for our American friends. It’s our home and we love it but it is not considered remarkable at all and is not listed as building of historic interest. It is in fact the youngest house on the lane.
When I was in Australia my family who live there recommended I visit a certain house because it was ‘old’, they said ‘it’s a hundred years old’. I didn’t like to tell them that my own house is over one hundred years old, built by my great grandfather
It’s not just the history that gives us a different perspective on life here in the UK compared to the US. It’s also that we’re in close proximity of our European neighbours and we all constantly visit each other’s countries and experience each other’s unique cultures and languages. We’re not constantly told our own country is special and our way of life is sacred - we can directly compare the good and the bad for ourselves and our failings and strengths are there for all to see for themselves. The US is so culturally isolated it’s become generic in everything it does, sees, hears and most importantly what it believes.
I love, I love, I love, I love, I love, RegenerationNationTV and especially, I love Mike and Jess. Us Brits just want to wrap you guys up in cotton wool and steal you from the rest of the world. You guys and your UA-cam channel is the very best, top professional, the most lovely and sincere couple on UA-cam and you are so funny. You guys keep UA-cam real. Look forward to your next video. xxx
On vacation in the UK when my boys were young, I took them to see Warwick Castle one weekend, as it was in perfect condition and not a ruin. When we got there we found we were in the middle of a medieval fair with jesters, archery displays (and you could have a go at it!), knights in armour doing combat demonstrations, entertainers, crafts etc. It was amazingly well done! We all loved it, and still remember it fondly after many years. You can also walk on the castle walls and climb the towers, visit the dungeon, and at that time Madame Tussauds had a few of the rooms dressed as they looked in Edwardian times, with wax figures of Edward VII and other lords and ladies of the era looking as if they were socializing. We spent the whole day there! Oh, and bits of Harry Potter were filmed all over England and Scotland, particularly in Oxford.
If you do it right, Dover castle is an all day outing. Roman lighthouse, Saxon church, medieval keep, underground medieval tunnels to the forward outer wall defences. All used and tested in the siege of the First Barons War 1216. The late medieval upgrades to the Keep and outer walls, then onto the Napoleonic era, and remodeling for cannon defence, plus underground barracks for troops in the Peninsular War. Then finally you can tour the underground levels of WWII upgrades, where it was occupied by the Admiralty conducting Navy operations in the channel, including Operstion Dynamo, the evacuation of Dunckerque.
Windsor Castle is the main residence of the Royal family. The Queen didn't actually like Buckingham Palace in central London so was probably there less than one day a week. Windsor Castle is where she spent most of her time and it's where she is buried, her husband is buried and both her parents are buried (her father is the main character in the film The King's Speech). I'm not sure where the current King Charles spends most of his time, he may still live in the more modest home he had when his mother was still alive. The Queen divided much of her remaining time in two other locations, Balmoral Castle in Scotland where she passed away aged 96 and Sandringham House in Norfolk where the Royal family tend to spend Christmas. This video featured castles in England, had it been Britain the list would have been a little different as there are a good number of fantastic castles in both Wales and Scotland.
Love Leeds Castle....very special! I used to regularly play the 9 hole golf course, as well as go to the Mid-Summer nights concert. The concert has a very British and patriotic feel to it, but you would absolutely love it.
My late father was a Grenadier Guard and he regularly guarded and patrolled Windsor Castle back in the late 1960s and early 70s and I've got a photograph of myself (aged 2) and my late sister (aged 4) standing in a sentry box within the battlements of Windsor. Happy times 😊 we are just so blessed to have all this history surrrounding us and so close so we can just jump in our cars and drive a few hours and visit these wonderous places!
My sister got married at Leeds Castle, I live in kent , Dover castle and The Tower of London are 45 mins away, Leeds Castle 20 mins and Rochester Castle 10 mins away. They are right on my doorstep yet many English people just take them for granted as every day sights. Used to pass Tower of London and Big Ben on my way to work everyday and see American, Chinese tourists etc in awe of what they were seeing but to me was just a normal day. Its pretty cool to grow up in a country so full of history but we do forget how lucky we are sometimes. My local pub was open long before America existed lol.
Leeds is fantastic when they have fireworks. Visited when they had fireworks and music it was beautiful. Same with me working in London, loved walking round small lanes behind High Streets and seeing houses etc
I've been recommending the historic sites of Spain for years on UA-cam, but I'm reluctant to do so now because I don't feel that being told to "go home" is compatible with an enjoyable holiday.
I love castles, always have, I grew up in Wales and we have many castles too, a lot in ruins, but we used to play in them as kids, with very little health and safety taken into consideration. I clambered over lots of castle walls as a kid.
From just over the border and liked nothing more than visiting a lot of castles as a kid, more than a few of which in Wales. One fly in the ointment was Powys Castle. As we got close enough to see it in the car, I accused my parents of getting me there under false pretences. "That's not a castle it's a stately home!"
Health and safety rules drive me wild. I'm past 68 and as a child of 6 playing in the woods and sliding down the sides of railway tunnel entrances. Now theyve fenced my playgrounds off to public. Sad is the only word.
@@chrisspere4836 Not long after my Dad passed away 10 years ago, I went back to a spot we used to visit when I was growing up. We'd park the car and walk down a stream, hopping from rock to rock and trying to stay dry for as long as possible. We'd always aim for the same spot. A short 45 degree angle smooth-stoned natural shoot into a calm shallow pool, followed by a 15 foot "regular" waterfall drop into a deep pool. A steep bank on one side of the deep pool had a tree with the "worlds best rope swing" attached. It felt like our little secret, and there were never more than a few people there at any one time. It's difficult to get access to the stream these days for long stretches. If you walked down it the police would probably be called. The area with the "water park" has been fenced off indirectly from various angles and isn't accessible to the public anymore. I went away upset, yet thankful he showed a little bit of paradise, with memories that last forever.
The UK is Made Up of England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland (Northern & Republic). They All have Castles, Villages, Beaches and Many other stunningly beautiful sights. 🇬🇧 We Be Happy To See You Over Here👍
My grandson recently visited Warwick castle on a school trip. I live 30 mins away and i have never been, it's crazy when i think about it, seeing as it's practically on my doorstep!
Thank you both, i have lived in Sittingbourne Kent all my life since 1963, and often visit Leeds Castle in Maidstone just a 30 min drive away, truly beautiful grounds and the castle is magnificent, played golf there a few times also, stay safe and well, kind regards Chris
To put it into a bit of context (for an American audience), try to imagine that all the castles in Britain, for the first three hundred years of their use, were mainly used as "military installations" with a bit of administrative use as well; only after that did a few of them (but only a few!) gradually get converted into something more luxurious and comfortable as a kind of residence.
Hi guys, there are some amazing castles in the UK. I've been to Bamburgh castle in the north east of England, Northumberland, it is right by the sea, just incredible. I live in Leicestershire in the East Midlands and Belvoir Castle is close by ( pronounced Beaver ) ...took my good lady there for afternoon tea a few years ago. The walls are about 20 feet thick so if you want a mobile phone signal you have no chance. Great to see you both taking an interest in our history. Cheers, Daz, Leicester.
Mike and Jess, you may have heard of another UA-cam couple from the USA, The Magic Geekdom, Cara and Jeremy and their dog, Carly, sold their house in the states and travelled to England for a year and then onto Europe. Lovely couple that went to parts of the UK I've never been to and I'm from here !! Check them out guys.
The mention of a zoo in the Tower of London was because back in time the Royal family were given gifts from other countries and were kept in the Tower of London. Animals included were Polar Bears - Elephants and others.
I always find it incredible that a country as developed as the US can be so young. To put it in perspective, my school in England was founded in 1646🤯🤯
It's great to hear your reaction to our castles. We do get blase about what we have in the UK because we see it all around us, all the time, the ancient buildings, castles, cathedrals, churches and stately homes. You're teaching us to be more appreciative.
As a suggestion, if you want to come to Europe, or the UK, I found out years ago, that the only way, is to book it! Then that makes you save for it! Love to have you here, but make sure you do your research well. There is so much to see and experience over and above just London. Bon Voyage!!
I have been to Leeds castle many times we even bought a family season ticket for entry for 2 years so we could go there any time through the year. Very beautiful and well kept castle. Also been to Arundel castle a few times, it's a very mixed castle with architectural changes added to it over the centuries, the gardens and Chapel are spectacular.... Arundel castle gift shop also sells the best Mead I have ever tasted.... Must go back soon lol
What a great reaction, I live in Scotland and love visiting the castles here and they were the subject of many a school trip as a kid which we took for granted. I’ve only visited two of these castles in England but definitely need to visit more, we’re very lucky to be surrounded with such amazing history. You definitely need a month for the UK 😁❤️
Yes everything that glitters is GOLD! The British Royal Family don’t do fake. All the gold is either 14Carat taken from the Spanish or pure 24Carat leaf
Really enjoyed your reactions and how you appreciate the context of the history and how it forms thinking and life, I love my country and as I get older I love its history more and more. You should come over for a few months rent somewhere to stay and travel around and experience it for yourself for real.
Some of my favourite Castles include Bodiam Castle in East Sussex, Restormel Castle in Cornwall and Dirleton Castle in Scotland - the collection in the video you reacted to is not even a itch on the absolute beauty's that exist in England. Enjoyed watching your reactions and would love for you guys to have a look at our videos and see if you like some of the castles and historical sites we've had the privilege to explore! Great video! :D
Our Queen loved Windsor Castle and you may recognize it from traditional ceremonies that our Queen and Prince Phillip did regularly from here. Thank you for your lovely reaction we do appreciate our castles but maybe not as much as we should. 🇬🇧
I love your reaction videos, thank you from a U.K. viewer! We are lucky to live in the Royal Borough of Windsor and as such we are allowed free entry to Windsor Castle, and although I’ve visited there many times it is always exciting to revisit there is always something new to see! Kind regards, Chris
@@RNTV Thank you. I was very lucky to have amazing parents as a child and have memories like this. Just as your kids are lucky to have parents who just want to spread positivity as much as they can. Keep up the great work on your channel 💙
Thanks Mike for the phrase "living your life within context". I've never really thought about it, but I have always done this, being born in Canterbury, Kent. There are so many great sites here, rangeing from the Cathedral, and St. Augustines Abbey, Canterbury, to the site of the Roman invasion at Richborough Fort at Sandwich on the coast. And many more. Thanks ror this. 👍
Arundel is on the River Arun and is about four miles from the coast. The town is quite pretty too. Had many trips there as a child and as an adult. It has lovely grounds with a boating lake. Origin of name is detailed here: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arundel
About 25 years ago I was at high school about half a mile from Warwick Castle. On more than one occasion staff from Warwick Castle had to come to the school to retrieve the peacocks after they had gone walkabout. I remember getting to school one morning and one of the peacocks was greeting all the students whilst stood on the roof above the entrance 😂
Dover Castle was in use up to the 1950s. Ramsay organised allied naval operations - Operation Neptune (D-Day) and Operation Dynamo (Dunkirk evacuation) from there in WW2. That was his statue
While watching the Winsor Castle clip Mike mentioned he thought he's seen it before. That was because Queen Elizabeth's funeral came up that lovely drive to St Georges Chapel where she was interred.
My son’s went to Bodium Castle on their school trips when they were younger, and they got to wear pieces of armour and learn about medieval times, most schools were we live go there regularly for history lessons.
@@simonrobbins8357 Yes, our french kings and queens (and nobles in general) married differents european royalties in Europe to preserve the royal (and nobles) bloodlines. So we can also see it the the architecture and traditions.
If you guys ever come to the UK, head for the City of Lincoln and I’ll give you a personal guided tour of Lincoln Castle built in 1068 and Lincoln Cathedral built 1072. The history attached to them will blow your mind. 🙂🏰
I think you guys should come on over,see a few castles,we’ve been to America and loved it,you’re a lovely couple (by the way I love your reactions to Micky Flanagan) lotsa love Nick.
We used to go to the Leeds Castle classical concerts every year, they were themed & we'd take a picnic and lounge on the grass - the last night they would do a firework display and we'd take champagne. Need to go again definitely!!
I've been a couple of times too, in the 1990's. The fireworks are let off at the conclusion of the 1812 Overture, which they always have as the last performance, and they use real cannons at the appropriate part of that performance too; absolutely brilliant!
Great reaction video. You both should get over here as soon as. I can see already that you both will be in awe of our Castles and our history in general.
Hi Guys greetings from England 🇬🇧 we have so much history and so many historic buildings that we just take these buildings for granted in The UK 🇬🇧 and most city's, towns and villages all have historic buildings!!! and this just becomes second nature to us but we are all aware of our countries long history.
Warwick is my home town, I grew up on a housing estate 2 mins walk from the castle, my friends and I used to play in the castle grounds when we were kids, (70s-80s). Until security saw us and chased us out. Lol. It's had a lot of restoration over the years.
I grew up in Jacksonville, but now live between Warwick Castle and Blenheim Palace (not shown, as it's technically a palace and not a castle). So, have hope!
Bodiam is about 7 miles from me and many of these are less than a couple of hours away. All good fun and every village has a church dating back even to 8th century. Many of the these old buildings have been adapted at different times over history, either just updating/maintenance or expansion. Always interesting to read the history of a building by the type of stone used, style of doors/windows and other architectural features. 😁
@@sangfroidian5451 Thanks for that. Although we used to get a boat trip (not boat hire) from the cottage next to the bridge, by the vineyard. The boat would hold about a dozen people, and take an hour to trundle down to Bodium Castle. It was absolute bliss.
Thats only a tiny proportion of castles in uk. He has chosen nice but many south. Every county has one of more castles so vast. Look at some of the cathedrals ans stately homes like Chatsworth and Blenheim Palace too. Also best thing about visiting castles is the smell of them - and feel the cold of the stone! Very atmospheric!! Hope you get to visit some castles one day!
Wales is a small country compared to England, we are roughly the size of New Jersey but we have 600+ castles here. I live about 12 miles from Cardiff the capital. When I was in work, I’m a Telephone Technician and part of my job was working in the large processor exchange and one of it’s smaller units. On my way out of Cardiff I would pass it’s main castle then about 9 miles later I would pass Castell Coch, the Red Castle, then to get to the exchange I would pass the moat and leaning tower of Caerphilly. This castle is quite large and is only surpassed in size by Windsor Castle. We got more castles than you could throw a stick at!
Queen Elizabeth lived in Windsor Castle almost permanently for the last few years up leading up to her death and is buried inside St George’s chapel within the castle. She did however pass away in Balmoral castle in Scotland. I’ve been inside Windsor castle and it’s beyond words, photos do not do it justice just how amazing it is.
Your remark about the velvet lawn reminds me of an old joke: An American asked the groundsman of the castle, how he managed to get the lawns looking so good. The groundsman replied with a list of the grass types, when and how to cut and so on "...and then, sir, we roll it for 500 years." 🙂
The UK sure has some nice castles but the rest of europe does as well. I know there are some videos of top lists of european castles. You should check that out!
And don't forget, in 1966 England lifted the World Cup using the 4,2 2 defence. Sir Alf Ramsey chose a remarkable team and the names are illustrious. Greavzy, Hurstzy, Ballzy, Bobby and Jackie, Knobby Styles, Peter Bonetti, Cohen etc.
Several weeks ago we spent a few days in the Lake District. We visited Castlerigg Stone circle which was built around 3200BC, about a thousand years before the largest and most famous of Stonehenge’s monoliths were put in place, and long before the Celtic Britons arrived in the British Isles. I love that sense of place and time. It’s grounds me and puts today’s troubles in perspective.
Castles were projections of power. They were designed to enforce control over a peasant population and/or protect them from invaders and rivals. The majority of large castles (as opposed to stately homes) were built by the Normans after they invaded and took control of England or in the subsequent medieval periods which were often turbulent. England (and later Wales) was split up into large estates controlled by Barons and the castles were either their ancestral homes or they were royal castles built and controlled by the King. Wales especially has some magnificent castles that were built to subjugate the population when the country invaded and taken over back in the 12th and 13th century. The castles which still inhabited are owned by descendants of those Barons or sometimes those that replaced them after they fell out of favour or supported the wrong side in the historical game of thrones that occurred on and off for centuries. Stately homes were mainly built in a more prosperous and more stable era after the English Civil wars though some were around before that. Their main purpose was to show wealth and luxury and had limited ability for defence, unlike castles whose primary purpose was war and defence. Stately homes tend to be much more elaborate inside, have larger windows and often contain art works collected from around the world.
If you love Castles you need to go to Gdansk in Poland, then get train to Malbork, where there is the largest brick built castle in the world. It's an amazing place, you can easily spend a whole day there.
Being from Edinburgh I grew up with Edinburgh Castle, set upon Volcanic rock and surrounded with gorgeous buildings at every turn. Right in the center of the City. You should check out what Edinburgh is like if you ever get the chance. Being from this part of the world, we all grew up with them as normal places to either look at through the window of a train or visit from time to time. I live in Ireland now and although there aren't anywhere near as many, you see them dotted around here and there. Blarney Castle in Cork is quite impressive. I enjoyed that, thanks guys.
3 Castles pretty close to me...... like Cathedrals we take them for granted....but as a kid I loved nothing more than finding the original toilets in Castles and peeping down them....... Happy days 😊
Make sure you visit Scotland too please if you ever come over…. 😊, every area of the UK has such stunning scenery and history dating 1000’s of years. You would absolutely love it
You know, when i was younger i used to charge around on my old BSA motorbike and would pass these old buildings and castles and took little notice of them, it's only now that I'm much older that i fully appreciate it all, love watching Americans reacting to Britains history which is of coarse is a part of your history also. Great video. 😊
I live 20mins away from Highclere and 20mins from Stonehenge. I used to work right next to the Tower of London, but I’ve never visited any of them. We really do take all this stuff for granted.
It is true that you certainly appreciate these growing up with them. Just from my house there are three castles within 15 minutes drive, one of them I can walk to: Chepstow Castle built in 1067, Berkeley Castle also built in 1067 and STILL lived in by the same family from that time, and Thornbury Castle which is a Tudor pleasure palace and the only castle which is now a hotel. In the woods below Berkeley Castle we attended the Shakespeare play 'A Midsummer Night's Dream on the 450th anniversary of Shakespeare - madly, the play was written for a wedding of one of the sons of the castle. Quite beautiful and surreal. Walking around the massive ruins of Chepstow Castle you can still feel a sense of the people who lived there, it raises the hairs on your neck. I can't recommend visiting these enough. And this is before you even get started on the many spectacular Welsh castles.
Dover Castle is known as The Key to England. It is the front line against invasions from France and the continent (of Europe). That is why it has been an active military site for more than two thousand years. It even had a (secret) military role in the Second World War. Amongst other things the Normandy Landings were directed from the underground tunnels in Dover Castle. If you do visit you really will need a whole day to see everything. I went to school in Dover (King Stephen died in my headmasters garden!) and could see the castle up on the hill every day. Well, weather permitting!
The Ceremony of the Keys at the Tower of London is a fascinating tradition performed every night for over 700 years. This ancient ritual involves the formal locking of the Tower’s gates and is considered the oldest military ceremony still in existence. St Georges Chappel in Windsor Castle is where Queen Elizabeth II is laid to rest.
The Tower of London is my "local" castle. Personally, the best tourist site in London (Windsor being the close second). It is inhabited, remains a Royal Palace. Home of the Yeoman Warders (Beefeaters to the uninitiated) - "retired" senior NCO's from the Armed Forces - and a guided tour by one of them is worth the entrance price. The Tower Ravens, Crown Jewels, The Tower Armouries - all brilliant. The Ceremony of the Keys takes place every night, and is considered the oldest extant military ceremony in the world, and has limited public access, but I have seen it a dozen or so times, with family and visitors. Living history all around you.
Great video. I'd have put Bamburgh Castle in North East England on the list.
Never include us Northerners mate- Bamburgh one of the best!
Bamburgh would be my no 1 but then again as a Northumbrian i'm biased
@daverutherford6401 I'm a Geordie so kind of biased too.
Totally Agree with you, how did they miss this jewel in the crown out of the list ., shameful.
Bamburgh castle is one of the best in the country. The beach it sits on is also one of the finest too. Not a Geordie but married to one
From 🇬🇧. The 11th century is 1000s. For example the battle of Hastings of 1066 was is the 11th century. 2024 is in the 21st century. Your wife is right.
Correct - think of 0001 to 0099 being in the FIRST century. Always add one to the first two digits of the year. We are currently in the 21st.
Castle was built Late 11th Century, so not a 1000 years yet!
Yes because when it's 11th century this is 1000 to 1099 so most definitely a thousand years old we are now in the 21st century @@rdh-daliasjb3796
Everyone giving a history lesson on centuries 😂..
@@susanvanderbilt358 True. A bit picky, but right is right. They have children who should know what is correct.
I think most people who grow up in the UK take for granted how amazing it is to have so much well preserved historic places on our doorsteps. I still remember loving seeing Warwick castle when on a school trip over 30 years ago
Most of us don't. I'm 54 and still get excited about going to see a castle or Neolithic tomb.
Warwick and Kenilworth featured heavily in my childhood.
I prefer to look up above the shop fronts at the wonderful buildings in my town. Lots of Tudor and Georgian architecture mixed together.
It's something people appreciate more the older they get IMO, like appreciating how many shades of green there are in a forest.
If driving the 18 miles to visit Warwick castle i pass Kenilworth castle on the way. We are tripping over bloody castles here 😂
@@helenwood8482 ..yes, but what i belive OP ment was we take for granted thay be peserved to the best of our abilities .. as opposed to US .. wher most historocal things hasent been preserved .. US is alot more use and dispose oriented .. we built and build things to last .. and to be recylcled .. most buldings in US is less than 100 years old .. many buildings in Europe are faar older than US .. we even have concrete buildings that are over 1900 years old and still standing from the roman era...
EDit: aswell as many beutiful statues/art from the romans etc..
The guy said there were around 1500 castles in England. In the UK we have over 4000 they are literally everywhere. I'm so grateful I live here and our lives are so intertwined with history on every corner
when i was younger i decided my goal in life was to see every castle in Europe.
then i found out that number for the UK alone and gave up immediately.
The 1983 survey was around 1500 castle in the UK, however others include pele towers, fortified houses and a variety of structures including those that are just complete ruins
In France there're not 4000 castles but... 45.000 ! And bam ! 😜
I know Wales has the highest number of castles per person than any country on the planet
And some were certainly lost in the English Civil War, regarding the comment about them not being reduced to rubble by war.
To the man speaking on this video, I say... I'm upset.
It's not pronounced
Olnn-wick castle 😮
It's pronounced
Ann-ik castle... Annik 😊
❤ from Northeast England ❤️
some people have said that the narrator is AI
@@AndyKing1963
One things for sure, he's not been to Alnwick
@@AndyKing1963 It is. That's why the narration doesn't match the video all the time. I saw a video on the channel that was talking about how idyllic a town was as it showed a load of roadworks with a bunch of wheelie bins in background.
He's either AI or just a knobhead!! 😁
thanks for pointing that out, it saves me!
I live in Wales, UK. There are 2 castles within 6 miles of my house, and you definitely take them for granted. Check out the castles in Wales.
Conway Castle is very impressive, my favourite.
@@sidscrote7570 It is, that's just down the road from me. I can see Rhuddlan Castle from my house, a lot smaller than Conwy, but still wonderful
Me too! Chirk and Dinas bran.
@@NickNick-tp5cr Rhuddlan castle and denbigh castle, I suppose you could count Bodelwyddan castle too.
I’m English, but Wales has the best castles 👍🏻
I can't stop watching you 2.. your bio "videos from around the world"... but, you like a hell of a lot of British stuff.. which is probaly why I watch.. (because I'm a proud Brit...)... it's just really nice that you can appreciate my country... thank you.
When I visited the USA I suddenly realised the absence of old buildings and how much they are a part of my life that is important to me.
Remember, this is barely scratching the surface.
a bit like my fungal infection !
Windsor Castle - "people live here now " 😀😀It's a Royal palace 🙂
Why did they build it so near to the airport?
Haha...I thought the same! The summer residence of the British Royal Family, certainly isn't "some people"😊 nice reaction, guys❤😊
My brother lives in Warwick. His house was built in the late 1600s/early 1700s. Its a three minute walk from the Castle. I love visiting the Castle when I stay with him.
I live in an English town that is the ancient Capital of Mercia. We have a Castle too but its not as big or as grand as Warwick but its beautiful and we locals love it. If you get time, look up King Offa, an Anglo Saxon King who ruled Mercia from 757 to 796 and also Ethelfleda, Lady of the Mercians who ruled from 911 to 918 after her husband died.. She was the Daughter of King Alfred the Great - King of the Saxons who ruled from 871 to 899.
My brother lived in Windsor so I've been inside the castle. This was the Queen's favourite place to live and while he says summer residence she lived there most of the year apart. Here's a funny story maybe 10 years ago I was walking with my brother and family along in the great park (which is Royal land but open to the public to use apart from the road which is reserved for the Royals and their vehicles) not paying attention to anything behind me when I became aware there was a car driving slowly behind me. As I stepped off the road I realised it was the Queen driving her car with a burly man sat in the passenger seat (presumably a bodyguard). All a bit surreal!!
You should see Durham Cathedral Castle.
They are built together. Amazing, as is Durham city... old and beautiful 😊
❤ from Northeast England ❤️
Was very impressed with the cathedral. The variety of styles of pillar makes it stand out when compared to most other great cathedrals in the UK.
@@jimb9063
Them pillars are beautiful. They are so broad because Durham was started using roman arches, then later gothic arches. It where gothic arches were invented
@@oopsdidItypethatoutloud Thanks, didn't know that.
The great castles and cathedrals look incredible now. Imagine the impression they'd have made when first built.
The original meaning of the word Awesome.
@@jimb9063
I too always think of what people thought when they were first built.
Durham Cathedral Castle on that promontory. Get off the train and it's across the river... stunning.
My peasant ancestors in their hovels made of sticks, mud and cow sh't, see that, and all the stone would have been new golden yellow 🤯
I live in Northumberland about 7mile from Alnwick castle it's not the only castle there is many more especially Bamburgh castle which is still lived in and open to the public it's been used in movies it was used in the last Indiana Jones, it's a castle worth seeing.
I was born in Northumberland about 11 miles from Alnwick. Been to both the castles you mentioned. Love, love Bamburgh castle.
@@feewatt it should have been on the list
And pronounced Anick rather than Olnwick?
Here in Britain we really take these as everyday buildings, a school behind my house is Older than the USA.
Very true. I went to a Grammar school which was built in the 1500s on the site of a much older building and was originally the manor house of the surrounding area. We just accepted it as the norm.
My house was built in 1775 an important date for our American friends. It’s our home and we love it but it is not considered remarkable at all and is not listed as building of historic interest. It is in fact the youngest house on the lane.
And yet there are Americans who still think United States were founded in the 1980s 🤯🤯🤯@@CarolHutchison-uy4rh
My daughter's school in our town was founded in 1150 and has a few very old buildings still in use, especially the chapel.
When I was in Australia my family who live there recommended I visit a certain house because it was ‘old’, they said ‘it’s a hundred years old’. I didn’t like to tell them that my own house is over one hundred years old, built by my great grandfather
if you watched the recent royal funerals, thats probably where you remember seeing windsor castle from.
It’s not just the history that gives us a different perspective on life here in the UK compared to the US. It’s also that we’re in close proximity of our European neighbours and we all constantly visit each other’s countries and experience each other’s unique cultures and languages. We’re not constantly told our own country is special and our way of life is sacred - we can directly compare the good and the bad for ourselves and our failings and strengths are there for all to see for themselves. The US is so culturally isolated it’s become generic in everything it does, sees, hears and most importantly what it believes.
Totally agree with you 💯
Don't forget that England is only part of the UK and there's more to England than London!
Let's not forget there are also stunning castles in Scotland and Wales, with many of the latter being built by the English as military bases.
Plenty of programmes cover your country , stop being pathetic, this is about ENGLAND.
I love, I love, I love, I love, I love, RegenerationNationTV and especially, I love Mike and Jess. Us Brits just want to wrap you guys up in cotton wool and steal you from the rest of the world. You guys and your UA-cam channel is the very best, top professional, the most lovely and sincere couple on UA-cam and you are so funny. You guys keep UA-cam real. Look forward to your next video. xxx
Thank you so much for the kind words friend! 💚💜
Love your videos and l think you are honorary Anglephiles!
On vacation in the UK when my boys were young, I took them to see Warwick Castle one weekend, as it was in perfect condition and not a ruin. When we got there we found we were in the middle of a medieval fair with jesters, archery displays (and you could have a go at it!), knights in armour doing combat demonstrations, entertainers, crafts etc. It was amazingly well done! We all loved it, and still remember it fondly after many years. You can also walk on the castle walls and climb the towers, visit the dungeon, and at that time Madame Tussauds had a few of the rooms dressed as they looked in Edwardian times, with wax figures of Edward VII and other lords and ladies of the era looking as if they were socializing. We spent the whole day there! Oh, and bits of Harry Potter were filmed all over England and Scotland, particularly in Oxford.
Come back anytime.
If you do it right, Dover castle is an all day outing. Roman lighthouse, Saxon church, medieval keep, underground medieval tunnels to the forward outer wall defences. All used and tested in the siege of the First Barons War 1216. The late medieval upgrades to the Keep and outer walls, then onto the Napoleonic era, and remodeling for cannon defence, plus underground barracks for troops in the Peninsular War. Then finally you can tour the underground levels of WWII upgrades, where it was occupied by the Admiralty conducting Navy operations in the channel, including Operstion Dynamo, the evacuation of Dunckerque.
Windsor Castle is the main residence of the Royal family. The Queen didn't actually like Buckingham Palace in central London so was probably there less than one day a week. Windsor Castle is where she spent most of her time and it's where she is buried, her husband is buried and both her parents are buried (her father is the main character in the film The King's Speech). I'm not sure where the current King Charles spends most of his time, he may still live in the more modest home he had when his mother was still alive.
The Queen divided much of her remaining time in two other locations, Balmoral Castle in Scotland where she passed away aged 96 and Sandringham House in Norfolk where the Royal family tend to spend Christmas.
This video featured castles in England, had it been Britain the list would have been a little different as there are a good number of fantastic castles in both Wales and Scotland.
Love Leeds Castle....very special!
I used to regularly play the 9 hole golf course, as well as go to the Mid-Summer nights concert.
The concert has a very British and patriotic feel to it, but you would absolutely love it.
My late father was a Grenadier Guard and he regularly guarded and patrolled Windsor Castle back in the late 1960s and early 70s and I've got a photograph of myself (aged 2) and my late sister (aged 4) standing in a sentry box within the battlements of Windsor. Happy times 😊 we are just so blessed to have all this history surrrounding us and so close so we can just jump in our cars and drive a few hours and visit these wonderous places!
My sister got married at Leeds Castle, I live in kent , Dover castle and The Tower of London are 45 mins away, Leeds Castle 20 mins and Rochester Castle 10 mins away. They are right on my doorstep yet many English people just take them for granted as every day sights. Used to pass Tower of London and Big Ben on my way to work everyday and see American, Chinese tourists etc in awe of what they were seeing but to me was just a normal day. Its pretty cool to grow up in a country so full of history but we do forget how lucky we are sometimes. My local pub was open long before America existed lol.
Leeds is fantastic when they have fireworks. Visited when they had fireworks and music it was beautiful. Same with me working in London, loved walking round small lanes behind High Streets and seeing houses etc
Hello, I recommend the castles of Spain. We have more than 2,000 castles and many appear in the Game of Thrones series.
I've been recommending the historic sites of Spain for years on UA-cam, but I'm reluctant to do so now because I don't feel that being told to "go home" is compatible with an enjoyable holiday.
@@leohickey4953 Now you know how people feel when they visit the UK or USA
this is 1 of the things i love about my country, we to like preserve our history and there's so much of it 😊
Queen Elizabeth is buried in St George's chapel, Windsor Castle. You can view her final resting place as you walk around the chapel
Remember they haven't shown the castles from Wales, Ireland & Scotland
The video would have been 3 hours long if it included Welsh Castles... had it included Scottish and Irish castles as well it would have been endless!
🙄
Came here to write this!
I love castles, always have, I grew up in Wales and we have many castles too, a lot in ruins, but we used to play in them as kids, with very little health and safety taken into consideration. I clambered over lots of castle walls as a kid.
From just over the border and liked nothing more than visiting a lot of castles as a kid, more than a few of which in Wales.
One fly in the ointment was Powys Castle. As we got close enough to see it in the car, I accused my parents of getting me there under false pretences. "That's not a castle it's a stately home!"
Health and safety rules drive me wild. I'm past 68 and as a child of 6 playing in the woods and sliding down the sides of railway tunnel entrances. Now theyve fenced my playgrounds off to public. Sad is the only word.
@@chrisspere4836 Not long after my Dad passed away 10 years ago, I went back to a spot we used to visit when I was growing up.
We'd park the car and walk down a stream, hopping from rock to rock and trying to stay dry for as long as possible.
We'd always aim for the same spot. A short 45 degree angle smooth-stoned natural shoot into a calm shallow pool, followed by a 15 foot "regular" waterfall drop into a deep pool.
A steep bank on one side of the deep pool had a tree with the "worlds best rope swing" attached. It felt like our little secret, and there were never more than a few people there at any one time.
It's difficult to get access to the stream these days for long stretches. If you walked down it the police would probably be called.
The area with the "water park" has been fenced off indirectly from various angles and isn't accessible to the public anymore.
I went away upset, yet thankful he showed a little bit of paradise, with memories that last forever.
The UK is Made Up of England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland (Northern & Republic). They All have Castles, Villages, Beaches and Many other stunningly beautiful sights. 🇬🇧 We Be Happy To See You Over Here👍
Republic of Ireland is not part of the UK
My grandson recently visited Warwick castle on a school trip. I live 30 mins away and i have never been, it's crazy when i think about it, seeing as it's practically on my doorstep!
I’ve been a few times and I’m from
London get yourself there it’s great ❤
Im from and still live in Northumberland. So many castles which im guilty of taking for granted. They were just always there.
More in Northumberland than any other county in England
Thank you both, i have lived in Sittingbourne Kent all my life since 1963, and often visit Leeds Castle in Maidstone just a 30 min drive away, truly beautiful grounds and the castle is magnificent, played golf there a few times also, stay safe and well, kind regards Chris
We got the same feeling when visiting Italy and Greece including the islands so much history and historic buildings absolutely awe inspiring.
To put it into a bit of context (for an American audience), try to imagine that all the castles in Britain, for the first three hundred years of their use, were mainly used as "military installations" with a bit of administrative use as well; only after that did a few of them (but only a few!) gradually get converted into something more luxurious and comfortable as a kind of residence.
Hi guys, there are some amazing castles in the UK. I've been to Bamburgh castle in the north east of England, Northumberland, it is right by the sea, just incredible. I live in Leicestershire in the East Midlands and Belvoir Castle is close by ( pronounced Beaver ) ...took my good lady there for afternoon tea a few years ago. The walls are about 20 feet thick so if you want a mobile phone signal you have no chance. Great to see you both taking an interest in our history. Cheers, Daz, Leicester.
@@coffeeguy6673 I was surprised Bamburgh wasn't on that list.
@rosa32 stop telling people man😂😂
Dover Castle has fantastic underground works.
Mike and Jess, you may have heard of another UA-cam couple from the USA, The Magic Geekdom, Cara and Jeremy and their dog, Carly, sold their house in the states and travelled to England for a year and then onto Europe. Lovely couple that went to parts of the UK I've never been to and I'm from here !! Check them out guys.
The castles of Wales are amazing
The mention of a zoo in the Tower of London was because back in time the Royal family were given gifts from other countries and were kept in the Tower of London. Animals included were Polar Bears - Elephants and others.
I believe it was also open to the public; the fee for admittance? Bring a cat or dog with you and throw it in to feed the animals.
exotic animals were the sports cars of the era, they loved to show them off to rich friends.
@6:40 Arundel Castle is 11th century so built between 1001 and 1100. It could be 1000 years old.
I always find it incredible that a country as developed as the US can be so young. To put it in perspective, my school in England was founded in 1646🤯🤯
It's great to hear your reaction to our castles. We do get blase about what we have in the UK because we see it all around us, all the time, the ancient buildings, castles, cathedrals, churches and stately homes. You're teaching us to be more appreciative.
I agree we just take our history for granted too much. 🇬🇧
As a suggestion, if you want to come to Europe, or the UK, I found out years ago, that the only way, is to book it! Then that makes you save for it! Love to have you here, but make sure you do your research well. There is so much to see and experience over and above just London. Bon Voyage!!
I have been to Leeds castle many times we even bought a family season ticket for entry for 2 years so we could go there any time through the year. Very beautiful and well kept castle. Also been to Arundel castle a few times, it's a very mixed castle with architectural changes added to it over the centuries, the gardens and Chapel are spectacular.... Arundel castle gift shop also sells the best Mead I have ever tasted.... Must go back soon lol
What a great reaction, I live in Scotland and love visiting the castles here and they were the subject of many a school trip as a kid which we took for granted. I’ve only visited two of these castles in England but definitely need to visit more, we’re very lucky to be surrounded with such amazing history. You definitely need a month for the UK 😁❤️
Yes everything that glitters is GOLD! The British Royal Family don’t do fake. All the gold is either 14Carat taken from the Spanish or pure 24Carat leaf
Really enjoyed your reactions and how you appreciate the context of the history and how it forms thinking and life, I love my country and as I get older I love its history more and more. You should come over for a few months rent somewhere to stay and travel around and experience it for yourself for real.
Some of my favourite Castles include Bodiam Castle in East Sussex, Restormel Castle in Cornwall and Dirleton Castle in Scotland - the collection in the video you reacted to is not even a itch on the absolute beauty's that exist in England. Enjoyed watching your reactions and would love for you guys to have a look at our videos and see if you like some of the castles and historical sites we've had the privilege to explore! Great video! :D
Ahh, restormel is a beaut of a castle, great mention
Our Queen loved Windsor Castle and you may recognize it from traditional ceremonies that our Queen and Prince Phillip did regularly from here. Thank you for your lovely reaction we do appreciate our castles but maybe not as much as we should. 🇬🇧
I love your reaction videos, thank you from a U.K. viewer! We are lucky to live in the Royal Borough of Windsor and as such we are allowed free entry to Windsor Castle, and although I’ve visited there many times it is always exciting to revisit there is always something new to see! Kind regards, Chris
It would have been my dad's birthday yesterday and watching this brought back some amazing childhood memories of Warwick castle. Thank you 💙
Happy birthday to your late father! Keep those memories close friend 💚💜
@@RNTV Thank you. I was very lucky to have amazing parents as a child and have memories like this. Just as your kids are lucky to have parents who just want to spread positivity as much as they can. Keep up the great work on your channel 💙
We are in the 21st century, so Jess is right. It's almost a thousand years since Arundel Castle was first founded.
Thanks Mike for the phrase "living your life within context". I've never really thought about it, but I have always done this, being born in Canterbury, Kent. There are so many great sites here, rangeing from the Cathedral, and St. Augustines Abbey, Canterbury, to the site of the Roman invasion at Richborough Fort at Sandwich on the coast. And many more. Thanks ror this. 👍
Arundel is on the River Arun and is about four miles from the coast. The town is quite pretty too. Had many trips there as a child and as an adult. It has lovely grounds with a boating lake. Origin of name is detailed here: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arundel
Seeing Bodium castle makes me realise how much I take living near it for granted. I go paddle boarding right next to the castle all the time
About 25 years ago I was at high school about half a mile from Warwick Castle. On more than one occasion staff from Warwick Castle had to come to the school to retrieve the peacocks after they had gone walkabout. I remember getting to school one morning and one of the peacocks was greeting all the students whilst stood on the roof above the entrance 😂
Dover Castle was in use up to the 1950s. Ramsay organised allied naval operations - Operation Neptune (D-Day) and Operation Dynamo (Dunkirk evacuation) from there in WW2. That was his statue
I live in Yorkshire England we have lots of historical buildings here I think we just take them for granted because we always see them
I've just watched David suchet's british cathedrals and pilgrimage. Such amazing architecture, blows my mind man built these so long ago.. great vid..
While watching the Winsor Castle clip Mike mentioned he thought he's seen it before. That was because Queen Elizabeth's funeral came up that lovely drive to St Georges Chapel where she was interred.
Windsor and interned 🤦
@@steddie4514 It's interred . Her Majesty was buried under St Georges Chapel where all members of the Royal family are buried.
My son’s went to Bodium Castle on their school trips when they were younger, and they got to wear pieces of armour and learn about medieval times, most schools were we live go there regularly for history lessons.
You Jessica are still Mike's princess ! Hug frome France. As french I can tell Europe have great castles and The UK as well (they did it great 🙏) 🤗👍🕊!
@@simonrobbins8357 Yes, our french kings and queens (and nobles in general) married differents european royalties in Europe to preserve the royal (and nobles) bloodlines. So we can also see it the the architecture and traditions.
Northumberland is the country for Castles.
If you guys ever come to the UK, head for the City of Lincoln and I’ll give you a personal guided tour of Lincoln Castle built in 1068 and Lincoln Cathedral built 1072. The history attached to them will blow your mind. 🙂🏰
I think you guys should come on over,see a few castles,we’ve been to America and loved it,you’re a lovely couple (by the way I love your reactions to Micky Flanagan) lotsa love Nick.
At 18.00, in the opening shot of Dover Castle, you can see the French coast in the distance.
And thats how we British like to keep it ... the further the better ! lol
@@peterjones-b5b do we?
@@ianpunter4486 yep ..
@@ianpunter4486definitely.
I really enjoyed your reaction this video guys!
We used to go to the Leeds Castle classical concerts every year, they were themed & we'd take a picnic and lounge on the grass - the last night they would do a firework display and we'd take champagne. Need to go again definitely!!
I've been a couple of times too, in the 1990's. The fireworks are let off at the conclusion of the 1812 Overture, which they always have as the last performance, and they use real cannons at the appropriate part of that performance too; absolutely brilliant!
Great reaction video. You both should get over here as soon as. I can see already that you both will be in awe of our Castles and our history in general.
You both were absolutely on the button about today's throwaway culture.
Driving on the left came first,driving on the right came well after.
dont drive use bus and trains easy
Hi Guys greetings from England 🇬🇧 we have so much history and so many historic buildings that we just take these buildings for granted in The UK 🇬🇧 and most city's, towns and villages all have historic buildings!!! and this just becomes second nature to us but we are all aware of our countries long history.
Warwick is my home town, I grew up on a housing estate 2 mins walk from the castle, my friends and I used to play in the castle grounds when we were kids, (70s-80s). Until security saw us and chased us out. Lol. It's had a lot of restoration over the years.
In Ireland we have approximately 30,000 castles here and although they are amazing places to go see you do tend to take them for granted ☘️
I grew up in Jacksonville, but now live between Warwick Castle and Blenheim Palace (not shown, as it's technically a palace and not a castle). So, have hope!
Bodiam is about 7 miles from me and many of these are less than a couple of hours away. All good fun and every village has a church dating back even to 8th century. Many of the these old buildings have been adapted at different times over history, either just updating/maintenance or expansion. Always interesting to read the history of a building by the type of stone used, style of doors/windows and other architectural features. 😁
Can you still get the small boat down the river from Northiam to Bodiam Castle. That was the best day out ever.
@@kingfisher_man Yes, they still do boat rentals and sunset dinner cruises along the river Rother. Nothing changes much around here!! ;)
@@sangfroidian5451 Thanks for that. Although we used to get a boat trip (not boat hire) from the cottage next to the bridge, by the vineyard. The boat would hold about a dozen people, and take an hour to trundle down to Bodium Castle. It was absolute bliss.
Thats only a tiny proportion of castles in uk. He has chosen nice but many south. Every county has one of more castles so vast. Look at some of the cathedrals ans stately homes like Chatsworth and Blenheim Palace too. Also best thing about visiting castles is the smell of them - and feel the cold of the stone! Very atmospheric!! Hope you get to visit some castles one day!
Wales is a small country compared to England, we are roughly the size of New Jersey but we have 600+ castles here. I live about 12 miles from Cardiff the capital. When I was in work, I’m a Telephone Technician and part of my job was working in the large processor exchange and one of it’s smaller units. On my way out of Cardiff I would pass it’s main castle then about 9 miles later I would pass Castell Coch, the Red Castle, then to get to the exchange I would pass the moat and leaning tower of Caerphilly. This castle is quite large and is only surpassed in size by Windsor Castle.
We got more castles than you could throw a stick at!
Honestly you people are learning about life ❤❤
Queen Elizabeth lived in Windsor Castle almost permanently for the last few years up leading up to her death and is buried inside St George’s chapel within the castle. She did however pass away in Balmoral castle in Scotland. I’ve been inside Windsor castle and it’s beyond words, photos do not do it justice just how amazing it is.
Your remark about the velvet lawn reminds me of an old joke: An American asked the groundsman of the castle, how he managed to get the lawns looking so good. The groundsman replied with a list of the grass types, when and how to cut and so on "...and then, sir, we roll it for 500 years." 🙂
The UK sure has some nice castles but the rest of europe does as well. I know there are some videos of top lists of european castles. You should check that out!
And don't forget, in 1966 England lifted the World Cup using the 4,2 2 defence. Sir Alf Ramsey chose a remarkable team and the names are illustrious. Greavzy, Hurstzy, Ballzy, Bobby and Jackie, Knobby Styles, Peter Bonetti, Cohen etc.
Several weeks ago we spent a few days in the Lake District. We visited Castlerigg Stone circle which was built around 3200BC, about a thousand years before the largest and most famous of Stonehenge’s monoliths were put in place, and long before the Celtic Britons arrived in the British Isles. I love that sense of place and time. It’s grounds me and puts today’s troubles in perspective.
Castles were projections of power. They were designed to enforce control over a peasant population and/or protect them from invaders and rivals. The majority of large castles (as opposed to stately homes) were built by the Normans after they invaded and took control of England or in the subsequent medieval periods which were often turbulent. England (and later Wales) was split up into large estates controlled by Barons and the castles were either their ancestral homes or they were royal castles built and controlled by the King. Wales especially has some magnificent castles that were built to subjugate the population when the country invaded and taken over back in the 12th and 13th century.
The castles which still inhabited are owned by descendants of those Barons or sometimes those that replaced them after they fell out of favour or supported the wrong side in the historical game of thrones that occurred on and off for centuries.
Stately homes were mainly built in a more prosperous and more stable era after the English Civil wars though some were around before that. Their main purpose was to show wealth and luxury and had limited ability for defence, unlike castles whose primary purpose was war and defence. Stately homes tend to be much more elaborate inside, have larger windows and often contain art works collected from around the world.
If you love Castles you need to go to Gdansk in Poland, then get train to Malbork, where there is the largest brick built castle in the world. It's an amazing place, you can easily spend a whole day there.
Being from Edinburgh I grew up with Edinburgh Castle, set upon Volcanic rock and surrounded with gorgeous buildings at every turn. Right in the center of the City. You should check out what Edinburgh is like if you ever get the chance. Being from this part of the world, we all grew up with them as normal places to either look at through the window of a train or visit from time to time. I live in Ireland now and although there aren't anywhere near as many, you see them dotted around here and there. Blarney Castle in Cork is quite impressive. I enjoyed that, thanks guys.
3 Castles pretty close to me...... like Cathedrals we take them for granted....but as a kid I loved nothing more than finding the original toilets in Castles and peeping down them....... Happy days 😊
Make sure you visit Scotland too please if you ever come over…. 😊, every area of the UK has such stunning scenery and history dating 1000’s of years. You would absolutely love it
You know, when i was younger i used to charge around on my old BSA motorbike and would pass these old buildings and castles and took little notice of them, it's only now that I'm much older that i fully appreciate it all, love watching Americans reacting to Britains history which is of coarse is a part of your history also. Great video. 😊
I live 20mins away from Highclere and 20mins from Stonehenge. I used to work right next to the Tower of London, but I’ve never visited any of them. We really do take all this stuff for granted.
It is true that you certainly appreciate these growing up with them. Just from my house there are three castles within 15 minutes drive, one of them I can walk to: Chepstow Castle built in 1067, Berkeley Castle also built in 1067 and STILL lived in by the same family from that time, and Thornbury Castle which is a Tudor pleasure palace and the only castle which is now a hotel. In the woods below Berkeley Castle we attended the Shakespeare play 'A Midsummer Night's Dream on the 450th anniversary of Shakespeare - madly, the play was written for a wedding of one of the sons of the castle. Quite beautiful and surreal. Walking around the massive ruins of Chepstow Castle you can still feel a sense of the people who lived there, it raises the hairs on your neck. I can't recommend visiting these enough. And this is before you even get started on the many spectacular Welsh castles.
In UK we also have things called railways that can take you between cities.
Dover Castle is known as The Key to England. It is the front line against invasions from France and the continent (of Europe). That is why it has been an active military site for more than two thousand years. It even had a (secret) military role in the Second World War. Amongst other things the Normandy Landings were directed from the underground tunnels in Dover Castle. If you do visit you really will need a whole day to see everything. I went to school in Dover (King Stephen died in my headmasters garden!) and could see the castle up on the hill every day. Well, weather permitting!
Wait till you guys see our Cathedrals!
The Ceremony of the Keys at the Tower of London is a fascinating tradition performed every night for over 700 years. This ancient ritual involves the formal locking of the Tower’s gates and is considered the oldest military ceremony still in existence. St Georges Chappel in Windsor Castle is where Queen Elizabeth II is laid to rest.
The Tower of London is my "local" castle. Personally, the best tourist site in London (Windsor being the close second). It is inhabited, remains a Royal Palace. Home of the Yeoman Warders (Beefeaters to the uninitiated) - "retired" senior NCO's from the Armed Forces - and a guided tour by one of them is worth the entrance price. The Tower Ravens, Crown Jewels, The Tower Armouries - all brilliant. The Ceremony of the Keys takes place every night, and is considered the oldest extant military ceremony in the world, and has limited public access, but I have seen it a dozen or so times, with family and visitors. Living history all around you.