The last castle I visited on my trip to Wales was Beaumaris Castle. It has a impressive defense system, with a huge wall encircling the entire castle, and a moat that runs 2/3rd's away around that wall.The name Beaumaris comes from the Norman-French for "fair marsh".
Built by Edward the I between 1295 and 1300, the castle is located on the eastern side of the Isle of Anglesey, just off the northwest coast of Wales. The presence of the sea is very strong here. Given the castle's location on the edge of an island off a remote part of Wales, its massive impregnability seems like overkill. In fact, the castle never played an important part in history, so it's more a symbol of English might than anything else.
From the other side of the castle you can see the mountains of Snowdonia.
The stonework of Beaumaris somehow seems more massive and formidable than other castles. 
Now the stones are crumbling away due to the forces of nature.
These days seagulls rule this realm.
Where kings and princes once walked, there are now only tourists. Like me.
These days seagulls rule this realm.
Cool blog, Mary. This is one of the most fascinating of the castles, I think, and definitely inspiring.
ReplyDeleteThey're all inspiring, Mairi. Got to finish my wip (set close to Wales, but not in Wales), so I can start on a new Welsh medieval. Thanks for stopping by.
DeleteI love your talent for taking picture and for adding humour to your comments (seaguls...) ;) I've visited some of England, Ireland, Northern Ireland and Scotland and I'm now pushing my husband to go to Wales next year - and your blogs are not foreign to that. :D
ReplyDeleteThe secret is to take a *lot* of pictures. I took about 1300 on this trip.
DeleteThanks for visiting.
Beautiful example of an English castle. The location is very romantic. Thanks for the virtual tour. I've visited Scotland and England and long to visit Wales.
ReplyDeleteFantastic photos! Thank you for sharing your trip with the rest of us, Mary!
ReplyDelete