![]() ![]() ![]() Tower of LondonĪn imposing structure on the north bank of the Thames in the center of London, the Tower of London is actually a complex of buildings surrounded by two concentric rings of walls and a moat. Six Hundred years ago, the Earl of Warwick was Europe’s most famous jousting champion, and during the summer visitors can see jousting exhibitions and visit festivals and craft demonstrations. The tower, dungeon, and torture chamber allow visitors to see the darker side of Medieval England. Today, Warwick Castle houses armor and weaponry from the Middle Ages. When under the ownership of Richard Neville in the 15th century, the castle was even used to imprison the English king, Edward IV. The castle changed hands several times during its history and often was used to hold prisoners. Traditionally known as the home of the Earls of Warwick, it served as such a home for generations, up until about 25 years ago. Originally a wooden structure, it was rebuilt in stone in the 12th century and has undergone many structural changes. Less than 100 miles from London, situated on a cliff overlooking a bend in the River Avon, this magnificent fortress was built by William the Conqueror in 1068. Here are some of the most famous medieval castles in England: Warwick Castle By the 14th century, the construction of castles was already in decline. Castles first appeared in England in the 11th century and reached a peak of military sophistication in the late 13 century. Sometimes they were built at the edge of a cliff or on the bend of a river so the surrounding area could be seen. All that remains of these early castles are traces of earthworks.Īs time went on, castles became bigger and stronger and were made of stone. Hills and moats made it more difficult to invade and conquer the castle. If the land was flat, a moat was dug around the castle. They originally started out as simple wooden buildings on top of a mound or hill, which was surrounded by a ditch. These were primarily built for protection during times of war and to ward off invaders. What has survived from medieval times, though, are castles. Many important records have not survived. Also, compared with other periods in history, historians don’t know much about this time period. It is also known as the Dark Ages because it was a time of cultural and economic deterioration. This period came to an end with the fall of the Western Roman Empire and the beginning of the Renaissance. The Medieval Period, or Middle Ages, is a period in European history which lasted from the 5th to the 15th centuries. ![]()
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