Real Medieval "Miserere Nobis"

Corfe Castle, England (by David Nicholls)

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Craigmillar Castle, Scotland. Robert the Bruce and Outlander were filmed here. Photo by Colin Myers.

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livesunique - Spišský castle, Spiš, Slovakia

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Harlech Castle

Harlech Castle, located in North Wales, was first built by Edward I of England (r. 1272-1307 CE) from 1283 CE. Largely completed by 1290 CE, the castle received some further additions up to 1330 CE. A classic example of a concentric medieval castle, Harlech skilfully used local topography, the sea, and imposing towers to represent a formidable challenge to any attackers, as proven in the lengthy sieges of the Welsh rebellions and the Wars of the Roses during the turbulent 15th century CE. Harlech Castle is listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.

Edward I’s Castle Building

From 1272 CE Edward I, the new king of England, conquered most of Wales and joined it with the county system present in England. Following the death of Llywelyn, the Prince of Wales, in 1282 CE, the only part of Wales which remained free was the wild mountainous north and here the king built several major castles which included Caernarfon Castle, Conwy Castle, and Harlech Castle. Work began on Harlech Castle in June 1283 CE, the vast team of labourers, masons, and craftsmen being supervised by Master James of Saint Georges (c. 1235-1308 CE), the experienced architect and engineer who had previously built castles in Europe and who would be involved in many of Edward’s other Welsh castles.

As with any major castle, the choice of location would be the key to its chances of withstanding siege or attacks. Harlech was built on one of the most secure spots any castle was erected upon, sited on a rocky crag which rose straight out of the sea (today the sea has receded). There was also vital access to a small port or quay which meant that in times of trouble the castle could easily be supplied by boats (although one does not envy the porters who had to climb the 100+ steps with their heavy loads). The king visited the site in person to check progress over three days in August 1283 CE, and by the end of the first major building phase, he must have been happy with the results as he made Master James constable of the castle in 1290 CE, a position he would hold until 1293 CE.

Harlech would, by 1303 CE, eventually cost 8,184 pounds to construct (around $11 million today) but that was still a third cheaper than the cost of Caernarfon or Conwy. This is because the castle was both smaller and less ornate in its stonework and design. Even more significantly, the castle used local stone and so avoided the heavy costs of transportation of cumbersome materials. Another 400 pounds were spent on the castle between 1303 and 1330 CE.

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Interior view of the tower from Farleigh Hungerford Castle

The castle is located in southwest England and was a castle of residence from 1380 - the late 17th century. It was built by Sir Thomas Hungerford, former speaker of the House of Commons. His son doubled the size in the 15th century

Original medieval wall paintings in Hungerford Chapel (14th century)

My favorite discovery was at the chapel. Original wall paintings in such condition are hard to come by as over time they flake off, are painted over or are simply removed. This depiction of Saint George maintains the full body (English flag as a staple of his ensemble) and the tail of the dragon. It took all my will power not to touch it. I did, however, get insanely close so I could see the original brush strokes.

Effigy of Sir Thomas and his wife (14th century)

In the same part of the chapel as the wall painting, the tombs with the almost complete effigies of Sir Thomas and his wife are sit in the open. You can get close and admire the intricate details and remnants of paint as seen on the gloves.

Family coats of arms from the area

Farleigh Hungerford Castle is part of English Heritage so you do have to pay admission.

Farleigh Hungerford, Bath, Somerset, BA2 7RS

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Framing St. Mary's Abbey, York, England.

15th century church I stumbled across in northern Sweden. Because it has never been heated, the original colours have been preserved.

(Photo: d.)

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Montreux, Switzerland

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Medieval house in Argentan, Orne, FRANCE

Malahide Castle, Ireland (by John O’ Beirne)

LASTOURS castle, Languedoc, France

ERICE Castle - Sicily - Italy

Malahide Castle, Ireland (by John O’ Beirne)

Dordogne, France (by alh1)

Cardiff, Wales