Castles In The Midlands Information about castles in the Midlands including castles, forts, Ashby de la Zouch Castle, Bolsover Castle, Kenilworth Castle, Ludlow Castle, Stokesay Castle, Tutbury Castle, Warwick Castle,Places to visit in the Midlands, Birmingham, Warwickshire, Staffordshire, Worcestershire, Shropshire, Worcestershire, Derbyshire, Leicestershire, Nottinghamshire, where to go and day out.
Ludlow Castle, firstly a Norman Fortress and extended over the centuries to become a fortified Royal Palace, has ensured Ludlow's place in English history - originally built to hold back unconquered Welsh, passing through generations of the de Lacy and Mortimer families to Richard Plantagenet, Duke of York. It became Crown property in 1461 and remained a royal castle for the next 350 years, during which time the Council of the Marches was formed with responsibility for the Government of Wales and the border counties. Abandoned in 1689 the castle quickly fell into ruin, described as 'the very perfection of decay' by Daniel Defoe.
As you explore the Castle you can see for yourself the maze of intact rooms, halls and chambers that still echo with events from Saxon beginnings, Norman dynasties, Tudor grandeur and great family influences. Come and enjoy the all-year-round events and activities that keep families of all ages entertained and enthralled both inside the Castle and outside in the wonderful landscaped grounds alongside the River Tame.
Situated in the heart of England, Tutbury Castle sits on wooded slopes overlooking the winding River Dove, with spectacular views across the plain of the Dove to the beautiful Derbyshire hills. Its commanding view and natural defensive position makes this an obvious site for a castle.Occupied since the Stone Age. The castle is best known as one of the prisons of Mary Queen of Scots, who was held here on four occasions.
Warwick Castle dates back almost 1,100 years. In 914AD Ethelfleda, daughter of Alfred the Great, ordered the building of a 'burh' or an earthen rampart to protect the small hill top settlement of Warwick from Danish invaders. Join Richard Neville, Kingmaker and Earl of Warwick as he prepares his extensive household for the Battle of Barnet in 1471. In 1898, Daisy, Countess of Warwick hosted a weekend party at which the principle guest was the Prince of Wales, later Edward VII. There are many things to see and do at Warwick Castle.
