Castles....

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Stafford Castle is an ancient castle located two miles west of the town of Stafford in Staffordshire, England. From the time of the Norman conquest and as recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 it was the seat of the powerful Anglo-Norman Stafford family, feudal barons of Stafford, successively Barons Stafford (1299) in writing, Earls of Stafford (1351) and Dukes of Buckingham (1444) . The 14th-century stone keep was demolished in 1643, during the Civil War, having been held for the Royalists by Lady Isabel Stafford. The castle was remodeled in the early 19th century by the Jerningham family in a Gothic Revival style, on the foundations of the medieval structure, and incorporates much of the original stonework. Today the A518 Stafford-to-Newport Road passes by it and is a prominent local landmark visible from the M6 motorway and the West Coast Intercity Main Line.

Credit: ptaerialphotography
 

La Brède Castle.
In 1951, the Château de La Brède was listed as a French historical monument, with the whole estate being listed in 2008.
The chateau ceased to be a family home in 2004 when Countess Jacqueline de Chabannes, the great-granddaughter of Charles de Secondat de Montesquieu, died, leaving the estate to the government-recognised public interest Foundation that she had recently set up. The chateau and its estate have since become a place of cultural interest and a tourist attraction for visitors keen to tread in Montesquieu's footsteps at La Brède.

Credit: j.looten
 

Nestled amidst the undulating landscape of Central Bohemia, a mere 30 kilometers southwest of the resplendent Czech capital, Prague, lies the enchanting fortress known as Hrad Karlštejn. Its very name evokes a sense of timelessness and regal grandeur, an architectural gem that resonates with centuries of history.

A testament to the vision of Charles IV of Luxembourg, a monarch with a penchant for both elegance and pragmatism, Hrad Karlštejn stands as a living testament to the 14th century's architectural and cultural prowess. Commissioned with a purpose as noble as the stones from which it was built, this castle was not merely a structure; it was a bastion of safety, guarding invaluable treasures.

In the shadow of its imposing turrets and ramparts, this citadel was created with a singular intention: to house and protect the most precious of possessions. Crown jewels of exquisite craftsmanship, the hallowed state archives teeming with the annals of a nation, and a library steeped in knowledge and wisdom—these treasures found their sanctuary within the castle's walls.

The story of Hrad Karlštejn transcends time and space. For nearly two hundred years, these hallowed halls cradled the nation's legacy, securing its past, present, and future. It is a chronicle of loyalty and duty, where stone and mortar held steadfast to the promise of guarding history.

As the sun sets over the Central Bohemian landscape, casting an ethereal glow upon this architectural masterpiece, the spirit of Charles IV's vision lives on. A symbol of the enduring power of both human ambition and the preservation of culture, Hrad Karlštejn remains a testament to a bygone era, yet ever-present in its splendor.
 

Senden Castle.
Is one of the numerous moated castles in the Münsterland. It is located on the Stever River, which feeds the castle's moat. In addition, the Dortmund-Ems Canal is about 250 meters away.
From 2011 to 2013 a medieval market including military camps took place annually in the summer within the outer walls of the castle, which enjoyed great popularity among fans of the Middle Ages in the region due to the impressive backdrop despite the decay. Renovation work started in 2018 and will last for several months.In 2020 the roofs over the south tower and the Rombergtrakt were renovated, the Mannenhaus secured and a sample axis of the facade restored. The building is a popular destination on bike tours through the Münsterland and part of the "100 Castles Route", a cycle path in the region.

Credit: giuliogroebert
 

Castle Kranichfeld....

The Oberschloss Kranichfeld is a Renaissance palace of the former princely house of Reuss, above the town of Kranichfeld in Thuringia, which emerged from an older castle complex. It is owned by the Thuringian Palaces and Gardens Foundation.
The palace complex originated from a medieval castle to protect trade routes through the Ilm Valley. Today, it still reflects the division into outer and main courtyards. Surrounded by a ring wall, which is still partially preserved, it still contains a palace and the ruins of a fortress. Their residential building is of Romanesque origin and was rebuilt in the 16th century. The 27 m high fortress, also known as the "Fat Tower", has been available as an observation tower since 2002. The glass dome provides a panoramic view of the Middle Ilm valley and the surrounding area. The museum in the palace shows the history of the upper castle, especially the time after the 1934 fire.
 
It's delightfully dreary.
 
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