mattw1 | 08 Jul 2011 8:25 a.m. PST |
Caeverlock Castle near Dumfries, it was built in a triangular shape and is beautiful:- link |
Captain dEwell | 08 Jul 2011 8:42 a.m. PST |
Good choice. You see, with such a castle there would be comparatively little restoration work that could not be done using similar masonry and local timbers. I'm certainly not suggesting aluminium and plastic. At what point (what percentage of the structure being replaced or added to)does a building of antiquity cease to be regarded as such? |
bilsonius | 08 Jul 2011 7:10 p.m. PST |
I've often fancied applying for an Arts Council grant to install a large inflatable Bouncy Castle on top of the old Norman Castle Mound here in Oxford
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bobm1959 | 11 Jul 2011 5:32 a.m. PST |
Castle Anthrax
definitely |
Cornelius | 11 Jul 2011 12:22 p.m. PST |
Rochester or Kenilworth or Goodrich please. |
scotty08 | 18 Jul 2011 1:04 p.m. PST |
I'd go for Norham in Northumberland, a large imposing Castle overlooking the river Tweed if I had to pick one. Thoough must admit I do love the atmosphere of castle ruins and living in Northumberland there are plenty to see. |
miniMo | 18 Jul 2011 8:13 p.m. PST |
A small one, but charming motte and bailey: Castle Rising link
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Tevlik | 22 Jul 2011 7:46 a.m. PST |
Restoring many castles should not be all that difficult. The double walled city of Carcassonne was restored in the 19th century. After WWII, many Russian palaces and churches which were gutted have been restored to their former glory. These restored castles have proven to be popular tourist attractions. In many cases, the walls sre still standing and the only thing which needs to be added are floors and roofs. You can see partial restorations at Carnaervon and Dover. One of the towers at the tower of London has been restored to its appearance in the 13th century. Many castles have at last one tower partially restored, where one can find exhibits about how the castle looked "back then." Ironically, restoring the buildins helps preserve them. One of the greatest threats to any building is water. At least putting a roof on the building helps keep water out. Many cities in the U.S. spend small fortunes prserving their old buildings. In many cases, buildings are moved into parks containing many of these old buildings which serve as an open air museum. Grand Island, Nebraska, for example, has a very nice park along these lines. It seems that the residents of many of the communities which contain these treasures are absolutely crazy in failing to restore them. |
Captain dEwell | 22 Jul 2011 8:47 a.m. PST |
Exactly, and water damage can easily be prevented. Cheers |
Jemima Fawr | 22 Jul 2011 9:51 a.m. PST |
Again, the question is 'Restored to what'? Do you have photos of the original structure to work from? Architects plans? Paintings? Engravings
? If you don't, then your 'restoration' is actually a bloody great guess and at its worst is vandalism. The gatehouse of Pembroke Castle was restored in Victorian times, but they added a few extra 'romantic' turrets and demolished the remains of the barbican and inner ward in order to provide visitors with a better view of the gatehouse and the keep. Essentially they utterly vandalised it. A more recent 'restoration' of my own town's castle, which was done within the last 15 years, resulted in the demolition of the iconic gatehouse. Stabilise and preserve – yes. 'Restore' – no, unless you have a VERY good record of what it is you're trying to restore. I would also like to know who you think is going to pay for it? Within a 15 mile radius of my house, there are 47 stone castles (including those that have been 'upgraded' to mansions), 3 towns with survivng walls, 5 towns with completely demolished walls, 1 Roman town, 70+ mottes & bailey castles, 2 Tudor blockhouses, 15 19th Century forts and well over 500 known hill forts, promontory forts and other prehistoric earthworks. That's just my tiny corner of the country. With the greatest of respect, we have an awful lot more historic buildings in the UK – the vast majority of which are older than the USA. Where are you going to start? Our communities do indeed spend an absolute fortune on preserving our architectural heritage – through taxation, lottery funds and charitable trusts such as the National Trust, as well as by the actions of the owners themselves. However, there is still nowhere near enough money to keep up what is already standing, let alone rebuilding structures that fell over centuries ago. |
Captain dEwell | 22 Jul 2011 10:47 a.m. PST |
Clearly, it is unlikely to happen and no further taxpayers money will be spent. However, as stated, I am concerned that so many castles will crumble away and we will have nothing to show future generations. I strongly believe that there are many castles, like Bodium, Caeverlock, Harlech, Raglan, and many others, which surely are able to be "restored" to an exceptable standard using traditional methods, etc, yet maintain a close approximate to the original construction – that, to be determined by such informed bodies such as English/Scottish Heritiage. As an admirer of such buildings, I certainly do not want to see a Disneyisation of them any more than see them lost. The simple replacement of wooden floors and ceilings could prevent much water damage and detoriation. Who is going to pay for such work? Well, not the long suffering taxpayer. It would have to rely on voluntary contributions and local initiative but it would also provide an opportunity for craftsmen (established or apprentices, if they still exist) to involve themselves in a unique building experience. Maybe they would do so for the love of it, or if the BBC pointed a camera in their direction!! Again, I personally believe that there are a number of stone build medievil castles, which are able to be "restored" to an exceptable standard and safeguarded for future generations . . . and I have my favourite. I thank you all. |
kevanG | 23 Jul 2011 9:44 a.m. PST |
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PilGrim | 06 Aug 2011 2:40 a.m. PST |
Hermitage Castle Creepiest ruin I have ever been to. Why Mary used it as a love nest is beyond me, must have been a wacky chick |
Connard Sage | 06 Aug 2011 4:10 a.m. PST |
Most of the border castles and towers I've visited are creepy, including Carlisle. There was a lot of blood spilt in the Marches. Incidentally In time, James Hepburn, 4th Earl of Bothwell held the castle. Mary, Queen of Scots, made a famous marathon journey on horseback to visit the wounded Bothwell there
The Castle is said to be haunted by Mary Queen of Scots even though she had not visited it in life. link Gotta love Wiki |
Ban Chao | 15 Aug 2011 6:43 a.m. PST |
not a traditional castle but a fortress none the less
Maiden Castle |
Jemima Fawr | 25 Aug 2011 1:27 p.m. PST |
During a visit to Falaise Castle last week, I discovered this fascinating project; to build a new castle from scratch, using only traditional methods and materials: guedelon.fr |
Captain dEwell | 29 Aug 2011 4:25 a.m. PST |
Wow, RMD, Absolutely fascinating. I rest my case. Using similar methods and materials, certain British castles can be faithfully restored to their former glory, or close enough, without any sell-out to the modern age or a journey into Disney World. Thanks for sharing. . . and, I spied Asterix! As aye, D'Ewell |
Jemima Fawr | 23 Jan 2012 5:02 p.m. PST |
I forgot to add to this thread that I visited the Chateau de Guedelon last October. It is a FANTASTIC project and much to my surprise, I actually found it more interesting than a 'real' castle. I thoroughly recommend a visit, should you find yourself anywhere near central France (it took me two hours to drive there from Paris). They also serve some damnably fine ales – yes, good real ale in France!!! I'll stick some photos up later (of the castle, not the beer). |
Yesthatphil | 24 Jan 2012 7:21 a.m. PST |
Preserve and add good visitor centres (rather than restore/fake)
but lower on my own list than preserving battlefields (which is super cheap in comparison – but still nowhere near a vote winner for politicians)
Phil |
SgtPerry | 24 Jan 2012 8:30 a.m. PST |
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number4 | 25 Jan 2012 9:43 p.m. PST |
On second thoughts, let's not restore Camelot
. 'Tis a silly place |
GNREP8 | 29 Jan 2012 10:58 a.m. PST |
I'd go with preservation, having seen some forts in Oman that were restored and look too new. Being Welsh and from the south, Caerphilly Castle is a fantastic place and one where I'd hope that cut backs not withstanding enough is spent to stop it decaying |
Mollinary | 08 Apr 2012 11:29 a.m. PST |
Preservation yes, not a fan of restoration. Castles show their history – all of it. That is why they are so fantastic. It's like plastic surgery to turn back the years, to make me look "twenty years younger". Well I'm not twenty years younger, and nor is the castle. And after the surgery I won't look it, and nor will the castle. Don't mess with the real thing, if you want to see wht a castle looked like at a particular point in its history, build it from scratch. Leave the real, "lived in" original, for us real, lived in, curmudgeons! Mollinary |
138SquadronRAF | 08 Apr 2012 6:59 p.m. PST |
Portchester Castle in Hampshire, Roman through to 15th Century all in one place: link |
ochoin deach | 09 Apr 2012 2:08 a.m. PST |
Warwick. Or maybe Grimsthorpe Castle. |
janner | 11 Apr 2012 3:29 a.m. PST |
Whilst supporting Mark's comments on restoration, + 1 to giving Kenilworth some attention, if only to restore the water defenses c. 1265. |
138SquadronRAF | 11 Apr 2012 6:40 a.m. PST |
Here is an interesting article giving views of various archaelogist on the issue: link The reconstruction of the Stoa of Attalos in Athens is still a subject of controversy. |
Valator | 24 Apr 2012 6:50 p.m. PST |
Krak des Chevaliers, if there's anything left once the current situation is resolved. |
Uesugi Kenshin | 24 Apr 2012 8:49 p.m. PST |
Actually, how about Hadrians Wall? |
number4 | 06 Oct 2013 8:39 p.m. PST |
Hadrian's wall should not only be restored but relocated to Cheltenham |
Mac1638 | 07 Oct 2013 1:49 a.m. PST |
Liverpool as they would have to remove some revolting government buildings they put up in the 1960s May be Lathom House if they know what looked like or where it stood? |
Jemima Fawr | 07 Oct 2013 2:24 a.m. PST |
I never did stick up those photos of Guedelon. I'll try to remember to do that later. |
Uesugi Kenshin | 07 Oct 2013 5:31 p.m. PST |
Maiden Castle. All it needs is a fire-hardened palisade and a few thatch huts & animal pens. |
sjwalker38 | 10 Oct 2013 1:23 p.m. PST |
Might be a need for a restored Hadrian's Wall after that referendum. Corfe and Chepstow are wonderful atmospheric ruins in their own right but I'd still be intrigued to see them in pre-Civil War condition. Likewise the smaller castles at Donington (Newbury) and Kirby Muxloe (Leicester) |
uglyfatbloke | 14 Oct 2013 12:49 p.m. PST |
Porchester is a good candidate
or how about Dirleton? It would be an absolute beauty. |
MajorB | 14 Oct 2013 2:47 p.m. PST |
Portchester Castle in Hampshire, Roman through to 15th Century all in one place: Porchester is a good candidate
so which period of its history do you restore it to? |
Herkybird | 16 Oct 2013 2:20 a.m. PST |
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Captain dEwell | 16 Oct 2013 12:39 p.m. PST |
Currently, Dunbar Castle, Scotland. |
uglyfatbloke | 31 Oct 2013 6:08 a.m. PST |
Good point Major – I had n't really thought it through
.so I'll stick with Dirleton. |
Supercilius Maximus | 06 Nov 2013 5:54 a.m. PST |
Barbara Castle? Surprised nobody's linked to locomotive restoration – there's an entire class of "Castles":- link |
John Treadaway | 19 Nov 2013 12:53 p.m. PST |
I'll second Barbara. Just what the country needs right now! John T |
Carlos13th | 19 Nov 2013 5:22 p.m. PST |
Its impossible to restore because its a small amount of ruin in the center of a city but I would love to see what the castle in Swansea city centre looked like when it was still in one piece.
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Jemima Fawr | 19 Nov 2013 9:56 p.m. PST |
I wish they'd restore the old Duke of Wellington pub that used to be next door to it before they demolished it to build an effing megapub
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dualer | 20 Nov 2013 1:43 p.m. PST |
Slightly off the original post, but Ruthven Barracks, south of Inverness. Calling out for restoration and if I win the Euromillions lottery, my new home
! |
dualer | 20 Nov 2013 1:48 p.m. PST |
Oh, and I'd re-name it Molloy Barracks in memory of the gallant Sgt, latterly Lieutenant Molloy who defended it against the Jacobite rabble! |
peterctid | 03 Dec 2013 7:41 a.m. PST |
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Jemima Fawr | 03 Dec 2013 8:09 a.m. PST |
Carlos, There are some old prints showing what Swansea Castle used to look like. A lot of it was demolished around 100 years ago and then the Luftwaffe had a good go at what was left:
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Royal Marine | 06 Dec 2013 7:32 a.m. PST |
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Last Hussar | 12 Dec 2013 3:09 a.m. PST |
All of them. Too keep the Scots and Welsh in line. ;) |
cat herder | 15 Dec 2013 5:58 a.m. PST |
Pontefract and Sandal, both are approximately six miles from where I live, but both are little less than ruins. |