The county doesn't have a lot of castles, and one or two have been over-restored, so we don't have a great list of them. All are ruins of course.
So people do get excited about Stafford Castle, one of Stafford town's outstanding landmarks - without realising it's a complete fake.
Yes, there have been fortifications on the site down the years, including a Norman castle, but the one there today is what is left of a clever attempt in the nineteenth century to build a grand home in medieval style. In its own turn, it too is now in ruins.
Strangely enough, I don't much mind that it's 'fake'. To me, it's still an evocative place.
The whole site is open, so you can walk the dog there at all times, but the interior is only open over the summer.
The best time to be had there though is in July, when they stage outdoor Shakespeare plays.
This post appeared on the My Town Shoot-Out Photo-Blog
Love it, there is always some one who trys to build themselfs a castle
ReplyDeleteIt's quite a nice ruin, even if it doesn't meet the traditional criteria. And it stands out nicely against that sky.
ReplyDeleteI have to admit that I too would get excited at seeing this. Interesting background.
ReplyDeleteReminds me of Inverness Castle. I lived in Inverness in the 80s, with its imposing storybook castle sitting high over the centre of town, right where it needs to be. Sadly, like the above, it was a Victorian flight of fancy; but better late than never, eh?
ReplyDeleteGreat post!
Robin
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