Country Life The five best castles in Britain
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Dec 1, 2023 John Goodall, Architectural Editor of Country Life magazine and a leading expert on British castles, joins to share his top five favorites. He discusses the stunning architecture and rich history behind Headingham, Knaresborough, Lancaster, and Belvoir castles. Listeners will learn about Knaresborough's intriguing ties to Edward II and the transformation of Lancaster Castle from a prison to a public landmark. John also highlights Castle Drogo and reveals a bonus castle that has been closely linked to the Royal Family for centuries!
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Castle Headingham's Noble Legacy
- Castle Headingham in Essex exemplifies 12th century noble luxury and status through its enormous tower and fireplaces.
- It twice lost its floors but was thoughtfully restored to function as a medieval-style venue by the Lindsay family.
Castles as Status Symbols
- Stone castles like Headingham were as much status symbols as defensive fortifications.
- Their grandeur and maintenance reflected noble titles and wealth rather than pure battlefield readiness.
Knaresborough and Edward II's Favourite
- Knaresborough Castle's history intertwines with Edward II and his controversial favorite, Piers Gaveston.
- Gaveston built a magnificent tower there but was later captured and brutally murdered, deeply impacting Edward II's reign.