Castle Rising Castle

Castle Rising Castle was built around 1140 AD.

(I wonder if people back then would have expected this building to still be standing this long or that it would be in the condition that it is in.)

It is surrounded by a still hill wall and a mote. It has impressive architecture and design.

Its is most known for the period of time in which Queen Isabella was "imprisoned" here for her part of having her husband, King Edward II murdered. Her imprisonment didn't stop her from being able to add extensions to the castle and spending more money than she had. I believe she moved here in the 1330's.

Jon was trying to make out the words on the stone at the base of this beautiful big tree that looks ideal for tree-climbing. It was hard to make out, but we think the stone said the tree was planted for a princess?

We've introduced Koen to Harry Potter, which has been exciting for him. Sticks are now wands and the kids were calling out spells throughout the castle visit.

"Look at this BIG pine cone!"

We walked around the top of the hill surrounding the castle.

I find the arches and decorations on the stone so fascinating. I'm so impressed and amazed at the skills people had so long ago, not using today's technology. And for nearing 900 yrs old, I would say the detail and their work has lasted a long time. 

This is the ruins of an early Norman church that was there before the castle was built. I'm going to guess that there were levels above the ground as well. If not, then this church had no windows.

Looking into a well.

The kids are standing on top of a large stone (of which would have been better documented had I included the stone in the picture) and as you can see, they were feeling quite uneasy about the situation once they were on top.

Dad's saving the day.

This is a common Macie response to feeling nervous or uncomfortable for differing reasons.

Koen sliding down the bordering hill. 

I love the arches, the triangles on the left... all of the great detail! I wonder how long it took the craftsman to do such work.

The main entryway has a nice, large stairway. Doors use to be at the second archway inside, I believe to slow down possible intruders.

The first room we came to was here. It was the basement and was used mostly for storage. The upper level floors are obviously gone but you can see some doorways and windows for the upper levels that were once there. The roof of the majority of the castle is completely gone as well.

The other side of the same room, showing the doorway we came through.

Looking up from the next room over.

The well in this room was the main source of water.

We thought these facial sculptures were cool.

 The spiral staircases made Hadley very nervous, though she was hesitant to scoot to the widest part of the steps close to the rope railing.

This doorway is rather low.

I liked the waiting room. The ceiling is awesome and the fireplace arches are neat. There was a time the fireplace wasn't there, rather it was an open entry to the Great Hall. The floor of the great hall collapsed and afterwards, they built the fireplace there.

These doors open to the grand staircase down to the main castle doors.

 

Looking down where the main well was.

Chapel antechamber

Chapel. There was another room above this one as well. 

I don't remember what this room was for, but I immediately loved it because of how light and bright it was.

I didn't do a great job of capturing it, but I loved the diamond design on the floor as well.

 This was a kitchen at one point.

This room was used for toilets.

More impressive work found on a window archway. 

We ladies need a grand walk down the grand staircase, right? ;)

Hadley's practicing her magic spells with her wand.

Koen's walking on the remains of what was once another church next to the castle as well.

 Macie exploring in the same church remains.

I think this sign was explaining Queen Isabella's way of overthrowing her husband and having him killed.  I believe she was 12 when she married King Edward II, who was 24.  She was known for her beauty and intelligence. Isabella was the daughter of the King of France and their marriage was to try to resolve tensions between the two countries.