One of the oldest and longest serving military strongholds in Ireland. Carrickfergus castle takes us right to the heart of the long history of violence and hatred between England and Ireland. Dan Jones, Secrets of Great British Castles s1e6: Carrickfergus Castle
Edinburgh: Home to the famous yearly spectacle that is the military tattoo. Over its thousand year history it’s earned the accolade of being the most besieged castle in the land. Edinburgh Castle is a truly iconic British landmark with a truly deadly history. It’s been the scene of legendary betrayals, backstabbing and conspiracies as well as some of the most epic battles ever witnessed … It’s been attacked 23 times. Dan Jones, Secrets of Great British Castles s2e1: Edinburgh Castle
Edinburgh Castle sits on top of Castle Rock, a vast outcrop of volcanic rock. ibid.
On 3rd May 1544 the English stormed the city blowing open the medieval gates and killing hundreds of defenders. ibid.
Cardiff Castle: Today it’s bursting with Victorian wealth and splendour. But it also has a history rich in dastardly deeds, horrible executions and bloody rebellions. Dan Jones, Secrets of Great British Castles s2e2: Cardiff
Cardiff Castle became the power base from which the Normans fought to control the natives of Wales and police the lands. ibid.
In its long history it’s witnessed all sort of malice and mayhem … a castle packed with thrilling stories that go back nearly 2,000 years. Dan Jones, Secrets of Great British Castles s2e3: York Castle
For almost 2,000 years the Romans, Vikings, Normans, Kings of medieval England have all seized upon the strategic importance of this site. ibid.
The Viking and English forces that rose up against the Normans in the summer of 1069 destroyed the first wooden castle that William the Conqueror had erected at York. ibid.
York’s 150 Jews fled into the castle seeking safety and protection from the sheriff. ibid.
Leeds Castle: It’s been called the loveliest castle in England. But scratch that perfect surface and you’ll discover its darker side. Leeds castle might look pretty and genteel but its history certainly isn’t for the faint-hearted. Dan Jones, Secrets of Great British Castles s2e4: Leeds Castle
During the 1930s they enjoyed lavish dinners and parties. ibid.
The first castle built on this site around the year 1100 was the work of a Norman knight. ibid.
The castle took on a key role in Britain’s fight against the Nazis. ibid.
Lancaster castle in the heart of northern England, a castle which also houses one of the oldest jails and criminal courts in the land. Dan Jones, Secrets of Great British Castles s2e5: Lancaster
When King John died in 1216 he left behind a greatly extended castle looked after by a sheriff. ibid.
For the castle the industrial revolution was good for business. ibid.
This women’s prison was built inside the castle in 1821. ibid.
Arundel was originally built for war and it’s survived more than its far share of battles, brutality and bloodshed. The story of Arundel castle spans almost a thousand years. Secrets of Great British Castles s2e6: Arundel
Arundel castle dominates a hillside where the Sussex downs roll towards the English channel. ibid.
This is your last warning – yield the castle. Game of Thrones s6e7: The Broken Man, Lannister et al, HBO 2016
Castle Dracula: The castle appeared innocuous in the afternoon sun. Dracula 1958 starring Michael Gough & Christopher Lee & Melissa Stribling & Carol Marsh 7 Mailes Malleson & John van Eyssen & Olga Dickie & George Benson & Charles Lloyd Pack & George Woodbridge et al, director Terence Fisher, opening lines
And therefore by unanimous vote of the Central Committee it has been decided to turn this castle into a training camp for our young athletes. Love at First Bite 1979 starring George Hamilton & Susan Saint James & Richard Benjamin & Dick Shawn & Arte Johnson & Ronnie Schell & Isabel Sanford & Sherman Hemsley & Barry Gordon et al, director Stan Dragoti, old bird
Florida’s Coral Castle: This monumental structure was created by one man with his bare hands in the twentieth century. What strange forces created this castle of secrets? In Search of s5e16 … The Castle of Secrets, 1981
A fantasy garden and an engineering marvel. The blocks are cut and set with great precision. ibid.
Is this castle guarding the gates of Hell? Houska Castle has stood for almost 800 years. Built not to keep evil out but to keep it in. True Crime Recaps: Sinister History of Houska Castle Revealed, Youtube 7.08, 2023
In 1999 the castle opened to the public. ibid.