England’s
towns and countryside are strewn with Castles and Palaces many
still intact and some in ruins. These provide a clear insight into
the history of the Country including its monarchy. Most historic
buildings and sights in the Country are heritage listed and some
have undergone rehabilitation as part of the government’s
attempts at conservation.
Dover Castle:
Located in Kent, the Dover Castle is significant to English
History. Its construction occurred in a number of phases starting
in the 12th Century when the building of “the Great Tower”.
The Castle’s main attraction is its wartime tunnels which
were used since the Middle Ages and most recently during the
2nd World War.
Hampton Court Palace:
Built almost five centuries ago, the Hampton Court Palace is
a magnificent complex, regarded as the Greatest Palace in Great
Britain. The palace is open at designated times to the public
and is a major tourist attraction. It is run by the Historic
Royal Palaces organization. Hampton was opened to the public
in 1838 by Queen Victoria.
Kensington Palace:
Once home for Princess Diana, Kensington Palace was used as
residential quarters for the Country’s rulers until 1760.
It has since then been used as then been used as a residency
for members of the royal family. Today the palace is under
the management of the Historic Royal Palaces which also runs
Hampton
Court and the Tower of London.
The Tower of London:
One of London’s major landmarks, the tower was built about
2,000 years ago and has been home to the British Monarchy and
Government. Over its years, the tower has served numerous other
purposes including being used as a high profile prison, a zoo
and a royal fortress.
Buckingham Palace:
The current residence of the British Monarchy, Buckingham’s
construction began in the 17th Century. The palace is now popular
for its uniformed armed sentries and is a major tourist attraction.