The guy said there were around 1500 castles in England. In the UK we have over 4000 they are literally everywhere. I'm so grateful I live here and our lives are so intertwined with history on every corner
From 🇬🇧. The 11th century is 1000s. For example the battle of Hastings of 1066 was is the 11th century. 2024 is in the 21st century. Your wife is right.
I think most people who grow up in the UK take for granted how amazing it is to have so much well preserved historic places on our doorsteps. I still remember loving seeing Warwick castle when on a school trip over 30 years ago
I prefer to look up above the shop fronts at the wonderful buildings in my town. Lots of Tudor and Georgian architecture mixed together. It's something people appreciate more the older they get IMO, like appreciating how many shades of green there are in a forest.
@@helenwood8482 ..yes, but what i belive OP ment was we take for granted thay be peserved to the best of our abilities .. as opposed to US .. wher most historocal things hasent been preserved .. US is alot more use and dispose oriented .. we built and build things to last .. and to be recylcled .. most buldings in US is less than 100 years old .. many buildings in Europe are faar older than US .. we even have concrete buildings that are over 1900 years old and still standing from the roman era... EDit: aswell as many beutiful statues/art from the romans etc..
My brother lived in Windsor so I've been inside the castle. This was the Queen's favourite place to live and while he says summer residence she lived there most of the year apart. Here's a funny story maybe 10 years ago I was walking with my brother and family along in the great park (which is Royal land but open to the public to use apart from the road which is reserved for the Royals and their vehicles) not paying attention to anything behind me when I became aware there was a car driving slowly behind me. As I stepped off the road I realised it was the Queen driving her car with a burly man sat in the passenger seat (presumably a bodyguard). All a bit surreal!!
@@jimb9063 Them pillars are beautiful. They are so broad because Durham was started using roman arches, then later gothic arches. It where gothic arches were invented
@@oopsdidItypethatoutloud Thanks, didn't know that. The great castles and cathedrals look incredible now. Imagine the impression they'd have made when first built. The original meaning of the word Awesome.
@@jimb9063 I too always think of what people thought when they were first built. Durham Cathedral Castle on that promontory. Get off the train and it's across the river... stunning. My peasant ancestors in their hovels made of sticks, mud and cow sh't, see that, and all the stone would have been new golden yellow 🤯
To the man speaking on this video, I say... I'm upset. It's not pronounced Olnn-wick castle 😮 It's pronounced Ann-ik castle... Annik 😊 ❤ from Northeast England ❤️
@@AndyKing1963 It is. That's why the narration doesn't match the video all the time. I saw a video on the channel that was talking about how idyllic a town was as it showed a load of roadworks with a bunch of wheelie bins in background.
Very true. I went to a Grammar school which was built in the 1500s on the site of a much older building and was originally the manor house of the surrounding area. We just accepted it as the norm.
My house was built in 1775 an important date for our American friends. It’s our home and we love it but it is not considered remarkable at all and is not listed as building of historic interest. It is in fact the youngest house on the lane.
It’s not just the history that gives us a different perspective on life here in the UK compared to the US. It’s also that we’re in close proximity of our European neighbours and we all constantly visit each other’s countries and experience each other’s unique cultures and languages. We’re not constantly told our own country is special and our way of life is sacred - we can directly compare the good and the bad for ourselves and our failings and strengths are there for all to see for themselves. The US is so culturally isolated it’s become generic in everything it does, sees, hears and most importantly what it believes.
I love, I love, I love, I love, I love, RegenerationNationTV and especially, I love Mike and Jess. Us Brits just want to wrap you guys up in cotton wool and steal you from the rest of the world. You guys and your RU-vid channel is the very best, top professional, the most lovely and sincere couple on RU-vid and you are so funny. You guys keep RU-vid real. Look forward to your next video. xxx
I live in Northumberland about 7mile from Alnwick castle it's not the only castle there is many more especially Bamburgh castle which is still lived in and open to the public it's been used in movies it was used in the last Indiana Jones, it's a castle worth seeing.
My late father was a Grenadier Guard and he regularly guarded and patrolled Windsor Castle back in the late 1960s and early 70s and I've got a photograph of myself (aged 2) and my late sister (aged 4) standing in a sentry box within the battlements of Windsor. Happy times 😊 we are just so blessed to have all this history surrrounding us and so close so we can just jump in our cars and drive a few hours and visit these wonderous places!
On vacation in the UK when my boys were young, I took them to see Warwick Castle one weekend, as it was in perfect condition and not a ruin. When we got there we found we were in the middle of a medieval fair with jesters, archery displays (and you could have a go at it!), knights in armour doing combat demonstrations, entertainers, crafts etc. It was amazingly well done! We all loved it, and still remember it fondly after many years. You can also walk on the castle walls and climb the towers, visit the dungeon, and at that time Madame Tussauds had a few of the rooms dressed as they looked in Edwardian times, with wax figures of Edward VII and other lords and ladies of the era looking as if they were socializing. We spent the whole day there! Oh, and bits of Harry Potter were filmed all over England and Scotland, particularly in Oxford.
Windsor Castle is the main residence of the Royal family. The Queen didn't actually like Buckingham Palace in central London so was probably there less than one day a week. Windsor Castle is where she spent most of her time and it's where she is buried, her husband is buried and both her parents are buried (her father is the main character in the film The King's Speech). I'm not sure where the current King Charles spends most of his time, he may still live in the more modest home he had when his mother was still alive. The Queen divided much of her remaining time in two other locations, Balmoral Castle in Scotland where she passed away aged 96 and Sandringham House in Norfolk where the Royal family tend to spend Christmas. This video featured castles in England, had it been Britain the list would have been a little different as there are a good number of fantastic castles in both Wales and Scotland.
I love castles, always have, I grew up in Wales and we have many castles too, a lot in ruins, but we used to play in them as kids, with very little health and safety taken into consideration. I clambered over lots of castle walls as a kid.
From just over the border and liked nothing more than visiting a lot of castles as a kid, more than a few of which in Wales. One fly in the ointment was Powys Castle. As we got close enough to see it in the car, I accused my parents of getting me there under false pretences. "That's not a castle it's a stately home!"
Health and safety rules drive me wild. I'm past 68 and as a child of 6 playing in the woods and sliding down the sides of railway tunnel entrances. Now theyve fenced my playgrounds off to public. Sad is the only word.
@@chrisspere4836 Not long after my Dad passed away 10 years ago, I went back to a spot we used to visit when I was growing up. We'd park the car and walk down a stream, hopping from rock to rock and trying to stay dry for as long as possible. We'd always aim for the same spot. A short 45 degree angle smooth-stoned natural shoot into a calm shallow pool, followed by a 15 foot "regular" waterfall drop into a deep pool. A steep bank on one side of the deep pool had a tree with the "worlds best rope swing" attached. It felt like our little secret, and there were never more than a few people there at any one time. It's difficult to get access to the stream these days for long stretches. If you walked down it the police would probably be called. The area with the "water park" has been fenced off indirectly from various angles and isn't accessible to the public anymore. I went away upset, yet thankful he showed a little bit of paradise, with memories that last forever.
I've been recommending the historic sites of Spain for years on RU-vid, but I'm reluctant to do so now because I don't feel that being told to "go home" is compatible with an enjoyable holiday.
Your remark about the velvet lawn reminds me of an old joke: An American asked the groundsman of the castle, how he managed to get the lawns looking so good. The groundsman replied with a list of the grass types, when and how to cut and so on "...and then, sir, we roll it for 500 years." 🙂
Thank you both, i have lived in Sittingbourne Kent all my life since 1963, and often visit Leeds Castle in Maidstone just a 30 min drive away, truly beautiful grounds and the castle is magnificent, played golf there a few times also, stay safe and well, kind regards Chris
To put it into a bit of context (for an American audience), try to imagine that all the castles in Britain, for the first three hundred years of their use, were mainly used as "military installations" with a bit of administrative use as well; only after that did a few of them (but only a few!) gradually get converted into something more luxurious and comfortable as a kind of residence.
Mike and Jess, you may have heard of another RU-vid couple from the USA, The Magic Geekdom, Cara and Jeremy and their dog, Carly, sold their house in the states and travelled to England for a year and then onto Europe. Lovely couple that went to parts of the UK I've never been to and I'm from here !! Check them out guys.
While watching the Winsor Castle clip Mike mentioned he thought he's seen it before. That was because Queen Elizabeth's funeral came up that lovely drive to St Georges Chapel where she was interred.
I always find it incredible that a country as developed as the US can be so young. To put it in perspective, my school in England was founded in 1646🤯🤯
As a suggestion, if you want to come to Europe, or the UK, I found out years ago, that the only way, is to book it! Then that makes you save for it! Love to have you here, but make sure you do your research well. There is so much to see and experience over and above just London. Bon Voyage!!
My grandson recently visited Warwick castle on a school trip. I live 30 mins away and i have never been, it's crazy when i think about it, seeing as it's practically on my doorstep!
Hi guys, there are some amazing castles in the UK. I've been to Bamburgh castle in the north east of England, Northumberland, it is right by the sea, just incredible. I live in Leicestershire in the East Midlands and Belvoir Castle is close by ( pronounced Beaver ) ...took my good lady there for afternoon tea a few years ago. The walls are about 20 feet thick so if you want a mobile phone signal you have no chance. Great to see you both taking an interest in our history. Cheers, Daz, Leicester.
The mention of a zoo in the Tower of London was because back in time the Royal family were given gifts from other countries and were kept in the Tower of London. Animals included were Polar Bears - Elephants and others.
YES ALL CASTLES DID HAVE MOATS, but most were filled in and planted/grassed over when their defensive role was over! Brits are very proud of their history and preserving historic structures as part of that history, via protective GRADED LISTINGS, is extremely important in the UK. Some of these castles are still livid in by the same families or new inhabitants!
The UK is Made Up of England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland (Northern & Republic). They All have Castles, Villages, Beaches and Many other stunningly beautiful sights. 🇬🇧 We Be Happy To See You Over Here👍
Some of my favourite Castles include Bodiam Castle in East Sussex, Restormel Castle in Cornwall and Dirleton Castle in Scotland - the collection in the video you reacted to is not even a itch on the absolute beauty's that exist in England. Enjoyed watching your reactions and would love for you guys to have a look at our videos and see if you like some of the castles and historical sites we've had the privilege to explore! Great video! :D
If you do it right, Dover castle is an all day outing. Roman lighthouse, Saxon church, medieval keep, underground medieval tunnels to the forward outer wall defences. All used and tested in the siege of the First Barons War 1216. The late medieval upgrades to the Keep and outer walls, then onto the Napoleonic era, and remodeling for cannon defence, plus underground barracks for troops in the Peninsular War. Then finally you can tour the underground levels of WWII upgrades, where it was occupied by the Admiralty conducting Navy operations in the channel, including Operstion Dynamo, the evacuation of Dunckerque.
Our Queen loved Windsor Castle and you may recognize it from traditional ceremonies that our Queen and Prince Phillip did regularly from here. Thank you for your lovely reaction we do appreciate our castles but maybe not as much as we should. 🇬🇧
About 25 years ago I was at high school about half a mile from Warwick Castle. On more than one occasion staff from Warwick Castle had to come to the school to retrieve the peacocks after they had gone walkabout. I remember getting to school one morning and one of the peacocks was greeting all the students whilst stood on the roof above the entrance 😂
I grew up in Jacksonville, but now live between Warwick Castle and Blenheim Palace (not shown, as it's technically a palace and not a castle). So, have hope!
Arundel is on the River Arun and is about four miles from the coast. The town is quite pretty too. Had many trips there as a child and as an adult. It has lovely grounds with a boating lake. Origin of name is detailed here: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arundel
Yes everything that glitters is GOLD! The British Royal Family don’t do fake. All the gold is either 14Carat taken from the Spanish or pure 24Carat leaf
It's great to hear your reaction to our castles. We do get blase about what we have in the UK because we see it all around us, all the time, the ancient buildings, castles, cathedrals, churches and stately homes. You're teaching us to be more appreciative.
We used to go to the Leeds Castle classical concerts every year, they were themed & we'd take a picnic and lounge on the grass - the last night they would do a firework display and we'd take champagne. Need to go again definitely!!
I've been a couple of times too, in the 1990's. The fireworks are let off at the conclusion of the 1812 Overture, which they always have as the last performance, and they use real cannons at the appropriate part of that performance too; absolutely brilliant!
The UK sure has some nice castles but the rest of europe does as well. I know there are some videos of top lists of european castles. You should check that out!
Dover Castle was in use up to the 1950s. Ramsay organised allied naval operations - Operation Neptune (D-Day) and Operation Dynamo (Dunkirk evacuation) from there in WW2. That was his statue
@@RNTV Thank you. I was very lucky to have amazing parents as a child and have memories like this. Just as your kids are lucky to have parents who just want to spread positivity as much as they can. Keep up the great work on your channel 💙
My sister got married at Leeds Castle, I live in kent , Dover castle and The Tower of London are 45 mins away, Leeds Castle 20 mins and Rochester Castle 10 mins away. They are right on my doorstep yet many English people just take them for granted as every day sights. Used to pass Tower of London and Big Ben on my way to work everyday and see American, Chinese tourists etc in awe of what they were seeing but to me was just a normal day. Its pretty cool to grow up in a country so full of history but we do forget how lucky we are sometimes. My local pub was open long before America existed lol.
@@simonrobbins8357 Yes, our french kings and queens (and nobles in general) married differents european royalties in Europe to preserve the royal (and nobles) bloodlines. So we can also see it the the architecture and traditions.
Love Leeds Castle....very special! I used to regularly play the 9 hole golf course, as well as go to the Mid-Summer nights concert. The concert has a very British and patriotic feel to it, but you would absolutely love it.
If you love Castles you need to go to Gdansk in Poland, then get train to Malbork, where there is the largest brick built castle in the world. It's an amazing place, you can easily spend a whole day there.
Dover Castle is known as The Key to England. It is the front line against invasions from France and the continent (of Europe). That is why it has been an active military site for more than two thousand years. It even had a (secret) military role in the Second World War. Amongst other things the Normandy Landings were directed from the underground tunnels in Dover Castle. If you do visit you really will need a whole day to see everything. I went to school in Dover (King Stephen died in my headmasters garden!) and could see the castle up on the hill every day. Well, weather permitting!
The Ceremony of the Keys at the Tower of London is a fascinating tradition performed every night for over 700 years. This ancient ritual involves the formal locking of the Tower’s gates and is considered the oldest military ceremony still in existence. St Georges Chappel in Windsor Castle is where Queen Elizabeth II is laid to rest.
Wales is a small country compared to England, we are roughly the size of New Jersey but we have 600+ castles here. I live about 12 miles from Cardiff the capital. When I was in work, I’m a Telephone Technician and part of my job was working in the large processor exchange and one of it’s smaller units. On my way out of Cardiff I would pass it’s main castle then about 9 miles later I would pass Castell Coch, the Red Castle, then to get to the exchange I would pass the moat and leaning tower of Caerphilly. This castle is quite large and is only surpassed in size by Windsor Castle. We got more castles than you could throw a stick at!
Castles were built as defensive points so you will see more where there was a danger of an invasion. That is why there are so many in Kent and on the South Coast. While only one castle from the North of England (Alnwick) was shown you will find many more in the North of England because of the constant threat of invasion from Scotland. It's easier to attack from on land than on water. If you ever do get to the UK and plan to visit a number of Castles I recommend that you take an annual membership of English Heritage and/or the National Trust as it doesn't take too many visits before you get your money back from paying at individual castles. Membership will also give you access to a number of Stately Homes as well.
My son’s went to Bodium Castle on their school trips when they were younger, and they got to wear pieces of armour and learn about medieval times, most schools were we live go there regularly for history lessons.
Jess, unless you’re traveling with luggage then you really don’t need a car, the public transport in terms of trains is spot on. Yes you have more freedom with the car but trains for example are so reliable that you won’t need to worry. You certainly don’t need a car in London if visiting.
Castles were projections of power. They were designed to enforce control over a peasant population and/or protect them from invaders and rivals. The majority of large castles (as opposed to stately homes) were built by the Normans after they invaded and took control of England or in the subsequent medieval periods which were often turbulent. England (and later Wales) was split up into large estates controlled by Barons and the castles were either their ancestral homes or they were royal castles built and controlled by the King. Wales especially has some magnificent castles that were built to subjugate the population when the country invaded and taken over back in the 12th and 13th century. The castles which still inhabited are owned by descendants of those Barons or sometimes those that replaced them after they fell out of favour or supported the wrong side in the historical game of thrones that occurred on and off for centuries. Stately homes were mainly built in a more prosperous and more stable era after the English Civil wars though some were around before that. Their main purpose was to show wealth and luxury and had limited ability for defence, unlike castles whose primary purpose was war and defence. Stately homes tend to be much more elaborate inside, have larger windows and often contain art works collected from around the world.
Thats only a tiny proportion of castles in uk. He has chosen nice but many south. Every county has one of more castles so vast. Look at some of the cathedrals ans stately homes like Chatsworth and Blenheim Palace too. Also best thing about visiting castles is the smell of them - and feel the cold of the stone! Very atmospheric!! Hope you get to visit some castles one day!
Hi Guys greetings from England 🇬🇧 we have so much history and so many historic buildings that we just take these buildings for granted in The UK 🇬🇧 and most city's, towns and villages all have historic buildings!!! and this just becomes second nature to us but we are all aware of our countries long history.
We are very lucky to have incredible castles and manors everywhere. Cathedrals are our other amazing collection of grand, ancient architecture. You ought to check out a vid on top British cathedrals or something, they are truly incredible.
You know, when i was younger i used to charge around on my old BSA motorbike and would pass these old buildings and castles and took little notice of them, it's only now that I'm much older that i fully appreciate it all, love watching Americans reacting to Britains history which is of coarse is a part of your history also. Great video. 😊
And don't forget, in 1966 England lifted the World Cup using the 4,2 2 defence. Sir Alf Ramsey chose a remarkable team and the names are illustrious. Greavzy, Hurstzy, Ballzy, Bobby and Jackie, Knobby Styles, Peter Bonetti, Cohen etc.
when you talk about history at the start its actually even funnier for a brit, because we have the oldest commissioned warship in the world which is made of wood and is ten years older than the USA.
We in Germany have 25,000 castles and many cities still have their medieval town centres; in England many were torn down and replaced with new buildings; here such things are protected as historical monuments.
Virtually all British historical buildings and ancient monuments are 'listed' (i.e. legally protected by preservation orders), too, and we still have lots of them, all of which we value and maintain. However, many of our protected and carefully preserved historic (mediaeval, Tudor, Stuart, Georgian and Victorian) buildings in British town and city centres were willfully and recklessly destroyed or badly damaged by bombs dropped by the aggressive German Luftwaffe during the Blitz in World War Two and consequently we had to rebuild those cities and towns after the war ended with newer buildings. Unlike the historical buildings of Paris, for example, which were spared by French surrender in WW2, our cities bore the brunt of repeated German bombing for months because we refused to surrender to Nazi aggression. May I respectfully suggest you consider the impact of the willful destruction of our built heritage by Germany before posting such insensitive, boastful and simplistic comparisons of German and British preservation of historic buildings? Thank you.
Hi guys from North Wales. This was interesting but in the UK THE location for great medieval castles is where I live along the North Wales coast. Please find a video about them 😊 Caernarfon, Beaumaris, Conwy, Rhuddlan etc. All with dark Welsh mountains and forests to their backs and the dramatically Beautiful Irish Sea to their front 😊 It’s fun living here!
Bodiam is about 7 miles from me and many of these are less than a couple of hours away. All good fun and every village has a church dating back even to 8th century. Many of the these old buildings have been adapted at different times over history, either just updating/maintenance or expansion. Always interesting to read the history of a building by the type of stone used, style of doors/windows and other architectural features. 😁
@@sangfroidian5451 Thanks for that. Although we used to get a boat trip (not boat hire) from the cottage next to the bridge, by the vineyard. The boat would hold about a dozen people, and take an hour to trundle down to Bodium Castle. It was absolute bliss.
Interesting fact for you, all the defensive turrets in castles have winding stairs that go clockwise. This is because the vast majority of people are right handed meaning if you're defending you can swing a sword downwards at your attackers but because they are trying to come up the stairs they can't swing their swords! 🤯
Rochester Castle was made a ruin by King John in 1215 after it was occupied by rebel barons who supported the signing of the Magna Carta. The siege lasted seven weeks during which time John used siege engines, nine and starvation. In the end, the rebels surrendered after eating their horses and were imprisoned with one crossbowman who changed sides hanged
Guys the reason it looks like they're still 'using' Arundel Castle is because it's still the home of the FitzAlan-Howard family (Dukes of Norfolk & Earls Marshal of England).
Not just people but the King lives in Windsor Castle and it was the late Queen Elizabeth's favourite residence in England outside Balmoral in Scotland. King Charles is a good King but his mother Elizabeth the ii was dearly loved and is missed a great deal. People of my age grew up with her as our Queen and Head of State. It's very hard for outsiders to understand how we feel about our Royals but they represent us and everything we stand for. " We are they and they are we."
I live in Kent, so I’ve grown up around many of these castles. Rochester, Bodium, Arundel, Leeds, Dover, Hever, Windsor, Camber, Lympne, Westenhangar, Saltwood - I’ve been to all of them and many others around the UK. Leeds, Dover and Windsor to me are 3 of the absolute best castles to visit. ALL 3 really need a whole day to explore each. Castles are everywhere in the UK, I can literally see one out of my office window…. Now check out Britains cathedral’s, you’ll be just as gobsmacked 😂😎🇬🇧
II worked it out like this (checking in my own head) if the 1900's were the 20th century then the 1000's were the 11th century. therefore Arundel Castle is 1,000 years old. I liked your comment that growing up in such surroundings must affect you. It does, very much, and as someone who is British it struck me, as much as I might deny it, I could see that what you said was true.
I think you guys should come on over,see a few castles,we’ve been to America and loved it,you’re a lovely couple (by the way I love your reactions to Micky Flanagan) lotsa love Nick.
Ludlow castle in Shropshire is my favourite, if you go to Ludlow it is a stunning country town with 3 castles within 15 miles. Richards castle it a pre-Norman, Norman Castle and was built by a Norman before the conquest and it is thought to be the first stone castle in England. It is a total ruin but was absolutely huge, the church is incredibly old with a separate bell tower. There are some parking spaces at the gate to the church yard. The views from up there are to me the best in England. I used to live in a cottage further down the hill, it's main part was built over 1,000 years old. I have moved 36 times and Richards Castle is by far the best place I have lived, the locals are as MAD as a box of frogs, (lots of inbreeding). The Castle pub has a pool table in a room that's too small, the jute box had Crystal Chandler. They never used to measure any drink so a wine glass of Bailey was £1, nuts.
If you guys ever come to the UK, head for the City of Lincoln and I’ll give you a personal guided tour of Lincoln Castle built in 1068 and Lincoln Cathedral built 1072. The history attached to them will blow your mind. 🙂🏰
I agree with you about driving - I am from the UK but I panic driving on the opposite side which is most of the world and it doesn't help if you can't immediately differntiate right from left
I have been to Leeds castle many times we even bought a family season ticket for entry for 2 years so we could go there any time through the year. Very beautiful and well kept castle. Also been to Arundel castle a few times, it's a very mixed castle with architectural changes added to it over the centuries, the gardens and Chapel are spectacular.... Arundel castle gift shop also sells the best Mead I have ever tasted.... Must go back soon lol
In my town I have two churches that were built in the early 1200's....... but 1 1/2 miles away we have a Saxon church dating from 700ad. That being said I have lived my whole life in Neolithic Wiltshire, where my daughter found a 5500 year old flint scraper ( verified by Wessex archaeology) while field walking. We find musketballs from the English civil war ( 1644-1650) and in 94, I was working security on the batheaston bypass and there was a child buried with his dog alongside a gravel bed that was dated to around 50 ad. We picked up ox teeth whilst patrolling, the archaeologists were awesome.
In my field on the Hampshure South Downs, I found a neolithic flint cutter that was recycled in the bronze age to be a 'burrin' to make grooves, probably to fletch arrows.
