This is the Clifford Tower built on the orders of King Henry III (1216-1272). It would originally have had a wooden roof covering two floors.
This drawing on the site shows what it might have been like. It was probably intended to contain rooms for the King and Queen on the upper floors. However, as a visit from royalty was rare it was more likely it would have acted as a store house for valuables.
A photo showing the inside of the tower. Note the evidence of the two floors.
The stairway up to the entrance.
A model showing what it might have been like in medieval times.
Some pictures showing what remains of the castle walls.
This tower has what remains of a medieval 'garderobe' or toilet, which was pretty much a simple hole discharging to the outside into a cesspit or moat. Thankfully they became obsolete with the introduction of indoor plumbing.
This is Monks Bar, the largest and one of the oldest medieval entrances to the city, dating back to the 14th Century. It was a self contained fortress, complete with 'murder holes' through which missiles and boiling water could be rained down upon attackers.
It also has the city's only working portcullis. One final interesting point is that tucked under the right hand arch is an excellent model shop!
Muchos Danke Schoen for those Scoop!! Always loved castles. As a fatter-of-mact, the day before our youngest was born Bettina and I were trolling the grounds of Burg Berwartstein. It must have been the trek from dungeons to towers that hastened the arrival of our little one a tad early :-)
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