We are currently enjoying a short family holiday in Middleham in North Yorkshire, a beautiful large country village with horse and sheep traditions and connections to King Richard III.
As seems always the case we're never too far from a castle and this is no exception with Middleham castle's massive imposing ruined ramparts towering over the township.
English Heritage make sure kids can dress up as Kings and Queens in the grounds and they're well provided for in the gift shop full of toy swords, crossbows, shields and everything a young knight might need.
Just beyond the castle lies a much older mound where once was the original fastness perched high above the settlement. There's nothing there now except a dry moat, rabbits and a sad memorial to a teenager, but the aura of ancient Britain's life prevails.
If that wasn't enough history, Middleham is twinned with Agincourt in France, site of a massive Anglo-French battle, where the English longbow abounded.
Do you like castles or national monuments where you live readers? Did you visit as a kid with your family?
Have you read The Sunne in Splendour by Sharon Kay Penman? It's one of my favorite novels, and falls into the camp of historians who claim Richard III's history was manipulated by his successors. I wrote a review here: https://themichlinguide.wordpress.com/2024/11/13/review-of-an-alternative-richard-iii-the-sunne-in-splendour-by-sharon-kay-penman/
ReplyDelete