Anthony House in Cornwall

I just got a copy of Disney's Alice in the Wonderland through a friend and while watching the first half of the film I noticed its captivating and magical location, the beautiful mansion, the landscape, woodland and the gorgeous garden of plants and flowers. So I tried doing some research where in the universe this location is situated. Oh and it's in Cornwall, England, one of the places in Europe I dreamed to visit someday!

Anthony House in Cornwall was chosen by the movie's director, Tim Burton, after he was presented with many locations to stage the production of Alice in the Wonderland because of its magical ground. It is a spectacular 18th century mansion set in 25 acres of landscapes and parkland. Beautifully located between the Toirpoint town and the village of Anthony in Cornwall, England (not far from the gorgeous coast line of Plymouth), Anthony House is overlooking the Lynher River and surrounded with courtyard, flower beds, ornamental Japanese pond, terraces, natural woodland, stone carvings and beautifully-manicured lawn.

This elegant mansion was reportedly built around 1711-1721 for Sir William Carew which was inherited by his descendants until 1961 when it was turned over to the National Trust to take care the estate. The mansion consists of a two-storey block in silver-grey stone features with two brick wings joined by the colonades. Its rooms are paneled with Dutch oak and contained medieval furniture with several displays of exquisite china, tapestries, embroideries and a splendid collection of portraits including King Charles I of England depicting his famous trial in the 17th century.

The mansion's magnificent garden includes the national collection of Day Lilies, yew hedges, topiary, stone carvings from NorthWest India, a beautiful Burmese temple bell and several sculptures. Its woodland is noted for azaleas, camelias, magnolias and bath pond house. The woodland provides an enthralling experience of wandering and delightful walks.

Anthony House is open for a public visit between March and October, just visit the official website of The National Trust UK HERE how to arrange a tour.

Tower of London

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Tower of London resonates a grim past, no wonder whenever somebody mention this medieval English fortress, I immediately cringe in terror. And who would not be? It was there that many prominent English political figures, even royals, met their gruesome end during the turbulent period of English reformation and political upheaval. Through British history books, I'd read the horrible saga of those people who failed to please the monarch or whoever in power during medieval time.

The Tower of London view at the River Thames

Two of King Henry VIII's six wives were beheaded there, Anne Boleyn and her first cousin, Catherine Howard. The famous "Princes of the Towers", King Edward V and his brother, Prince Richard, the Duke of York, were believed to be imprisoned and executed in the gloomy tower. King Henry VI and his son, Prince Edward were also murdered in the tower. The nine days Queen of England, Lady Jane Grey and her husband, Guilford Dudley, were said to be executed in the private room of the tower.

At one point, Queen Elizabeth I, when she was still a princess, was imprisoned in the tower. During those period, anyone who did something against the monarch's wishes, would be condemned to die in the Tower of London in full view of the public. Thus, the tower is associated with terror and horror. So, who would have thought of visiting this awful tower just for a leisure trip considering its dreadful past?

Food at the New Armouries Resto -- Tower of London

But as centuries gone by, the disgusting reputation of the tower is slowly replaced with awe and interest, especially architecture and its connection to England's glorious history. Now, this is considered to be one of the most popular tourist landmarks in Great Britain. It is officially called Her Majesty's Royal Palace and Fortress and located on the north bank of the River Thames in central London. It was believed to be built around 1066 through the instigation of King William I, the Conqueror.

Now, Tower of London houses the Crown Jewels of the United Kingdom and the Royal Mint, it is being cared by the Historic Royal Palaces and open to the public for a visit. Exciting things to see around the tower are the White Tower, the Crown Jewels, the Royal Armour, Menagerie, Exhibition galleries, Tower green and many more. Two restaurants ---New Armouries and Apostrophe--- inside the tower serve tourists with its delicious authentic English delicacies of hot meals, pastries, cakes, teas, Porridge, fruits and biscuits.

Many exciting discoveries await you at the Tower of London, you can book for a visit online. For further inquiries how to go there and arrange a tour, you may visit the official website of HISTORICAL ROYAL PALACES

Herstmonceux Castle

Located near Herstmonceux, East Sussex, England, this brick-made structure was said to be built during the Tudor era, around the 16th century. Today, the castle is surrounded by plants, garden and Lake used to be the home of Royal Greenwich Observatory.

Now, this ancient royal edifice is used by the Bader International study centre of the Queen's University. This is one of the last remaining brick building still standing today in England. According to a source, this structure was build primarily for grandeur and comfort than for war defences.

The castle passed through many owners since the medieval period. From the Monceux noble family to Fiennes family until it was confiscated by King Henry VIII. The castle was restored to the Fiennes family after the King's death, but few years later,  the castle was sold due to the Fiennes's heirs' disability to finance the maintenance of the castle. It was acquired by a lawyer named George Nayor who made the extensive renovation, but in 1777, the castle was dismantled. 

It was restored and reconstructed only in the 20th century and transformed it into an elegant private residence, adding interiors and courtyard, of Lieutenant-Colonel Claude Lowther. In 1929, it was sold to Reginald Lawson then to a British Baronet and Member of Parliament, Sir Paul Latham in 1932. In 1946, the castle was sold to the Admiralty (authority of the United Kingdom, responsible for the command of the British Royal Navy) for and in 1957, it became the home of the Royal Observatory of Greenwich until 1988 when the observatory moved to Cambridge. Hersmonceux Castle was then occupied by the International Study Centre of the Queen's University (based in Canada) housing the undergraduate and graduate studies.

Alnwick Castle

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Alnwick Castle, the Hogwarts in Harry Potter film series 

If you are wondering why Alnwick Castle's exterior design looks very familiar it's because it is used as a backdrop to Hogwarts, the wizard's fictional school in Harry Potter film series. Since its first movie outing in 2001, the castle drew public interest that hundreds of visitors streamed to the site annually. It also provides a romantic and wonderful venue for a wedding ceremony.

Alnwick Castle stood imposingly along the River Aln in the village of Alnwick, Northumberland, England. It was originally built by the Baron of Alnwick, Yves De Vescy, in the 11th century to protect England's northern border from Scottish invaders, it became the stronghold of English defenders through many conflicts. When War of the Roses broke out, the castle was under the hands of the Lancastrian until it was captured by Warwick's (Richard Neville) forces. In 1309, the powerful and wealthy nobleman, Henry Percy, the First Baron Percy, bought the castle from the Bishop of Durham who took care the site after De Vescy family became extinct.

It was the Percy family who made an extensive renovation of the castle retaining most of its original fortification up to these days. Henry Percy was made Earl of Northumberland during the reign of King Richard II. His successor was later created Duke of Northumberland who carried many alterations and improvements of the castle.

Beautiful environment of Alnwick Castle

Since 1950s some areas of the castle had been used for several educational establishment as annex campuses. Three of the castle's perimeter towers are used as exhibition galleries of the Percy family's art collections, relic from ancient Egypt and Romano-British objects. Because of its spectacular architectural and historical designs, Alnwick Castle is listed as Grade I building, meaning a listed building in Great Britain which should not be demolished, altered or extended without special permission from the local planning authority.

23-year-old Lady Melissa Jane Percy with her mother, The Duchess of Northumberland. Melissa could have been Prince William's perfect match who can add glamour and style to the dilapidated House of Windsor

This stunning medieval castle in Northern England is the official home of the current 12th Duke of Northumberland, Ralph Percy, ranked by UK Sunday Times as 163rd richest man in Britain. His youngest daughter, Lady Melissa Percy, is one of my favorites to be the future bride of Prince William of Wales, of course by now we already know that the future British King had chosen a commoner instead. Ralph's mother, Lady Elizabeth Montagu-Douglas-Scott, was a descendant of King Charles II just like the late Princess of Wales, Diana.

Alnwick Garden

Due to the castle's popularity (because of Harry Potter films) Percy's wife, Jane, the Duchess of Northumberland, initiated the establishment of Alnwick Garden to the area where the Duke donated some 42 acres of land to a Charitable Trust. This sprawling garden is situated near the cascading fountain. Today, Alnwick Garden is one of the most frequently visited gardens in the United Kingdom.

Aside from the Harry Potter films, Alnwick Castle was also used as a backdrop of other movies: Robin Hood (2010), The Time Keeper (1991), Mary Queen of Scots (1971), Elizabeth (1998) among others.

Alnwick Castle is the second largest inhabited castle in England next only to Windsor Castle in Berkshire. 

References:

Alnwick Castle

Other additional readings from The Castle of England and Wales book by Croom Helm

Bamburgh Castle

Beautifully located on the peaceful coast of Bamburgh along the historical area of Northumberland, England, Bamburgh Castle, spanning 9 acres of land on its rocky plateau, is one of the most magnificent ancient fortresses of the middle ages. It is listed as one of England's finest medieval buildings that has been preserved because of its historical interest and impact on modern structural design.

More than any other castles in the United Kingdom, Bamburgh Castle is known to have been around since the creation of England in 547 the days when the Anglo-Saxons occupied most of England's territories subdivided into different Kingdoms until King Egbert of Wessex united it into one country. Bamburgh Castle, built on the basalt outcrop, is reportedly a former home of the native Britons until it was captured by the forces of Ida of Bernicia, an Anglo-Saxons ruler. When the aggressive warriors of the Vikings arrived, the fortress was completely destroyed. 

It was rebuilt by the Normans on the 11th century and became a home of the Earl of Northumbria. In 1095 during the reign of King William II, the castle was  forcibly taken by his troops and became a crown's property following the defeat of the Earl of Northumbria. It was besieged again with the troops of Richard Neville, the 16th Earl of Warwick during War of the Roses and became the first castle in England to be overtaken by the Yorks.

In the 18th century the castle was given to Sir John Forster and later on sold to the Bishop of Durham when Forster's descendants declared bankruptcy. Since then the castle passed to many owners until it was bought by William Armstrong, a wealthy engineer industrialist who founded the Armstrong Whitworth, a British manufacturing company dealing with armaments, aviation, ships, locomotives and automobiles businesses. Now, the castle's museum dominated the Armstrong aviation artifacts including artillery, weapons and engines used during World War I and World War II.

Bamburgh Castle was used as a film location of the movie, Robin Hood, in 2010

References:

Bamburgh Castle official website & Bamburgh Research Project

Leeds Castle

Leeds Castle is a 12th century royal fortress located some 7.8 kilometers from the southeast of Maidstone, Kent, England but not technically located on the larger city of Leeds. Apart from any other castles in England, Leeds Castle echoed some of the most controversial periods in English royalty history. It became witnessed to several conflicts, wars and mixed memories.

It served as a royal palace to King Edward I and his first wife, Eleanor of Castile who made several improvements on the castle's features adding drawbridge, gateway and portcullis--a latticed gate made of wood or metal. After the King's death the castle was taken care by Lord Badlesmere. In 1321, the castle was captured by the forces of King Edward II after Lady Badlesmere refused to accept Edward's consort, Isabella of France, in the castle. Lady Badlesmere was imprisoned at the Tower of London for one year.

King Richard II's wife, Princess Anne of Bohemia, stayed at Leeds Castle before she married the King. King Henry VIII's first wife, Catherine of Aragon made Leeds Castle as her home too and it was in Leeds Castle where Henry's daughter, Queen Elizabeth I was held prisoner before her coronation.

Unfortunately, the castle is not part of the crown properties because during the English Civil Wars where the Kingdom was under the protectorate of Oliver Cromwell, the castle was acquired by one of its supporters, the Culpeper family. Since then, it passed to many owners until it was bought by Lady Baillie in 1926, daughter of Baron Queensborough. When she died in 1974, the castle was left under the care of the Leeds Castle Foundation, a nonprofit organization in Leeds aimed to protect medieval castles for the benefit of the public.

This iconic castle is one of the favorite venues for wedding ceremonies, film and TV show locations and concerts in Kent, England. Its magnificent environment, beautiful landscape, garden of flowers and plants, grotto and golf course attract hundreds of visitors annually.

WINDSOR CASTLE

Diarist Samuel Pepys called it "The Most Romantic Castle in the World". Windsor Castle indeed continues to fascinate people with its unique charm and magic. Beautifully carved on the chalk cliff above the placid Thames River in Berkshire, England, Windsor Castle covers 13 acres of home parks, working farm, labyrinth, state apartments, gardens and barracks.

It is one of the favorite royal residences of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II because of many wonderful childhood memories she had with this ancient fortress. When Great Britain declared war against Germany in 1939 King George VI decided that his children would be brought to Windsor Castle for their safety. So Princess Elizabeth and her only sibling, Princess Margaret, lived there during the duration of World War II their parents stayed at Buckingham Palace in London to monitor the progress of the war.

It is the oldest inhabited castle in the world dating back from the 11th century when William the Conqueror  successfully invaded England. He chose the site as his official seat of court and residence. Since the Norman conquest, the castle undergone several renovations reflecting the lifestyle and tastes of monarchs in residence.

The castle houses most of the royal family collections of priceless paintings, fine tapestries, porcelains and sculptures. Within the castle, visitors are allowed to wander in many galleries, extensive suites, beautiful garden, orchards and state apartments. There is a place for worship within the cobbled stone wall, the 14th century St. George’s chapel, where the royal family attended Sunday mass when staying at Windsor. The chapel is used also for intimate royal weddings. It is also the burial place of ten British Kings (Edward IV, Henry VI, Charles I, George III, George IV, William IV, Edward VII, George V and George VI).

The Long Walk

The Round Tower of the castle, which stood imposingly for many centuries, was rebuilt during the reign of King Henry II, great grandson of William the Conqueror and the founder of the Plantagenet royal house. The exterior of the wall, though renovated and remodeled by many monarchs, retained its original feature.  King Charles II commissioned an Architect to design the "Long Walk" similar to the ground of the Palace of Versailles in France, this beautiful avenue south of the castle is 75 meters wide. It was during the reign of King George VI that the castle achieved its majestic appeal to what it is today. The Hanoverian monarch who adored arts and decorations, ordered the total renovation of the ancient fortress adding turrets, towers and elegant apartments. One of its fantastic feature is Waterloo Chamber filled with portraits commemorating the defeat of the former French general, Napoleon Bonaparte, during the Battle of Waterloo.

In 1992 the castle was almost destroyed by fire and the world saw Her Majesty and her second son, Prince Andrew, the Duke of York, joined workers forming a human chain to save some of the royal family's most valuable art collections. The castle is open to the public except on Christmas day, New Year's day, Holy Week, Easter Sunday and Ascot Party in June. According to several travel guide books, getting to Windsor Castle only takes one hour and thirty minutes from London.