Castle Exploring again...

We went on some more site seeing trips around the country here. I never realized how much fun these trips could be for the kids. I thought they would start thinking, "You've seen one castle, you've seen them all." They trully enjoy and look forward to our adventures. Due to it being sick season only half our brood went to this outing that we had previously planned. Dad and Mason were sick. Brennan joined them in the warm house while Mom, Carter and Taylor braved the elements for some fun. Don't let those clear blue skies fool you. It was SSSOOO windy here today. Wind that bites right through you because of the moisture it carried with it. Still, not nearly as cold as ND, it holds its own for sure!

Castle Rising

Begun in 1138 by William D'Albini for his new wife, the wido of Henry I, in the 14th century it became the luxurious exile-place of Queen Isabella, widow(and alleged murderess) of Edward II.

Castle Acre Castle

Situated on the Peddar's Way, a major trade and pilgrim route to Thetford, Bromholm Priory, and Walsingham, it is a very rare and complete survival of a Norman planned settlement, including a castle, town, parish church, and associated monastery. All this is the work of a great Norman baronial family, the Warennes, mainly during the 11th and 12th centuries.

First came the castle, founded soon after the Conquest by the first William De Warenne, initially as a a stone 'country house'. During the frist hald of the 12th century, however, more disturbed conditions prompted its progressive conversion into a strong keep, further defended by stone walls and an immense system of ditched earthworks. Still impressively visible, these are perhaps the finest village earthworks in England.

*Both discriptions taken from the English Heritage Guide Book.