British palaces and castles

The United Kingdom introduced the world to the modern concept of parliamentary democracy at the same time, maintaining its traditional constitutional monarchy. This amazing country comprises of four culturally distinct regions of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland and is blessed with stunning natural beauty, rich history dating back to the ancient times replete with rich culture and traditions. As it is said, Castles and palaces are meant for royalties, but they were built with a different purpose. Castles were mainly built to show power, supremacy and designed for protection. The massive thick walls of the castle can protect the people of importance in times of siege. While on the other hand,  Palaces were built specifically as royal residences. The lavish and glamorous designs of the palaces were made to impress and entertain royal guests.

Castles have played an important military, economic and social role in Great Britain and Ireland since their introduction following the Norman invasion of England in 1066. Royal castles were used to control key towns and the economically important forests, while baronial castles were used by the Norman lords to control their widespread estates. David I invited Anglo-Norman lords into Scotland in the early 12th century to help him colonise and control areas of his kingdom such as Galloway; the new lords brought castle technologies with them and wooden castles began to be established over the south of the kingdom. Following the Norman invasion of Ireland in the 1170s, under Henry II, castles were established there too.

Over the next few chapter I will explore the most visited palaces and castles in Great Britain, which were left by our ancestors to give a historical and amazing view for us. I chose this topic because I always was interested in history and finding out more interesting things about a country, and I think that I should start this research with the enchanting royal palaces.