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As
Chepstow signalled the beginning of great castle building
in Wales, Raglan marked the end. Begun several hundred years
later, in 1435, Raglan Castle was built by Welsh aristocracy
less for military purposes, than as a statement of wealth.
Raglan saw battle during the Civil War by protecting King
Charles I of the Royalist forces in 1645 and was considered
to be the last great stronghold in support of the King. In
August 1646, Raglan fell to Parliamentary forces after one
of the longest seiges in the Civil War. Today the comforts
of Raglan are still visible in the courtyards and pantry passages.
Several decorative elements such as a stone lion crest remain
on the castle walls. Raglan is vast, encompassing both interior
and exterior expanse. Of particular interest, the moat walk
surrounding the original Yellow Tower of Gwent recalls the
pleasures of aristocracy taking fresh air in their finery.
Click
on a photograph to view an enlargement. Follow the Guide Dogs
below for more Castles.
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