Castles and abbeys

[Eine Alpensinfonie]

Is it part of being British that makes so many people flock to see ruined castles and abbeys? I was brought up on visits to Caernarfon, Harlech and Peverill Castles, all of which were in different states of dillapidation. They were frozen in time, frozen in a particular era in history. When I lived in Scarborough, it was interesting to see the renovations taking place at the castle on the headland. But they were not restoring it to its original grandeur - just making sure it was in the same state as it had been a few years earlier.

Castles that are intact are kept that way - e.g. Lindisfarne. But if someone wanted to rebuild a ruined castle, there would probably be an outcry: "save our ruins". To me this doesn't make sense.

But then, I've never been a HIPPster.

[mangerton]

Castles that are intact are kept that way - e.g. Lindisfarne. But if someone wanted to rebuild a ruined castle, there would probably be an outcry: "save our ruins". To me this doesn't make sense.

But then, I've never been a HIPPster.

Yeah but.... If the call went out to rebuild a ruined castle, they'd probably stick a monstrosity like the gherkin on top of the remains.

[Eine Alpensinfonie]

You know that isn't true. .

But I rathernlike the Gherkin. It has a pleasing shape, unlike the other modern tall buildings in London.

[BBMmk2]

Anyone watch last Sunday's Countryfile programme, where they showed this castle in Kent? Looks beautiful and up for sale for £2million!

[mercia]

I don't know what state Lindisfarne was in when Lutyens found it. wikipedia says it was "much altered" by him. I suppose that might just mean made habitable.

[Eine Alpensinfonie]

I don't know what state Lindisfarne was in when Lutyens found it. wikipedia says it was "much altered" by him. I suppose that might just mean made habitable.

Caernarfon Castle was never completed. I would very much like to see it finished.

[Petrushka]

Two castles of interest near here are Chartley and Tutbury. Both ruins, it is true, but both built on a truly commanding position. Tutbury, in particular, has a colourful history (Mary, Queen of Scots was imprisoned there for a while) as has the village itself. I see the castle every day from the railway line.

http://www.tutburycastle.com/

[gurnemanz]

We went to Orford Castle recently. It is not extensive but is well preserved and has a fascinating history - guide book is worth getting. Great view of the Suffolk coast from the roof. + lovely parish church close by with Britten associations and a ruined Norman chancel. Also excellent reasonably priced fish restaurant and fish smokery.

[mangerton]

You know that isn't true. .

[mercia]

I'm not quite sure what we're saying

As I understand it Lutyens repaired/renovated/restored Lindisfarne Castle to make it a habitable (holiday ?) home for a wealthy businessman

What would be the purpose of restoring, let's say, Tintern Abbey, to its original state at enormous cost ? Is there a sudden need for a working Abbey in that part (or any part) of the country ? or would a restored Tintern Abbey be put to some other use, say, a rather grand Tesco's ?

[Sir Velo]

Castles that are intact are kept that way - e.g. Lindisfarne. But if someone wanted to rebuild a ruined castle, there would probably be an outcry: "save our ruins". To me this doesn't make sense.

The point is: it would be a fake.

[Hornspieler]

The point is: it would be a fake.

Corfe Castle, Dorset


Shall I get my paints out and finish restoring it?

HS

[Historian]

Castles that are intact are kept that way - e.g. Lindisfarne. But if someone wanted to rebuild a ruined castle, there would probably be an outcry: "save our ruins". To me this doesn't make sense.
But then, I've never been a HIPPster.

Sometimes they give an award to a rebuilt castle, as shown by the recent winner of the Stirling Prize.

[decantor]

.....or would a restored Tintern Abbey be put to some other use, say, a rather grand Tesco's ?

Nothing new under the sun ---

http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:St._George%27s_Church_%28Sainsbury%27s%29,_Wolverhampton_-_geograph.org.uk_-_373088.jpg

[ferneyhoughgeliebte]

"Tintern Abbey"? Is that Ms Clancy doing an apprenticeship in Yorkshire?