Leeds Castle
by Shirley Mangini
Title
Leeds Castle
Artist
Shirley Mangini
Medium
Photograph - Photograph
Description
Leeds Castle
Leeds Castle is one of the most beautiful castles in England and is often referred to as 'the loveliest castle in the World'. Current day the Castle is upkept for tours and has the most beautiful of grounds. It is a popular spot for picnicking and weddings.
Leeds Castle has a checkered history which moves from its construction as an earthwork enclosure with wooden pallisades to a Motte and Bailey castle in the style of a Donjon by William the Conqueror to a fortified stone fortress built by King Edward I (1272-1307). William the Conqueror used enforced Anglo-Saxon labour for work on the construction of Leeds Castle. The original wooden castle was replaced by a fortified stone castle in 1119. An important feature of Leeds Castle is its access to the River Len. During the re-construction of Leeds Castle men by King Edward I equipment and building materials were transported by boats to the site of the castle.
Leeds Castle occupies three islands surrounded by an artificial lake. The outermost island is referred to as the Barbican is nearest to the shore of the lake and is accessed by three different causeways. Each of the causeways were defended by a gatehouse complete with a portcullis and drawbridge. The central island is the largest and is connected to the Barbican by a small bridge. It is defended by a gatehouse. It had 15 foot high walls.
The smallest island is called the Gloriette. It was built by King Edward I 1280. It now contains the oldest section of the castle. It consists of a two story structure. Has a bridge which connects the other two islands.
The Gloriette at Leeds castle (the Ladys Castle) and the Queens of England. The residential Gloriette was built by King Edward I in 1278. Queen Eleanor was the wife of Edward I. Eleanor of Castile (1241 - 28 November 1290) was the first queen consort of Edward I of England. The Gloriette was named in honour of Queen Eleanor and included a Great Hall. The Gloriette was a residential D shaped tower built on the smallest of the two islands in the lake. A Gloriette was a Medieval summerhouse, often in the woods near a castle often used by the ladies to take a meal while watching a hunt. It became customary for the castle to become part of a queen’s dowry which was retained during widowhood. The Medieval Queens of England who were associated with the castle and who were residents were: Queen Isabella. Anne of Bohemia, Joan of Navarre, Catherine de Valois
Leeds Castle consists of two huge sections of buildings which with a strong gate-house and barbican form four distinct forts, capable of separate defence should any one or other fall into the hands of an enemy. Three causeways, each with its drawbridge, gate, and portcullis, lead to the smallest island or inner barbican, a fortified mill contributing to the defences. A stone bridge connects this island with the main island. There stands the Constable's Tower, and a stone wall surrounds the island and within is the modern mansion. The Maiden's Tower and the Water Tower defend the island on the south. A two-storied building on arches now connects the main island with the Tower of the Gloriette, which has a curious old bell with the Virgin and Child, St. George and the Dragon, and the Crucifixion depicted on it, and an ancient clock.
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July 3rd, 2014
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