In excess of 30 middle age castles still remain in the southeast area of England as reminders of the days when Great britain was a land separated by dominating families who made powerful fortresses to guard their lands from invaders, both overseas and domestic. Present-day castle tours make it easy for visitors to acquire a feeling of how significant these beautifully safeguarded buildings are to the rich historical past and customs of Great britain. Discovering the the royal collections of noteworthy aristocrats including Mary Queen of Scots in the course of guided tours of the Arundel Castle in West Sussex offer tourists an idea of the grandeur and grace that were all around the British aristocracy in medieval days. The professional guides tell stories that bring the past to life as they retell well-known battles and tales that encompass this interesting castle. At the majestic Guildford Castle, visitors can safely clamber to high atop of the Great Tower to see the wide ranging sight that was utilized by the castle’s defenders to see nearing opposing soldiers. Inside are showcases that let visitors examine designs of the castle as it was initially built in the 1300s. Educational videos explain the part that Guildford Castle played in British heritage. Whenever the wonderful Herstmonceux castle comes into sight, tourists are amazed by the moat that draws attentions to how solid defenses were needed to dissuade invaders when this castle was made in the turbulent times of 15th century England. Though once in ruins, the castle has been magnificently restored and is now house of the Queen’s Bader Institute. Surrounding the castle next to the moat are public grounds that reflect the Elizabethan time when gardens were sophisticated play grounds for the aristocracy. Right after the turning forest paths that lead to forest sculptures that are displayed in the Shakesphere garden, Rose Garden and the Herb Garden give tourists a sense of how the charm of chivalry was once performed amongst these breathtaking settings. High upon the famed white cliffs of Kent, the Dover Castle’s breath-taking views all over the English channel make it apparent why this historical site has been used for centuries to secure the south eastern shores of Britain. Dover Castle was developed by William the Conqueror in 1066 after his win at the Battle of Hastings, but there are ruins around the castle that go back much further, and evidence of enhancements through the years. Witnessing the many versions of this strategic site, which include a hall once referred to as Arthur’s Hall, gives current visitors an idea of Britain’s rich history. When you go into Hever Castle, the childhood home of Anne Boylen, the homely feeling is quite different from other southeastern English castles. The exhibits of personal items and recreations of the dresses worn by the six wives of Henry the VIII echos the opulence of 16th century Tudor life style. But the selection of weapons, armour and instruments of torture and execution in the Council Chamber talk of a much darker side of life full of high intrigue and authentic danger that lurked in the medieval courts. Find out more info about some of the numerous Castles in England
Felecia Bonnet had a promising career in French academia until two years ago. That was when she accepted a teaching position at the Reinhard Van Gelder Institut fr Anthropologie und Archologie at the Universitt des Rheins near Basel, Switzerland. The institute, founded by eminent Dutch archaeologist Dr. Ernst Voorst, is named for the legendary Dr. Reinhard Van Gelder, whose work in the North Sea and Swiss Alps drew attention to previously unstudied aspects of European prehistory.
Now Professor Bonnet and her mentor, Dr. Voorst, have announced an astonishing discovery that is sure to set the European anthropological and archaeological community abuzz for years to come. A team of experts led by Dr. Voorst has excavated a grave site in a well-hidden part of the Black Forest region they dubbed the “golden wood”. The burial contained only one body, a female, and has been dated to approximately 10,000 BCE. Professor Bonnet, who holds the Chair of Rhine Valley Studies at the Van Gelder Institute, hinted that the body may not be either Neanderthal or modern Human.
The team has not yet released samples for DNA analysis, citing the transition in their work to studying a nearby previously unsuspected ancient village. Called the “City in the Trees”, the village — also dated to approximately 10,000 BCE — is believed by the scientists to be the home of the grave’s occupant. They call her the Princess of the Golden Wood.
This is not the first time Dr. Voorst has stunned the world with a spectacular prehistoric discovery in the Rhine valley. In 2007 Voorst and his colleague Reinhard Van Gelder announced that twin fortresses opposed each other in an ancient war. After a brief period of acclaim, the scientists found themselves facing a horde of critics who questioned the validity of their conclusions, since no graves or human remains had accompanied their findings.
Voorst is bracing for a new round of skepticism but he expects the Princess of the Golden Wood will help silence or at least blunt some of the critics who have questioned his work. Read more at this site.