Carreg Cennen Castle - VR 360 скачать в хорошем качестве

Carreg Cennen Castle - VR 360

Perched precariously on a 300-foot limestone crag in the Towy Valley, Carreg Cennen Castle is arguably the most atmospheric ruin in Wales. Unlike many of the coastal "Iron Ring" castles built by Edward I, Carreg Cennen feels like an organic extension of the cliff itself. I. History: A Stronghold of Two Nations The history of the castle is a turbulent timeline of Welsh resistance and English conquest. The Welsh Origins: While the current ruins are mostly English in design, the site was originally a stronghold of the Welsh Princes of Deheubarth. The legendary Lord Rhys (Rhys ap Gruffydd) likely built the first masonry castle here in the 12th century. The English Conquest: In 1277, during the Edwardian conquest of Wales, the castle was captured by the English. It was eventually granted to John Giffard, a loyal commander of Edward I. Giffard and his son are responsible for the massive "modernization" of the castle between 1283 and 1321, turning it into the formidable fortress we see today. Rebellion and Ruin: The castle was besieged during Owain Glyndŵr’s Welsh uprising in 1403, sustaining heavy damage. Its final chapter was written during the Wars of the Roses; in 1462, it was a Lancastrian base until a Yorkist force of 500 men captured it and "slighted" it (dismantled it with crowbars) to ensure it could never be used as a fortress again. II. Architectural Features The castle is celebrated for its "concentric-style" defense, adapted to fit a very narrow, jagged hilltop. The Great Gatehouse: This is the castle’s most imposing feature. It wasn't just an entrance; it was a self-contained fortress (a keep-gatehouse). It featured three portcullises, two sets of heavy doors, and "murder holes" in the ceiling to drop projectiles on invaders. The Inner Ward: Once inside, the layout reveals the high-status life of the Giffard family. The Great Hall and Private Solar (the Lord's room) sit on the east side, featuring large windows that offered stunning views—though they were strategically placed away from the most likely direction of attack. The Outer Ward: This area served as the outer defensive layer, housing stables, workshops, and a lime kiln. It was designed to force any attacker to climb a narrow, winding path under constant fire from the towers above. III. The Secret Cave Carreg Cennen’s most unique feature is a vaulted stone passage in the southeast corner of the Inner Ward that leads deep into the earth. This passage descends into a natural limestone cave beneath the castle. While it was once thought to be a secret escape tunnel, it likely served as a secure, well-defended water source or a storage cellar. Votive offerings from the Roman era were found here, suggesting the cave had a spiritual significance long before the castle was built. IV. The Landscape The castle’s setting is its greatest defense and its greatest beauty. To the south, the cliff drops vertically into the Cennen Valley. From the ramparts, you have a 360-degree view of the Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) and the Black Mountain. On a clear day, the site offers a strategic vantage point that explains exactly why every local power for 2,000 years wanted to hold this rock.