Medieval Britain

Dating back to the early 16th century, The Vyne is a large Tudor mansion once home to William Sandys -- Lord Chamberlain for Henry VIII. Henry visited The Vyne a number of times in his life -- including in 1535 CE with Anne Boleyn. Eight months later, William Sandys escorted Anne Boleyn to the Tower of London. William himself was a member of the jury that sentenced her to death.

Built between 1130 and 1136 CE, Wolvesey was one of two castles in the City of Winchester. Early in its history, the castle was the site of a battle known as the Rout of Winchester (1141) during the period of English history known as The Anarchy (1135-1153). Afterwards, Wolvesey Castle continued to be used as a residence for the powerful Bishops of Winchester -- until it was finally destroyed during the English Civil War (1642-1651). 

Construction of Beaumaris Castle began in 1295 CE, however plans for the fortification likely date back to the Conquest of Wales (1277-1283). By the time work had stopped in 1330, the Crown had sunk an incredible £15,000 into its construction. It wasn’t long before the castle saw conflict; first in 1403 when it was seized by Welsh rebels during the Glyndŵr Rising (1400-1415). Then again during the English Civil War (1642-1651), when the castle was taken by Parliamentary forces. Despite managing to escape slighting, the castle quickly fell into disrepair -- and has been considered ruined since 1660. 

Build shortly after the Norman Conquest (1066-1072 CE), Peveril Castle stands out as one of the few Norman castles to be built originally in stone rather than timber. The castle fell into the hands of the crown following the civil war known as The Anarchy (1135-1153). It remained more-or-less a royal property until its decline in the 15th century. 

The Battle of Marston Moor was a major event in the First English Civil War (1642-1646). Hoping to break the Parliamentarian siege of York, Royalist forces under the command of Prince Rupert tried to outmanoeuvre the combined Parliamentarian and Covenanter forces, but found themselves overwhelmed in a surprise attack. Defeated, the Royalists were forced to abandon Northern England entirely.

Constructed in the 13th century, Caerlaverock Castle was once the stronghold of Clan Maxwell. The fortress played a role in many conflicts -- beginning with the Wars of Scottish Independence in the 13th and 14th centuries. Its final battle took place in 1640 CE during the period known as the Wars of the Three Kingdoms, where the castle was attacked and destroyed by a Covenanter army. 

Dating back to 1277 CE, Flint Castle was the first in a series of fortifications built by the English King Edward I during the Conquest of Wales (1277-1283). These castles -- dubbed the Iron Ring -- were designed to encircle northern Wales and aid in the oppression of its people. Consequently, Flint Castle was attacked during many of the Welsh uprisings. However, it saw its final military use during the English Civil War (1642-1651). Initially a Royalist stronghold, Flint Castle was subjected to a successful 3 month siege by the Parliamentarians. Afterwards, the castle was slighted so as to not be used in any further military conflicts.

Built between 1378 and 1399 CE, Bolton Castle was once the seat of power for the Barons Scrope. It was damaged extensively in 1536 as retribution for supporting the Pilgrimage of Grace rebellion against Henry VIII. 

Built in 1497 CE. Alloa Tower was the seat of Clan Erskine for over 300 years. A Lowland Scottish clan, the Erskines famously served as guardians to a young James IV.

The castle has seen battle on a number of occasions. It was successfully attacked and taken during the revolt of Madog ap Llywelyn (1294-1295). It also played small roles in Owain Glyndwr's uprising (1400-1415), The War of the Roses (1455-1485), and the English Civil War (1642-1651). During the English Civil War the castle came under siege by Parliamentary forces. Afterwards it was slighted so as to prevent its further use. 

During the 15th century, Cheyney Court served as the seat of secular power for the Bishop of Winchester. At this time, the Bishop acted as both a spiritual and political leader in the city. Although most associated with the city’s cathedral, it was here at Cheyney Court where the Bishop performed his role as judge. 

Originally St. Frideswide Priory, the church was taken over by Cardinal Wolsey in 1522 CE. Wolsey had planned to make this the site of his college -- Cardinal College. However, after falling out with Henry VIII, the church came under control of the Crown. By 1546, King Henry had elevated the church to the status of a cathedral, and opened Christ Church College. 

Completed in 1495 CE, Broughty Castle played a role in the War of the Rough Wooing (1543-1551). After Scotland’s defeat in the Battle of Pinkie Cleugh (1547), the owner of Broughty Castle -- Lord Gray of Foullis -- surrendered the fortification to the English in exchange for money and fishing rights. It was 1550 before the Scots -- with the help of the French -- were able to recapture the castle; however, by that point the war was effectively over. 

Built after the Conquest of Wales (1277-1283 CE), Denbigh Castle was English King Edward I's attempt to subdue the local Welsh. The castle saw conflict several times throughout its history -- including two Welsh uprisings (1294 and 1400-1415), the War of the Roses (1455-1487), and finally the English Civil War (1642-1651) -- after which the castle was slighted to as to be indefensible in the future.

Made a cathedral in 604 CE, Rochester is the seat of the second oldest bishopric in England. Much of its architecture dates back to the 11th century when it was headed by Bishop Gundulf -- a Norman monk who would later go on to lead the construction of Rochester Castle, the White Tower of the Tower of London, and Colchester Castle.