A small grassy mound - like this one.
I also soon learned about the significance of “trespassing”. As a child, I thought that all the grounds surrounding a castle were public property - private ownership had no meaning. Sadly, most of the castles in England are in private hands, particularly the lesser-known ones. They were the places I wanted to visit - but couldn’t.
But one grows up, and learns about “obtaining permission”, and being “downright sneaky”. The innocence had gone! Now, whilst on holiday, I always insist on visiting any castles in the vicinity. I am fortunate to have a patient wife, who understands my “need” to visit such places. Most times she will come along, and occasionally she will even encourage me. Sometimes she will even sit at the PC and type as I dictate. She does however tease me mercilessly about the “grass-covered mounds” and “old stone ruins”, which to her, all look the same.
I consider these grass-covered mounds and old stone ruins to be of great interest. One only needs to research the history of these sites to appreciate the fascination - and the parts they have played in making this country what it is today.
I learn something new every time I visit a different site or delve into a book on castles. I would like to fulfil my childhood dream and obtain pictures of every castle in England, Scotland and Wales (but particularly England) - and, to have somewhere in my ever-expanding library, the history for each site. This ambition to acquire a greater knowledge of castles, and to share what I have, has found me lurking in the depths of Castle Duncan. I was goaded, pushed, prodded, and finally persuaded (but never bribed) to write “a few” articles on English castles.
Naturally, there is very little “new” information that has not been published before. What I do is to bring together as many sources as possible and produce one article out of many. I try to use my own photographs where possible and use some of the vintage postcards I have collected. If I know of any good websites, I try to include those too.
If anyone can add to these articles, has questions, or even correct my mistakes (there shouldn’t be any, but no-one’s perfect), then please do. If you have any questions regarding castles for which articles have not yet been produced - then please ask. I cannot guarantee to provide an answer, but I will do my best, and others who come to this website may be able to assist where I cannot.