The 10 Oldest Historical Places in the UK
Historical Places in the UK
Elora Holt
Located at the far end of northwestern Europe, the United Kingdom includes Northern Ireland, Wales, England and Scotland. The place can be counted as an influential epicenter of European civilizations and cultures throughout European history. The place is home to some of the most famous historical landmarks in the world, including the centuries-old Stonehenge and Oxford University.
For a history fanatic who loves visiting ancient places, the United Kingdom is a prime spot for you to sate your thirst for exploring historical landmarks. In the article, I will take you through the ten oldest historical places in the UK that will leave you stunned and in awe with their past glamor and splendor.
1) Edinburgh Castle, Scotland
Built around the 12th century, Edinburgh Castle is one of the oldest historical places in the United Kingdom. Located in Scotland, the castle was the home to a number of kings and queens throughout the period.
The oldest part of the castle is the St. Margaret Chapel which was built to remember Queen Margaret. By the seventeenth century, the castle grew into a strong military base for the reigning monarch.
At present, the castle is open for public visits with its carefully preserved Romanesque architecture that rivals the architectural beauty of Segovia Castle in Spain. While visiting Scotland, make sure to see this historical gem, and you will surely not regret exploring the spooky dungeons, the Great Hall, and historical archives.
2) London Wall, London
London is one of the world's most famous cities, and is visited by thousands of tourists ever year. However, not many are familiar with the London Wall, which is the oldest existing wall in the city built by the Romans. The wall carried strategic importance for the Romans, and was positioned in the northern end of the Cripplegate fortress. The wall was later expanded into a city-wide defense. It was around the eighteenth century when the demolition of the wall began, preceded by the expansion of the city.
At present, the London Wall only exists in pieces scattered across the city, including Cooper's Row near the Tower Hill tube station. Even though a major part of the wall is gone, visiting this historical gem will evoke a number of stories that the wall was witness to over time, carefully etched on its decaying bricks.
3) Stonehenge
Perhaps one of the proudest historical monuments that the United Kingdom possesses is Stonehenge from the Neolithic period. Built around 2000 BC with over 100 years of completion period, this historical site has numerous interpretations relevant to its purpose during the time it was built. The recent archeological evidence reveals that Stonehenge was probably a burial site as well as a ceremonial site for religious practices.
At present, the structure is preserved as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and touching the stones is prohibited but witnessing this astonishing historical marvel is well worth the visit.
4) Longford Castle
Located in the historic city of Salisbury, Longford Castle is definitely worth a visit while touring the United Kingdom. Built in the sixteenth century, the castle resides away from the city noise in a secluded corner of South Wiltshire, England.
The castle served as a residential manor for various influential families over the centuries until it eventually became a seat of the Earl of Radnor. At present, the castle is home to the 9th Earl of Radnor but is also open to the public.
Visiting this Salisbury beauty spot, you will enjoy a breath of fresh air in its scenic surroundings as well as the peace and calm that envelops the castle.
5) Caerleon Roman Amphitheatre
There isn't an over-abundance of Roman architecture to witness in the United Kingdom, but the buildings and structures that are preserved are no less magnificent than the architecture in Rome, Italy. The Caerleon Roman Amphitheatre in Caerleon, Wales, which was built by the Romans in around 90 AD, was a huge theatre with sloped banking to house over six thousand spectators.
Adjacent to the Amphitheatre is the remains of barracks for the soldiers containing impressive systematic structures, including the cookhouses, turrets, and drains, etc.
6) Warwick Castle
Located in Warwickshire, Warwick Castle is another historical gem in the UK. Constructed around the 11th century, the castle was built by William the Conqueror. The structure initially started out as a small fortress which was later expanded and modified by the Earl of Warwick around the 18th century.
Finding a resemblance in its architectural style with Rheinstein Castle in Germany, Warwick has a bloody history of murders, betrayals, and bloodshed. The spooky element associated with its historical significance adds to its appeal, attracting a large number of tourists yearly.
7) Leeds Castle, Kent
Another castle on the list is Leeds Castle often dubbed the 'loveliest castle in the world'. Located in Kent, southern England, Leeds Castle is built on a small island in a lake formed by the River Len. The initial fortress was constructed around 857 and served as a stronghold for both Saxons and Normans until it became royal property in the thirteenth century. Later the buildings underwent significant reconstruction and fortification to render the site as a luxury manor house.
From four sides, pristine water surrounds the castle, with the Romanesque building standing proud in the middle. From its elaborate interior décor to its enchanting location, the castle bewitches the beholder with its glamor and beauty. Given the popularity of the castle, Leeds Castle has been used as a movie location for a number of cinematic pieces, including The Moonraker (1958) and Purge of Kingdoms (2019).
8) St Martin's Church, Canterbury
Christianity in the United Kingdom has had a strong foothold for centuries. The country is home to numerous cathedrals and churches, with some dating back to the time of the early origins of Christianity. The Church of St Martin in Canterbury, which was built around 597 AD, is one of the oldest churches in Britain still in use. The church, in combination with Canterbury Cathedral and St Augustine's Abbey, is a listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Visiting this ancient beauty, you will get to witness the original roman brickwork on the church's wall in addition to the graves of a number of novel and local families buried adjacent to the church.
9) St Paul's Cathedral
Among one of the most magnificent basilicas in London, St. Paul's Cathedral is an icon symbol of the capital. The cathedral was initially built in 604 AD to honor the Apostle Paul. However, the existing structure of the cathedral was built around the 17th century after the initial building was destroyed in the Great Fire of London.
The huge cathedral is one of the most recognized and visited buildings in London. From its elaborate exterior to its astonishing interior décor, you certainly do not want to miss out on visiting this beautiful and inspiring building.
10) Oxford University, Oxford
Last but by no means least in this list is the pride of British academia - Oxford University. Recognized as one of the oldest educational institutes in the English-speaking world, the exact origins of the university are unknown.
Oxford University is believed to have been founded around the 11th century, but teaching and study in the area date back to the 8th century when the first abbey was built in Oxford.
By the 13th century, the university started to receive patronage from the crown and soon became a foundational educational institute in Europe. Oxford still maintains its position as one of the leading educational institutes in the world, housing some brilliant researchers and professors.
From its academic prestige to its historical glamor, the city of Oxford and its many colleges should be high on your list of must-sees.
With Oxford, we conclude our list of the 10 oldest historical places in the UK that are worth visiting for their historical significance as well as architectural splendor.
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