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Popularly referred to as 'the perfect English castle,' Bodiam Castle has appeared on everything from tourist brochures to chocolate boxes and is surrounded by its signature moat. In the 14th century, Sir Edward Dalyngrigge received permission to build Bodiam Castle in 1385 to defend this region from French invasion during The Hundred Years' War. The castle's structure is unique in that it is one of the few quadrangular castles with chambers on the outer wall and inner courts. The enchanting sandstone façade is one of the best examples of moated, medieval military architecture in England, and its wide (and almost impregnable) design was conceptualized to deny invaders access to the outer walls. The Alcázar is located about an hour outside of Madrid, making for a perfect daytrip. Although near Madrid, this Spanish castle was significantly influenced by the Moors, Muslims from North Africa. Their influence can be seen in the Alcázar gardens—a blend of modern decoration and distinct Moorish influence, and Moorish- inspired towers. Although this castle was originally built during the Medieval Period, the turrets and spiraling towers were renovated during the Romantic Era of the 1800s after a fire in the Alcázar destroyed the roofing, turrets and upper floors. This makes the architecture of the Alcázar an amalgamation of Medieval stone and Romantic fantasy castles. B O D I A M C A S T L E L O C A T I O N : R O B E R T S B R I D G E , E A S T S U S S E X , E N G L A N D O R I G I N A L C O N S T R U C T I O N : 1 3 8 5 A R C H I T E C T U R E S T Y L E : M E D I E V A L R O M A N E S Q U E A L C Á Z A R D E S E G O V I A L O C A T I O N : S E G O V I A , S P A I N O R I G I N A L C O N S T R U C T I O N : 1 1 2 0 A R C H I T E C T U R E S T Y L E : M E D I E V A L VUE ON DESIGN V U E N J . C O M 42

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