Castle Rising

This castle is really close to where we are. We went there kind of on a whim. It was built in about 1140 and was occupied until, I think, around the 1600s. It is considered to be one of the most famous 12th century castles because it is said to be the finest surviving examples of Norman architecture in the country.

As we were waiting for S to find an ATM to get money for our entrance fees the lady who operated the gift shop said that the kids could climb around in the moat behind the gift shop. The kids didn't need to be told twice. They immediately mounted an expedition to explore the 12th century moat. Other than discovering that the grass sides were slippery they also found a plethora of stinging nettle, a plant that they've become well acquainted with on numerous occasions. After they'd finished their expedition the lady from the gift shop informed me that the moat on the other side had adders (England's only poisonous snake) in it. Now, I'm wondering, if the moat on the other side of the road has adders in it what's preventing them from migrating across the road to THIS moat?!? Maybe this was her plot to keep the kids out of her gift shop. The kids were fine an we went on to have a great afternoon at the castle.