![Dudley Castle, England](images/dudley-card-home.jpg)
The first castles came to mainland Britain with William the Conqueror in 1066. Castles became seats of government and symbols of power, wealth and prestige.
![Dunnottar, Aberdeenshire, Scotland](images/dunnottar-card-home.jpg)
Often set amongst spectacular scenery, Scottish castles were placed in strategic locations to control commerce and keep law and order in what was often an unruly land.
![Denbigh Castle, Wales](images/denbigh-card-home.jpg)
Wales has a range of magnificent medieval castles to visit. The romantic ruins and stunning Welsh landscape have made Welsh castles popular with tourists and artists alike.