Those of us who grew up with tales of King Arthur, Robin Hood, and so on came to imagine Britain as a land of castles. A visit shows us that it is largely a land of castle ruins. But there are still many worth visiting, and Victorians were just as enchanted by these romantic relics as we are today. By the way, there's a difference between a "castle" and a "palace." A "castle" is a large fortified building. But while the term "palace" conjures visions of opulence, this simply means the official residence of a member of the royal family, or a high church official or other dignitary. Hence, in London, you'll find "palaces" that are little more than small country homes and not grand at all!

English Castles: Milestones of England's History, by Emma Brewer (Girl's Own Paper, 1888)

This lovely series covers Norwich Castle, Castle Rising, Corfe Castle and Durham Castle, with loads of great illustrations.

Alnwick Castle: The Palace of the Duke of Northumberland (Court Magazine, 1834)

Alnwick Castle (North Country Lore & Legend 1890)

Brahan Castle, by Julia Marchionness of Tweeddale and Lady Jeune (English Illustrated Magazine, 1892A)

A castle near Perth, Scotland.

Cowes Castle, the Clubhouse of the Royal Yacht Squadron, by Lady Fairlie Cunningham (English Illustrated Magazine, 1890A)

A nice look at both the castle and the club.

In the Old Palace of Croydon (Cassell's Family Magazine, 1889)

Dunster and Its Castle, by Graham Wallas (English Illustrated Magazine, 1892A)

"Dunster is a considerable village in the west of Somersetshire."

Durham Castle, by J.R. Boyle (North Country Lore & Legend 1890)

[Durham] Bishop's Auckland Palace (Court Magazine, 1834)

A Glimpse of Highclere Castle, by Elizabeth Balch (English Illustrated Magazine, 1890A)

Leeds Castle (Godey's, 1833)

Mallow Castle (Cassell's Family Paper, 1860)

The Household Books of Naworth Castle, by James Clephan (North Country Lore & Legend, 1890)

Raby Castle (English Annual, 1838)

Rochester [Castle] (Cassell's Family Paper, 1860)

The Royal Palace of St. James, by Mary Spencer Warren (Cassell's Family Magazine, 1896)

The Tower of London, by M.W. Perry (Demorest, 1887)

At Windsor Castle (Harper's Monthly, 1876A)