Chirk Castle, National Trust's historic Gem with DJI mini 3 Pro drone 2023

The Grade I listed Chirk Castle stands as a sentinel guarding the entrance to the Ceiriog Valley in Wales. Built in 1295 by Roger Mortimer de Chirk, it formed a crucial link in King Edward I's defensive chain across North Wales.
The castle had the most state-of-the-art defences of the time. The round 'drum' towers allowed archers a wide firing field creating a 'killing zone' where the fields of fire overlapped. Wider at ground level, the 5 metre thick tower walls were deliberately designed to splay outwards - making it harder for siege towers and battering rams to get close.
Initially serving as the administrative hub for the Marcher Lordship of Chirkland, it witnessed a series of ownership changes over the centuries.
In 1593, Sir Thomas Myddelton acquired the castle for a princely sum of £5,000. His son, Thomas Myddelton of Chirk Castle, played a complex role during the English Civil War, shifting allegiance from Parliamentarian to Royalist. Despite suffering damage during the conflict, the castle was painstakingly rebuilt, reflecting the resilience of its owners.
The Myddelton family's stewardship endured for generations, marked by notable figures like Lieutenant-Colonel Ririd Myddleton, who served as an equerry to Queen Elizabeth II. Chirk remained in the Myddelton family until it was transferred into the hands of the National Trust in 1981 thus ensuring its preservation and accessibility to the public.
Throughout its history, Chirk Castle has served as more than just a fortified structure; it has been a bastion of Welsh culture and arts. Notably, it was leased to Thomas Scott-Ellis, 8th Baron Howard de Walden, a champion of Welsh heritage and a prominent patron of the arts.
The interior includes a 17th-century Long Gallery, grand parade of three 18th-century State Rooms with rich furniture, paintings and tapestries, the unique servants' hall, and the Chapel Music room furnished to display Chirk Castle’s connections to high society in the 1920s and 1930s.
The castle's charm extends beyond its walls, encompassing its enchanting gardens and parkland. From formal gardens and clipped yew hedges to the remnants of ancient earthworks like Offa's Dyke, the landscape surrounding Chirk Castle echoes with centuries of history and intrigue.
The parkland was originally laid out as a deer park in the 14th century. From the early 17th century there were both formal and kitchen gardens adjacent to the castle. In 1719 the courtyard had been turfed over and it’s gates were replaced by a magnificent set of wrought-iron gates and gate screen. A panoramic view of the park published in 1742, shows the resulting grand baroque layout of formal gardens and avenues.
Most of this layout was swept away by extensive landscaping in the mid 18th Century and the gates were re-sited to the New Hall entrance. These works were largely responsible for the present-day appearance of the park.
Recognized for its historical and cultural importance, the parks and gardens of Chirk Castle are designated Grade I in the Cadw/ICOMOS Register of Parks and Gardens of Special Historic Interest in Wales, cementing its status as a treasured heritage site.
The castle's significance transcends mere aesthetics; it has played roles in both military conflicts and cinematic endeavors. Its grounds have hosted battles and even served as a stage for events like the Wales Rally GB, all adding layers to its storied past.
Portrait Photo’s Licence unless otherwise stated - CC BY-NC 4.0 Deed Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International
Special thanks goes to KZbin channel @hittheredspot for allowing me to use some of the channel's aeriel orbiting footage close to the castle. Please visit the channel for more great content.
MUSIC
Demand of Man by Secession Studios
The Untold by Seccesion Studios by Secession Studious
www.secessionstudios.com
If you liked this video I have many more on my KZbin Channel @DocColVideo so please consider subscribing as it help with development. Thanks.

[@ladyintheskyuk]

Fantastic video Col. Beautiful place. Wonderful footage and narration. ❤ Enjoyed every minute of it from start to finish. Thank you for taking me there. 😊

[@DocColVideo]

I'm really pleased you liked it Yvonne ❤. It's a difficult place to get at, as the castle sits in the middle of the park. But where there's a will there's a way. 😉🤗

[@stevealbin8257]

Excellent video narration and editing.

[@DocColVideo]

Thanks Steve glad you liked it mate 👍

[@the-scribe]

Very good, well filmed and good narration.

[@DocColVideo]

Thanks very much George, really pleased you liked it. 👍

[@SimonsDroneChannel]

Great video. Looks a beautfiful place.

[@DocColVideo]

Thx Simon, glad you liked it. Well worth a visit mate. 👍

[@jimthorleydronefootage]

Fantastic work doc great castle the history and narration and stunning views 👏👏🎥👍

[@DocColVideo]

Wow, thanks Jim, really pleased you liked it. 👍

[@DocColVideo]

Latest video with narration and a little help (see description) of Chirk Castle's history. Hope you enjoy it. 😊

[@glyn829]

That's great 👌 we know the castle well good film 👍 have subscribed regards Glyn

[@DocColVideo]

Really glad you liked it Glyn it is a great example of our heritage buildings and thx for the sub 👍 I've returned the favour. 🤗

[@DroneBiker]

That's a nice castle, nice historical explanation. Well done Doc. 👌👌👍

[@DocColVideo]

Thx Patrick mate, glad you liked it. 👍

[@starshipwonaprize-dronevideos]

What a great building!!!

[@DocColVideo]

Thanks Paul really pleased you liked it. Had a great day there and didn't even plan it in advance. Was in the area and Googled it! 👍

[@rickseyeview5345]

Great video!

[@DocColVideo]

Thx Rick and thank you for your sub too. More castles and stuff coming out soon! I've checked your channel and subbed you back. 👍

[@johnnymac26]

Great history what a wonderful place so well documented mate top class work.

[@DocColVideo]

Thank-you matey, really pleased you enjoyed it. It's one of the best kept and complete castle of all those that I've visited, outside of Scotland, so far. 👌

[@waddac2]

What another cracking video matey. Going to have to get my little castle filmed when weather gets better and better myself. 👍👍👌👌👍👍

[@DocColVideo]

Thx matey glad you liked it. I think we're all waiting for signs of a Summer! 🤞

[@waddac2]

Yep, weather has been terrible last few weeks. 😒😒

[@PressTheRedDot]

Hey Doc . Great video and my tiny contribution was expertly inserted. Nice. Subscribed.

[@DocColVideo]

Thx matey, I'm relieved you liked it, and thx for the sub. 👍 I need to get Davinci Studio, it would have upscaled it in seconds. 🤯

[@inbetween-days]

Enjoyed this. Filmed so well and great information ❤

[@DocColVideo]

Thank you so much I'm glad uou enjoyed it. Had a great day out. 😊

[@HikeFly22]

Really beautiful scenery and nice flight and info

[@DocColVideo]

Thx matey. Went last Summer and now can't wait for some decent weather like that. 👍

[@robodrone5662]

Incredible shots 🤩

[@DocColVideo]

Thx Robo. Was helped but the edits all mine! 🤣👍

[@tojj29]

Nicely done buddy, enjoyed that. Lovely place.

[@DocColVideo]

Thank you mate. It's well worth a visit for sure. 👍

[@eyeintheskydrone4k]

Somehow KZbin had me as not subscribed even although I know I was. Just subbed again Doc. Stunning video my friend. You've captured and edited it all perfectly well done

[@DocColVideo]

No worries matey thanks for the great comments and resub, 👏who knows what YT gets up to behind our backs! 🤣👍

[@DroneShowLive]

Wow 😮 😮😮😮 amazing work ❤

[@DocColVideo]

Thx Tony, I'm chuffed you liked it; your encouragement is much appreciated matey. 👍

[@mavicairflyeruk]

awesome mate really enjoyed it well done 👍

[@DocColVideo]

Cheers matey, really pleased you liked it. 👍

[@sdjdrones]

Top job that 👏🏻👏🏻

[@DocColVideo]

Thx matey much appreciated. 👍

[@Qwackers-video]

Nice video. Had no idea Chirk Castle was so impressive.

[@DocColVideo]

Thanks Mark. It's a great place to visit for sure and the grounds are beautiful ..... in the Summer! 👍