and found a fabulous replica of Dunvegan Castle on the isle of Skyc in Scotland on a 1 to 3 scale complete with sea gate and dungeon which is located in the tower to the right. With a little stooping, I was able to walk through the rooms, examining the antique furnishings (full size) that decorated the structure. In order to maintain the scale, it was necessary to reduce the structure from its original 4 stories to two stories (inside) to accommodate internal movement. Not all the structures were gigantic endeavors. Shakespeare's Birthplace was just over waist high. This replica of the 1500s Elizabethan house which stands in Stratford Upon Avon, England. The western portion of the building as the family residence and the right side acted as a shop and warehouse for his father's glover and wool dealings. But the main attraction was to be found in the middle of the gardens. None other than England's most famous towers. The Tower of London, was begun in 1066 by William the Conqueror and lasts through today as one of England's most historic spots. Many years ago I had the privilege to wander the halls and visit the crown jewels which are protected there. To think of this being reproduced, in stone, one stone at a time is staggering to the mind. In 1190, it was called the White Tower with two towered curtain walls and a large moat. During this period the tower became a refuge to the monarch and his family. Following the Reformation, when Henry VIII broke with the Catholic church the tower was used as a prison for those who lost favor with the good King. Such notables as Sir Thomas More, Thomas Cromwell, and his wives, Anne Boleyn and Catherine Howard, not to mention his daughter Elizabeth, the future Queen. The inner sanctum is a maze of structures containing wonderful antiques and artifacts. Sufficiently large enough to allow access in many points. The 1 to 6 ratio replica even includes the infamous granite square used for private executions. Of the seven people who lost their heads, five of them were women. There is one other long time resident to the famous tower. The crown Jewels, used at the coronation of a king or queen. They have been held safe since the 17th century in a special room in the tower. I found perfect replicas, full size this time, in the room where they were supposed to be. It took Ernest Johnstone all of 9 years to complete this masterpiece, which he started in 1967. There was so much more to talk about, from the pond, the flowers, the paths through shaded trees. All the little buildings that seem to sprout up like mushrooms all over the place. It was a wonderful afternoon in this charming place on the delightful island.

For more information on this adventure visit www.woodleighreplicas.com

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