Question #14

"I'm a junior castle and my mentor was the grand old man of Welsh castles. Up until a few years ago I looked pretty bad, but now I'm as handsome as ever! My original owner was French, but my current owner is a an American. As in medieval times, today I entertain guests during the day and at night. What castle am I and can you explain my riddle?"

Yes, the correct answer is PENHOW CASTLE!

Penhow Castle in southeastern Wales is a smaller, "knight's castle," a type of dependent or "junior" castle to nearby Chepstow, the oldest surviving stone castle in all of Britain (the grand old man of Welsh castles). Penhow was in ruins for hundreds of years, but recently underwent an extensive and award-winning restoration program. Penhow was originally a Norman (French) castle, but was purchased by an American in the early 1970s, when restoration work began. Today, most of the castle's visitors arrive during regular daytime hours, however Penhow also does limited B&B accommodations, meaning that certain guests see the castle at night as well.