I was once full of chivalry but now I am neglected as my heart breaks over the land I protected.
In my prime I was as noble as a king but now I am just an old tourist thing.
They tread my battlements and tour my keep, every day being taken round by a guide just like a shepherd with his sheep.
Gone are the days when arrows were flying and all I could see were the enemy dying.
Boulders flying and cannons crashing but that's all gone and my hopes are dashing.
I am just an old castle but I still have a heart, so for a short while I would like to relive my start.
I was built on a hill over looking the land with granite and stone I looked so grand.
I fought in the wars and did my duty then I became part of plunder and booty.
Those were the days of Barons and Earls, who made way for the Tudors with their gems and pearls, then as time went on they wore wigs with curls.
I started to fall when Nelson was at sea, while he fought at Trafalgar no one bothered about me.
I was robbed of my stone to build homes and walls, just robbing me blind those poor selfish fools.
Now I stand as a monument of time protected by National Trust so I don't decline.
I have stood for centuries in a world of my own but now I am trapped in my winter with only grass and stone.
I will never be able to fight again because now I am being conquered by wind and rain.Many of my for-bearers have stood the test of time but there are many like me who are in total decline.
I now have to build my castles in air because without my heritage I would be in so much despair.
I would like to dedicate this poem to the National Trust and British Heritage who do such a good job in keeping our old castles and buildings alive for us all to see.
Although many are in decline, most of them will still be around after we are gone because of the Trust, and our heritage.
British Heritage
