RASPUNDE LA INTREBARI IN BAZA TEXTULUI> Guide: Now we have come to the Leeds Castle, one of the most romantic and most ancient castles in the UK.
Tourist: What time does it date back to?
Guide: In the 9th century this was the site of a manor of the Saxon royal family. Since then it has been a Norman
stronghold, a royal residence to six of England’s medieval Queens, a playground and palace to Henry VIII
and a private home.
Tourist: Oh, it looks great. Th e setting is breath-taking. Th e lake,
the castle itself surrounded by a green arc of parkland, thick with trees
and hills are just fascinating.
Guide: Yes, kings, queens and seasons may change, but Leeds Castle is
enchanting and its English beauty is lasting, whatever the time of the year.
Tourist: Shall we go inside? I’ve heard that it houses a magnifi cent
collection of medieval furnishings, French and English furniture, paintings,
tapestries and treasures.
Guide: You sense it; this is a place where visitors of the present meet
with the lives of the past. Even the leaves breathe history here.
Tourist: Whom is the castle being administered by now?
Guide: Leeds Castle was saved for the nation when Lady Baillie,
the last private owner, established the Leeds Castle Foundation on her
death in 1974.
Tourist: Does it receive any grants or government funding?
Guide: Of course not. Th e income comes from visitors, conferences,
national and international meetings that are essential for the continued
conservation of this important heritage site for future generations.
Tourist: What is the admission fee?
Guide: Admission is free.
4. Scan the dialogue and answer the questions below:
a. What has the castle been since the time it was built?
b. What collections can be found in the castle nowadays?
c. Whom was the castle saved by and why? DAU COROANA