Medieval Castles

Castles were among the most dramatic features of the medieval landscapes of Europe and are still often dominant elements of our surroundings. They have been an enduring subject of fascination for professional and amateur alike for well over a century. This book offers an accessible and portable guide to the archaeology and architecture of castles in England and Wales, an area whose castles had some common developments in the medieval period and which now provides numerous and rich sites for both study and visit. A particular quality of the book is that it approaches the subject from a variety of perspectives. Architectural aspects of masonry castles are examined, as are the remains of earth and timber sites. Throughout, attention is given to the social and domestic, as well as to the military significance of castles and the aspirations of their builders. The authors explore many recent and exciting developments in the field of castles studies. The contribution of landscape history to the study of castles in their wider contexts is highlighted, as are innovative ways of analysing the fabric of masonry castles and the social messages which they contain. Finally, emphasis is given to the new light cats by archaeological excavation on the enigmatic timber castles that were such common features of the medieval world.