A Guide to the Medieval Castles of England [Hardcover]

This is a well illustrated expert guide to the castles of England, providing concise accounts of what remains to be seen at each site.Spread across the medieval kingdom of England in a network of often formidable strongholds, castles, like cathedrals, are defining landmarks of their age, dominating their settings, in many cases even to this day. By representing an essential aspect of our history and heritage, the interpretation of which is constantly being revised, they demonstrate the value of Malcolm Hislops compact, authoritative and well illustrated new guide to English castles.The gazetteer includes an astonishing variety of types, sizes and designs. Individual entries bring out the salient points of interest including historical context, building history and architectural character. The defensive and domestic purposes of these remarkable buildings are explained, as is the way in which their layout and role developed over the course of hundreds of years, from the predominantly earth and timber fortresses of the Normans to the complex stone castles of the later Middle Ages, many of which can be visited today.Hislops experience as an archaeologist specializing in medieval buildings, castles in particular, as well as his eye for structural detail, ensure that his guide is a necessary handbook for readers who are keen on medieval history and warfare, and for visitors who are looking for an accessible introduction to these monumental relics of Englands military past.A well illustrated expert guide to the castles of England.Overall, it is an academically sound book but it is not a casual read. This is a book for those who are architecture aficionados, castle nerds, medieval academics, and those who want to explore the ruins of Englands past. If this sounds like you, I recommend you read, A Guide to the Medieval Castles of England by Malcolm Hislop. Spread across the medieval kingdom of England was a network of formidable military strongholds, dominating the lanlC&