The Sutton Companion to Castles

by StephenFriar (Author)

• Used

  Hardcover
  2003

  $3.28

  Castles are hugely appealing to all who love history, architecture, archaeology, heritage and landscape. Newcomers to the study of castles as well as more experienced researchers should find Stephen Friar's companion informative, knowledgeable and wide-ranging. It contains over 1000 entries on English and Welsh fortifications from the Bronze Age to the present. If you are not sure just what a motte and bailey castle was, or whether the Romans left any fortified building during their occupation of Britain, this is the book you need. Stephen Friar uses his vast knowledge of all aspects of castles to explain things succinctly and clearly for the non-specialist. In addition, the companion is illustrated and has an index of castles, lists of addresses and further reading. Entries cover early fortifications such as Bronze Age hillforts, Roman fortifications, signal stations, medieval, Tudor and Napoleonic castles and fortifications, siege warfare, beacons, telegraph systems, modern fortifications such as military roads, pill boxes, watch towers, and romantic revival castles such as Castell Goch and Castle Drogo.

• Used

  Paperback
  2007

  $3.28

  Over one thousand castles were built in the century following the Norman Conquest. Most were constructed in the wake of the Conquest itself by the Norman lords and their allies as they took possession of their lands. A castle was a fortified feudal residence, a symbol of a lord's power and authority and the instrument of regional domination: administrative, judicial and military. Very few castles remain unaltered from when they were first built and none fits neatly into any particular category. Many have succumbed to the ravages of siege warfare, abandonment and despoliation, especially in the aftermath of the English Civil War. Some have been entirely rebuilt and most have been remodelled many times, according to the current military, domestic and architectural fashion. For several there is evidence of continuous occupation from the twelfth century to the present day. Stephen Friar has a encyclopedic knowledge of all aspects of castles as well as the ability to place issues within a historical context and explain them succinctly and clearly for the non-specialist. From quadrangular castles to shell keeps, garderobes and gargoyles to tournaments, and anarchy to zig-zag moulding, this detailed A to Z reference book, with its lavish illustrations, index of castles and lists of addresses and further reading, is essential for anyone interested in medieval castles.