English Castles 1200 – 1300 by Christopher Grave

Review of New Book on England’s Fortifications from Osprey

Jul 13, 2009

A look at the design and development of English castles in the thirteenth century, and how these fortifications were used in both wartime and during periods of peace.

The book begins with a useful chronology which outlines the main rulers and their enemies in thirteenth century England. The strength of these enemies was extremely important, as it was during times of political uncertainty that wealthy landowners built castles of increasingly more sophisticated designs, in order to deter attackers.

The timeline in the book’s introduction, which covers 1199 to 1294, illustrates just how many wars, sieges and skirmishes took place during this century. For example, four months in 1215-1216 saw King John on a harrying expedition throughout England, in which he gained the surrender of sixteen castles, including Richmond, York and Pontefract.

The Design of English Castles in the Thirteenth Century

The thirteenth century was a time of consolidation in castle building, when the changeover from wooden structures to stone fortifications was in the process of completion. Many castles were already established by this time and during the next hundred years, these were mostly improved and re-fortified, with few new castles established.

Towns often grew up around the site of castles; townspeople could feel protected in the close vicinity of a castle and supplying the needs of a castle’s inhabitants could provide plenty of employment locally.

The author explains how castle building and improvements were funded and goes through the duties of those involved, giving interesting insights into roles such as those of the master mason, carpenter and architect.

The Principles of Castle Defence in Medieval Times

The chapter on castle defence is a fascinating look at how a castle’s designers tried to ensure that enemies could never breach a castle’s defences. Defences such as a moat, curtain walls, tower, gatehouse and barbican are discussed, with clear explanations on the role each of these played in defending a castle.

The author then takes the reader on a tour of the Tower of London in the thirteenth century. The text is accompanied by colour photographs and Adam Hook’s fresh and detailed illustrations, which help to explain why this fortress was so feared.

How Castles Were Used in Peacetime

In a chapter which will intrigue and surprise many readers, the author reveals that much of a medieval castle’s life was spent at peace. Many people who are interested in castles and defence will probably assume that a castle was a constant battle ground. The author sets out to contradict this opinion and explains what happened in a castle during peacetime.

This is a fascinating section of the book, perhaps because it deals with information which is rarely covered in books on medieval castles. In peacetime, a castle’s hall was the hub of the building, a place for people to meet, socialise, do business, eat and sleep. During this century, there was a move towards more privacy for a castle’s inhabitants and it became more common to see separate chambers for the lord, lady and their family.

In peacetime, it was possible to allow a castle to become a place of pleasure and the author explores the options open to castle owners, with workshops, gardens and chapels just a few of the possibilities for peace-time construction.

The Castle at War

This section offers a fascinating look at what happened when a castle was attacked, or its inhabitants refused to surrender during a siege. The author vividly describes how a siege could be carried out, giving thirteenth century examples from the reigns of King John and King Henry III.

The final section of the book has a list of castles in England which can be visited today, with details of their location and ownership.

Summary

A fresh and fascinating look at the English Castle during one of the most important periods in its history. The author writes with a clear and lively style, illustrating the text with interesting examples, which serve to bring the book to life.

Adam Hook’s illustrations suit the book perfectly, with plenty of colour and detail and the informative captions enhance each chapter and provide further reader interest. A welcome addition to Osprey Publishing’s excellent series on medieval life.

Publication Details

The copyright of the article English Castles 1200 – 1300 by Christopher Grave in Medieval History is owned by Rachel Bellerby. Permission to republish English Castles 1200 – 1300 by Christopher Grave in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.