Medieval Britain was dominated by its kings, and its kings dominated the land with their castles.
But what were those castles? Were they fortresses? Palaces? Or symbols of their owners power, and of their right to rule.
In this stimulating collection of articles and essays, the best-selling historian and broadcaster Marc Morris answers those fundamental questions - and many more.
He explores some of Britain’s favourite castles, such as Framlingham, Goodrich and Castle Acre, and the castle-building campaigns of famous kings like William the Conqueror and Edward I. And he addresses issues such as the origins of the cult of St George, the changing role of the medieval English earl and the riddle of the Winchester Round Table. Two articles – one on Edward I’s reputation, another on Lanercost Priory – appear here for the first time.
Dr Marc Morris is a best-selling historian and broadcaster. In 2003 he presented the six-part TV series Castle and wrote its accompanying book. His other books include a critically acclaimed biography of Edward I, A Great and Terrible King, and a major new history of The Norman Conquest.
Chapter 1. English Castles – A Spotter’s Guide
Chapter 2. Castles and Symbolism
Chapter 3. The Castles of the Conqueror
Chapter 4. Castle Acre and the Warennes
Chapter 6. Framlingham Castle and the Bigods
Chapter 7. The King’s Companions
Chapter 8. Introducing Edward I
Chapter 9. Encapsulating Edward I
Chapter 10. The Best of Kings, the Worst of Kings: A Reassessment of Edward I
Chapter 11. The Conquest of Wales – A Visitor’s Guide
Chapter 12. The Riddle of the Winchester Round Table – Revealed
Chapter 13. Slaying Myths: The Origins of the Cult of St George – Revealed
Chapter 14. 1290: The Watershed in Anglo-Scottish Relations
Chapter 15. Lanercost Priory and Edward I