BRITISH CASTLES RESOURCES
Get hooked
Learn even more about British castles with our pick of key resources
BOOKS
Castle: A History of the Buildings that Shaped Medieval Britain
Beginning with their introduction in the 11th century and ending with their widespread abandonment in the 17th, Dr Marc Morris delves into the history of Britain’s most famous castles, as well as several lesser-known examples.
The Castle: A History
Dr John Goodall tells the story of the British castle across the span of a millennium, weaving in the voices and viewpoints of figures as diverse as PG Wodehouse, Sir Walter Scott and the 14th-century ‘Gawain Poet’.
The Castle in the Wars of the Roses
Using a wide range of architectural, financial and administrative sources, Dr Dan Spencer examines the place of castles within the 15th-century Wars of the Roses, highlighting their importance as fortresses and military bases.
Castles in Context: Power, Symbolism and Landscape
This clearly written and accessible book seeks to dismantle some of the myths that have persisted about the true origins and purpose of castles, suggesting that their aesthetic beauty was by no means a happy accident.
ON THE BBC
The Essay: The Fall and Rise of the British Castle
A selection of writers reflect on the continuing power of castles, which still dominate large sections of the British landscape.
In Our Time: The Norman Yoke
Melvyn Bragg and guests discuss the ‘Norman Yoke’ – the idea that the battle of Hastings sparked years of cruel oppression for the Anglo-Saxons by a Norman ruling class.
The Long View: Cyber-attacks and the Great Siege of Dover Castle
Jonathan Freedland explores the Great Siege of Dover Castle in 1216, when the French used new techniques to try and seize the English throne.
ONLINE AND AUDIO
▶ For podcasts, features, quizzes, interviews and more on castle history, visit historyextra.com
▶ British castles: everything you wanted to know Dr Marc Morris answers listener questions about Britain’s castle history. Listen at bit.ly/2AwQZui
▶ Castles: from mighty fortresses to fantastical palaces Dr John Goodall explores the ever-changing nature of the castle. Listen at bit.ly/3YQBHpS
▶ Dover Castle: Britain’s first line of defence Julian Humphrys investigates Kent’s historic hilltop stronghold. Read at bit.ly/3ZHmAQH
WATCH
Secrets of the Castle
(streaming on Amazon Prime)
Historian Ruth Goodman and archaeologists Peter Ginn and Tom Pinfold turn back the clock to learn the skills of medieval castle builders.
Secrets of Great British Castles
(streaming on Netflix)
Dan Jones explores the history behind the UK’s legendary castles – from Carrickfergus Castle in County Antrim to the Tower of London.