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Historic Castles of Britain
This beautifully illustrated book contains an impressive collection of photographs of some of the most spectacular and well preserved castles in Britain, from St Mawes in Cornwall to Cawdor Castle in the far north of Scotland.
The pictures are supplemented by concise background information on the history of each castle, but the emphasis here is firmly on the visual aspect of Britain's heritage and the photography is unsurpassed.
Garry Gibbons sets the scene in his introduction to the book, going back to the Norman Conquest and the intensive castle-building programme instigated by William, Duke of Normandy, to maintain control over the rebellious population of his new kingdom. Over the course of the following centuries the role of the castle alternated between stronghold and residence - a tenuous balance which was determined by the political climate and the potential threat of attack.
As the kingdom gradually settled into an era of peace and the threat of foreigh invasion dwindled, the need for fortified castles diminished and the stately home eventually took over from these ancient feudal strongholds.
'Historic Castles of Britain' presents a vivid pictorial overview of the stormy history of Britain's castles and provides a lasting reminder of this fundamental element of our country's heritage.
The pictures are supplemented by concise background information on the history of each castle, but the emphasis here is firmly on the visual aspect of Britain's heritage and the photography is unsurpassed.
Garry Gibbons sets the scene in his introduction to the book, going back to the Norman Conquest and the intensive castle-building programme instigated by William, Duke of Normandy, to maintain control over the rebellious population of his new kingdom. Over the course of the following centuries the role of the castle alternated between stronghold and residence - a tenuous balance which was determined by the political climate and the potential threat of attack.
As the kingdom gradually settled into an era of peace and the threat of foreigh invasion dwindled, the need for fortified castles diminished and the stately home eventually took over from these ancient feudal strongholds.
'Historic Castles of Britain' presents a vivid pictorial overview of the stormy history of Britain's castles and provides a lasting reminder of this fundamental element of our country's heritage.
- GenresNonfiction
96 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1994
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
August 21, 2011
Stunning photographs accompany brief histories of each castle featured.
In addition the author contributes a most interesting introduction, which sets the scene for the golden age of castles that began with William, Duke of Normandy who built a castle at Pevensey within a short time of landing in this country. Five years after the Conquest he had established 33 castles and by the time of his death in 1087 the number had risen to 86.
The book begins in the south west and an early feature is Pendennis Castle, which was stormed by myself, young daughter and wife in the mid-1980s! Needless to say it survived.
3 June 2022
Having just read all about Charles I and Charles II I felt in an historical mood and spotted this book on castle that I thought I would re-read just to get an even better feel for British history. And Garry Gibbons' comments on the many castle and manor houses included in this selection provided just that.
It is quite surprising how many original manor houses were given permission to crenelate their look and make them into a pseudo-castle. And some Scottish castles have a more distinct look than the motte and bailey appearance of many English ones. They tend to adopt the Scottish baronial style, such as Craigievar Castle in Grampian and, almost remarkably, the upright construction and relatively small ground surface area, which was designed as defence against local skirmishes, stands in much the same state today as when it was built in 1626 by its first owner, William Forbes.
Stokesay Castle in Shropshire is another castle, or perhaps more appropriately a manor house that was granted a licence for further defences in 1281, is another that stands in fine condition today . It was let as a farm and workshop in the 18th century, was sold in 1869 and was then restored to its present condition.
With its splendid double-page spreads, 'Historic Castles of Britain' provides a real feast of viewing together with slices of history interspersed; definitely a four-star read.
In addition the author contributes a most interesting introduction, which sets the scene for the golden age of castles that began with William, Duke of Normandy who built a castle at Pevensey within a short time of landing in this country. Five years after the Conquest he had established 33 castles and by the time of his death in 1087 the number had risen to 86.
The book begins in the south west and an early feature is Pendennis Castle, which was stormed by myself, young daughter and wife in the mid-1980s! Needless to say it survived.
3 June 2022
Having just read all about Charles I and Charles II I felt in an historical mood and spotted this book on castle that I thought I would re-read just to get an even better feel for British history. And Garry Gibbons' comments on the many castle and manor houses included in this selection provided just that.
It is quite surprising how many original manor houses were given permission to crenelate their look and make them into a pseudo-castle. And some Scottish castles have a more distinct look than the motte and bailey appearance of many English ones. They tend to adopt the Scottish baronial style, such as Craigievar Castle in Grampian and, almost remarkably, the upright construction and relatively small ground surface area, which was designed as defence against local skirmishes, stands in much the same state today as when it was built in 1626 by its first owner, William Forbes.
Stokesay Castle in Shropshire is another castle, or perhaps more appropriately a manor house that was granted a licence for further defences in 1281, is another that stands in fine condition today . It was let as a farm and workshop in the 18th century, was sold in 1869 and was then restored to its present condition.
With its splendid double-page spreads, 'Historic Castles of Britain' provides a real feast of viewing together with slices of history interspersed; definitely a four-star read.
July 30, 2017
Superb.
June 13, 2026
Cool book with interesting info and great pictures
July 29, 2026
Interesting...great pictures...history of Great Britain and architecture.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews