The Great Castles Of Britain Ireland

An illustrated guide to around 50 of Britain and Ireland's greatest castles, examining lineage, architecture, artifacts and gardens.

To many, medieval castles are the essence of Britain and Ireland's fascinating past. Immersed in history and centuries old, each one tells a story of Kings, Queens and feuding lords; war and bloody conflict; treason, revenge and murder. In Castles of Britain and Ireland, Rodney Castleden weaves a fascinating and detailed narrative of 115 of the grandest and most historically significant castles in the British Isles, including Balmoral in Scotland, Bunratty in Ireland, Caernarfon in Wales and St Michael's Mount in England. As well as the details of the construction, function, and often the destruction of these magnificent buildings, each chapter also tells the human stories behind these ancient walls, with fascinating details of everyday life within.

Britain has a unique castle heritage, and "The Great Castles of Britain and Ireland" is a celebration of 50 beautiful, unique and fascinating castles. With stunning photography by Stephen Whitehorne, the bookms engaging commentary guides the reader around the interior and exterior of each castle: architecture, furnishings, artefacts and gardens. The text is peppered with fascinating snippets of historical information, including details of past residents and military action. Included are staples such as Caerphilly, Warwick and Dover, and also Pembroke, Bamburgh and Rochester among many others. This book is a true celebration and a real treat for anyone who is fascinated by castles. The engaging text is complemented by beautiful pictures which entice the reader and bring alive the unique and very different charms of each castle covered.Lise Hull is a freelance writer, castelologist and historian. After many years in the US Navy, she gained masterms degrees in Heritage Studies (from University of Wales, Aberystwyth) and Historic Preservation (from Indiana University). She runs Castles Unlimited, which focuses on the study and promotion of British castles. Lise Hull is the author of "Countries of the World: Scotland" (Times Media) and a forthcoming book on the castles of Glamorgan.Stephen Whitehorne is one of Scotlandms foremost landscape, architectual and travel photographers. He is the photographer and author to several walking guides to Scotland, including" Exploring the Highlands of Scotland" and" Walking the Scottish Highland Round" (both Cassell), as well as photographer on many other guides His work has been widely exhibited in the UK. Stephen also teaches photography, and is basednear Edinburgh.

This text aims to bring to life every aspect of castles and castle life: why and how they were built; the weapons that were used; their social life in ordinary and extraordinary times; their provisioning; their maintenance; and their changing role in a continually evolving political climate.

Presents original maps, plans and archive illustrations alongside hundreds of photographs, showing ruins and surviving castles in their glory. This work includes descriptions of hundreds of special buildings, from remote ruins in isolated settings to imposing piles in towns and cities.

A guide to some of the most historical and picturesque castles in England for romantics and Anglophiles alike. Castles have shaped England. For almost one thousand years, castles have been the settings of siege and battle, dens of plotting and intrigue, and refuges for troubled kings. Today, the romantic yet ruinous shapes of once grand fortresses stud the English countryside—a reminder of turbulent times past. Exploring English Castles provides readers with a breathtaking tour through the grandest castles of England. It brings ruins to life through true stories of royalty, chivalry, deception, and intrigue, played out within formerly majestic walls. Uncover the secret of Bodiam Castle, Sussex—a fortress seemingly from a fairy tale, built for a knight returning from the Hundred Years’ War. Discover how Mary Tudor, first queen of England, took refuge in Framlingham Castle, Suffolk, overturning a wily plot to deny her the throne. Unearth a delicate love story between Queen Elizabeth I and Robert Dudley, which unfolds against the genteel backdrop of Kenilworth Castle, Warwickshire. Filled with evocative photographs, awe-inspiring historical tales, and gentle humor, Exploring English Castles will delight any armchair historian, travel aficionado, or fan of historical fiction.

A beautifully illustrated history of 120 royal palaces, significant stately homes and gardens, with 500 pictures.

To many, medieval castles are the essence of Britain and Ireland's fascinating past. Immersed in history and centuries old, each one tells a story of Kings, Queens and feuding lords; war and bloody conflict; treason, revenge and murder. In Castles of Britain and Ireland, Rodney Castleden weaves a fascinating and detailed narrative of 115 of the grandest and most historically significant castles in the British Isles, including Balmoral in Scotland, Bunratty in Ireland, Caernarfon in Wales and St Michael's Mount in England. As well as the details of the construction, function, and often the destruction of these magnificent buildings, each chapter also tells the human stories behind these ancient walls, with fascinating details of everyday life within.