Bodiam Castle in East Sussex. Image Source: http://www.sawallpapers.com/photo/5326.aspx#.UmflbJR5NEI
Introduction
Welcome to our website, an exploration of castle technology in the United Kingdom. We hope that you enjoy exploring these castles as much as we have!
"Any civilization that neglects its future will certainly come to regret it someday. But a civilization that neglects its past will find its regrets much more profound and long-lasting."[1]
There are hundreds of castles in the United Kingdom and countless more in Europe and the Middle East. Arguably, the castle has had a major impact on the development of European society. By integrating defensive features, a military and land stronghold, and a residence, wealthy and powerful European lords were able to maintain jurisdiction over their territories in a way that kept their land safe and secure.[2] Castles also established a long-lasting hierarchy, placing power in the hands of a small minority to rule over the large, often powerless majority.
Throughout the site, we will investigate the evolution of the castle and some of its main features. We will explore what exactly defines a castle, and share with you why we think castles are an important technology. Further, this site includes a case study of Windsor Castle, as well as some fun castle resources that will allow you to continue to explore the hidden passageways of medieval castles.
[1] Jean-Denis G.G. Lepage, Castles and Fortified Cities of Medieval Europe: An Illustrated History (Jefferson, North Carolina: McFarland & Company Inc), 325, http://do.rulitru.ru/docs/16/15655/conv_1/file1.pdf.
[2] Paul M. Remfry, "What are Castles?" The Castles of Wales, last modified 2009, http://www.castlewales.com/castles.html.
"Any civilization that neglects its future will certainly come to regret it someday. But a civilization that neglects its past will find its regrets much more profound and long-lasting."[1]
There are hundreds of castles in the United Kingdom and countless more in Europe and the Middle East. Arguably, the castle has had a major impact on the development of European society. By integrating defensive features, a military and land stronghold, and a residence, wealthy and powerful European lords were able to maintain jurisdiction over their territories in a way that kept their land safe and secure.[2] Castles also established a long-lasting hierarchy, placing power in the hands of a small minority to rule over the large, often powerless majority.
Throughout the site, we will investigate the evolution of the castle and some of its main features. We will explore what exactly defines a castle, and share with you why we think castles are an important technology. Further, this site includes a case study of Windsor Castle, as well as some fun castle resources that will allow you to continue to explore the hidden passageways of medieval castles.
[1] Jean-Denis G.G. Lepage, Castles and Fortified Cities of Medieval Europe: An Illustrated History (Jefferson, North Carolina: McFarland & Company Inc), 325, http://do.rulitru.ru/docs/16/15655/conv_1/file1.pdf.
[2] Paul M. Remfry, "What are Castles?" The Castles of Wales, last modified 2009, http://www.castlewales.com/castles.html.
What is a Castle?“The castles of the medieval landscape are, by definition, defensive architectural forms. They are usually considered to have been built with military functions in mind....It is appreciated as the highest technological achievement of its period.”[1]
The British Dictionary on my omniscient MacBook Pro provides two definitions for the castle:
It is also important to distinguish that not all fortified residences are castles. Many different types of habitations could be fortified against invaders, such as our modern homes with security systems, but they do not possess many of features that distinguish castles from other buildings. These characteristics will be discussed in the features section, and include specialized walls, moats, and drawbridges. [1] Abigail Wheatley, The Idea of the Castle in Medieval England (Woodbridge: York Medieval Press, 2004), 2. Why are Castles important?In their era, castles were important defensive structures to protect a kingdom's nobility from outside threats. They were also an important symbol of power in the medieval United Kingdom. They held in place a system of hierarchy and class that continues into the United Kingdom to this day. And, not only did castles demonstrate power within a realm, but they also protected realms from outside threats.
Domestically, castles made the distinction between the rich and the poor, the strong and the weak. The rich and the strong built castles to protect themselves, their families, and their belongings from invading forces. While the invading forces of medieval times were often equally as wealthy as their foes, a comparison between the rich and the poor in modern times can still be made because humans, if they can, will always seek out forms of protection. In the medieval age, the rich and powerful hid behind their moats and curtain walls, protected by archers and knights. Today, the rich and powerful hide within their gated communities or better yet, gated homes, protected by security guards and closed circuit cameras. Both of these groups, divided by centuries, felt exposed to external threats, whether real or imagined. The powerful in medieval times built castles and strongholds on hills to put themselves in the best defensive position possible. Similarly, Hamilton's rich built on the mountain to protect themselves in the best position possible, albeit in a much different way. Pollution from Hamilton's industry is much more likely to affect the low-income individuals who live next door to large industrial operations, while the wealthy are safe and healthy in their homes high on the hill. While we may not live in elaborate buildings with moats, turrets, and 2 metre thick walls, we are still greatly affected by the implications of the castle technology. |