Castle Builders

"Castle Builders" is an historical series describing how castles evoled over the centuries to meet the needs ot the times from military stronghold, to city defence to fashion statement. Considering the investment required to build a castle it should be no surprise that castles often played a crucial role in historical events.

Those moments when the castles were improtant historical figures are described in some detail along with the reasons for building them in each case. So the castle builders referred to in the title were really the kings and princes that requisitioned them. Relatively little attention is paid to the designers and physical builders. Just a few of the designers are mentined by name and there are some oft repeated reenactments of the construction laborers cutting beams, chipping stone, lifting loads and such.

Some specifics are provided about castle features and what was achieved by them. But, despite the numerous examples, the features are never described in much detail. Some features, such as the portcullis and barbican are never even defined.

I believe this series will be of interest to the castle enthusiast looking for a concise historical overview. But for the architecturally or sociologically minded viewer it will be a disappointment.