Before the evolution of the castle, Europe was vulnerable to any bloodthirsty marauder. But with the introduction of the motte-and-bailey 'instant castle', invaders were checked, frontiers were held and life became more stable. Later, castles became part of conqueror's grand...
The influence of the castle, both on the course of history and on the lives of the people who lived in them, has never been fully explored-until now. This fascinating book examines the evolution of the medieval castle, from the rigid social structure of its society to the types...