The Companion to Castles by Stephen Friar
Over one thousand castles were built in the century following the Norman Conquest. Most were constructed in the wake of the Conquest itself by the Norman lords and their allies as they took possession of their lands. A castle was a fortified feudal residence, a symbol of a lord's power and authority and the instrument of regional domination: administrative, judicial and military. Very few castles remain unaltered from when they were first built and none fits neatly into any particular category. Many have succumbed to the ravages of siege warfare, abandonment and despoliation, especially in the aftermath of the English Civil War. Some have been entirely rebuilt and most have been remodelled many times, according to the current military, domestic and architectural fashion. For several there is evidence of continuous occupation from the twelfth century to the present day. Stephen Friar has a encyclopedic knowledge of all aspects of castles as well as the ability to place issues within a historical context and explain them succinctly and clearly for the non-specialist. From quadrangular castles to shell keeps, garderobes and gargoyles to tournaments, and anarchy to zig-zag moulding, this detailed A to Z reference book, with its lavish illustrations, index of castles and lists of addresses and further reading, is essential for anyone interested in medieval castles.
Stephen Friar is a writer and researcher specialising in history, heraldry and genealogy. His previous books include The Sutton Companion to Heraldry, The Sutton Companion to Churches and The Sutton Companion to Local History. He lives in Dorset.
| SKU | Unavailable |
| ISBN 13 | 9780750939942 |
| ISBN 10 | 075093994X |
| Title | The Companion to Castles |
| Author | Stephen Friar |
| Condition | Unavailable |
| Binding Type | Paperback |
| Publisher | The History Press Ltd |
| Year published | 2007-02-22 |
| Number of pages | 352 |
| Cover note | Book picture is for illustrative purposes only, actual binding, cover or edition may vary. |
| Note | Unavailable |