The present thesis explores the evolution of the Anglo-Norman castles in North-eastern Ireland in the areas dominated by the de Lacy and de Courcy families, examining their combined function as a power tool and power symbol. It focuses on two key and archaeologically well-explored castles: ...
The art of buildingcastles was not a Norman invention, but the Normans became masters in the use of the simple yet enormously effectivemotte-and-bailey castle—a mound (motte) topped by a timber palisade and tower, surrounded by a ditched and palisaded enclosure (bailey). These little fortifi...
Although the Normans are the bad guys inIn the Shadows of Castlesit was good to seeWilliam de Warenne, one of the subjects of my own research, given a prominent role amongWilliam the Conqueror‘s retinue. Indeed, G.K. Holloway has ensured that he used historical personages wherever possible...
The period saw many churches and castles built, the latter chiefly on the south and east coasts and on the Welsh and Scottish borders (see Norman architecture). Norman French became the language of the court and upper classes, and of literature, and had great effect on the development of ...
[the gentry]. Why should they have these great honours, royal castles, and manors, with so much lands and possessions, and ye but poor cottages and tenements?’1This ‘old seditious argument’, as it appeared to a Royalist, was still being used in 1641: ‘We are all the sons of ...
The Normans established many schools, monasteries, cathedrals and churches in both Italy and England and after conquering England built many castles to defend their new land. Good sources for history of the Normans include the buildings, many of which survive to today, writings of the men of the...
The art of buildingcastleswas not a Norman invention, but the Normans became masters in the use of the simple yet enormously effectivemotte-and-bailey castle—a mound (motte) topped by a timber palisade and tower, surrounded by a ditched and palisaded enclosure (bailey). These little fortifica...
The art of building castles was not a Norman invention, but the Normans became masters in the use of the simple yet enormously effective motte-and-bailey castle—a mound (motte) topped by a timber palisade and tower, surrounded by a ditched and palisaded enclosure (bailey). These little for...
He also built strongly fortified castles of stone (instead of wood) along the border of his territory. For this reason he was called le Grand Bâtisseur (“the Great Builder”). He died on his return from a pilgrimage to the Holy Land, having reigned 53 years....