The Early Norman Castles of the British Isles.

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

48602

Title

The Early Norman Castles of the British Isles.

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

Ella S. Armitage's scholarly work definitively argues that private castles in the British Isles are exclusively of Norman origin, emerging only with feudalism. This authoritative text catalogs early motte-and-bailey and stone fortifications across England, Wales, Scotland, and Ireland, utilizing Pipe Rolls and contemporary records to correct earlier misconceptions about Saxon or Danish origins.

Summary up to 500 words

In 'The Early Norman Castles of the British Isles,' Ella Sophia Armitage presents a rigorous archaeological and historical investigation into the origins of fortifications across the British Islands. The work fundamentally challenges earlier theories that attributed many earthworks to Saxon or Danish builders, asserting instead that the private castle is an institution born solely from the Norman feudal system introduced after 1066. Armitage systematically examines defensive structures, beginning with Anglo-Saxon and Danish earthworks before focusing on the rise of the motte-and-bailey castle. She details the structural evolution from wooden keeps to stone towers, analyzing specific examples at Dover, Windsor, and Carlisle. A significant portion of the volume is dedicated to a detailed catalogue of English castles drawn from unpublished Pipe Rolls, providing precise dates and construction histories for numerous sites. Armitage extends her analysis to Wales, Scotland, and Ireland, where she identifies Norman influence in almost every instance, revising previous classifications of Irish mottes. She explores architectural features including layouts, vaulting, and defensive mechanisms like portcullis grooves and machicolations, addressing the transition to concentric stone castles and keepless designs in the 13th century. Throughout the book, Armitage emphasizes rigorous evidence over speculation, relying on primary sources such as the Domesday Book and royal accounts. Her research clarifies the timeline of castle construction, attributing many structures to Henry I and Henry II rather than earlier periods. The text serves as an essential reference for understanding military architecture and the specific role of the Normans in shaping the defensive landscape of the British Isles. By collating previously inaccessible material, Armitage provides a definitive storehouse for historians seeking to trace the progress of Norman occupation and correct misconceptions regarding pre-Norman fortifications.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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Categories

• History
• Architecture