During the 13th Century, the area of Wales in what is now the UK was a spot of constant trouble for the English. Something about the Welsh princes wanting to be completely independent and also being a bit on the unruly side caused Edward I to raise an army and in 1277 he marched into Wales to take care of the matter.

One of the ways that he used to subdue the surrounding areas that he captured was to build a castle where ever his army decided to rest. In some cases these castles were modifications of existing structures and in some they were new builds. In order to assure they were the best, they were often situated on bedrock to prevent tunneling or they were strategically situated where there were natural barriers (like waterways or cliffs). In all, these castles were very much the cutting edge in castle technology of the time and well planned. They were also costly and when the threat passed away after the rule of Edward I, many of these castles fell into ruin, as much due to a lack of funding in their upkeep as castles are expensive to maintain.

This book takes a look at the design, development and principles of defense of these edifices. In addition, there is a look at the daily life within them and how they were used in battle. The book concentrates on some of the more well known castles that are currently in the best condition and in particular chooses the one at Caernarfon in Northern Wales as a prime example of these designs.

Throughout the book are a super collection of photographs of the current structures and the superb illustrations of Adam Hook show not only the workings of the castles, but how some of them would have looked back in the 13th Century.

Overall it is an excellent addition to the Fortress series and a must read for students of the subject. I found it a fascinating read and I'm positive that you will as well.

July 2007

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