Historic Castles of Britain

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This beautifully illustrated book contains an impressive collection of photographs of some of the most spectacular and well preserved castles in Britain, from St Mawes in Cornwall to Cawdor Castle in the far north of Scotland. The pictures are supplemented by concise background information on the history of each castle, but the emphasis here is firmly on the visual aspect of Britain's heritage and the photography is unsurpassed. Garry Gibbons sets the scene in his introduction to the book, going back to the Norman Conquest and the intensive castle-building programme instigated by William, Duke of Normandy, to maintain control over the rebellious population of his new kingdom. Over the course of the following centuries the role of the castle alternated between stronghold and residence - a tenuous balance which was determined by the political climate and the potential threat of attack. As the kingdom gradually settled into an era of peace and the threat of foreigh invasion dwindled, the need for fortified castles diminished and the stately home eventually took over from these ancient feudal strongholds. 'Historic Castles of Britain' presents a vivid pictorial overview of the stormy history of Britain's castles and provides a lasting reminder of this fundamental element of our country's heritage.