English Castles 1200-1300

A detailed study of the English castles of the medieval period. The simple castles raised after the Norman conquest had been developed throughout 11th and 12th centuries, whilst the introduction of Islamic and Byzantine fortification techniques from the late 12th century led to further developments in castle architecture. These fortifications were to be well tested throughout the course of the 13th century as England was riven by conflict, characterized by prolonged sieges, between the monarchy and powerful magnates. As this book reveals, as well as providing the focus for warfare, castles increasingly became the centres of their communities. They provided a more permanent base for the lord, his family and retainers, as well as acting as centres for justice and administration.

Chris Gravett is a former Senior Curator at the Royal Armouries, Tower of London, and a recognised authority on the arms, armour and warfare of the medieval world. He has worked as an advisor for numerous TV and film productions, and has written many books for Osprey. He currently works as the curator at Woburn Abbey, Bedfordshire. Adam Hook studied graphic design, and began his work as an illustrator in 1983. He specializes in detailed historical reconstructions, and has illustrated Osprey titles on the Aztecs, the Greeks, several 19th century American subjects, and a number of books in the Fortress series. His work features in exhibitions and publications throughout the world.