Castles: A Great British Story

Castles Episode 10 Legacy

This episode addresses the closing phases of castle use from the First and Second World Wars and then moves on to look at the growth in tourism and the idea of reconstruction in the 21st Century

Castles Episode 9 Victorian Folly?

As we draw close to the end of this season we look at how in the 18th and 19th centuries the castle changed yet again. From romantic vistas to tourist destinations. We start with a new military use (Jacobite rebellion and later threats from civil unrest), before looking at replica castles built for the gentry and restoration work on older castles.

Castles Episode 8 The English Civil war

This episode takes the castle through the English Civil War. Beginning with the story of Lady Mary Bankes' defence against parliamentarian sieges through to the affect of the war on castles. We shall look at prominent castles of the time and how they were modernised for this new style of warfare, as well as how the castle was slighted at the end of the conflict.

Castles Episode 7 15th and 16th Century Castles

This episode we look at Tudor castle building, adaptation, coastal fortifications, Chivalric Castles, Tower Houses, Irish, Scottish and Welsh changes. Lots to cover, but with a focus on how people's lives had changed and therefore the needs from castles did as well.

Castles Episode 6 Zenith

This week we look at the castles at their peak. Usually attributed with the wars of independence in Wales and Scotland. We shall look at Edward I and his castle building programme and the impact this had on castle design and the people who lived in the regions.