The Companion to Castles

Name: The Companion to Castles
Price: 55 AUD
Availability: OutOfStock
ISBN: 9781837052103

Stephen Friar

$55

Paperback

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English

Miscellaneous
01 July 2026

Castles & fortifications; Reference works; History; Medieval history; Military history; Archaeology

Over one thousand castles were built in the century following the Norman Conquest. Most were constructed in the wake of the Conquest itself by the Norman lords and their allies as they took possession of their lands. A castle was a fortified feudal residence, a symbol of a lord's power and authority and the instrument of regional domination: administrative, judicial and military. Very few castles remain unaltered from when they were first built and none fits neatly into any particular category. Many have succumbed to the ravages of siege warfare, abandonment and despoliation, especially in the aftermath of the English Civil War. Some have been entirely rebuilt and most have been remodelled many times, according to the current military, domestic and architectural fashion. For several there is evidence of continuous occupation from the twelfth century to the present day. Stephen Friar has a encyclopedic knowledge of all aspects of castles as well as the ability to place issues within a historical context and explain them succinctly and clearly for the non-specialist. From quadrangular castles to shell keeps, garderobes and gargoyles to tournaments, and anarchy to zig-zag moulding, this detailed A to Z reference book, with its lavish illustrations, index of castles and lists of addresses and further reading, is essential for anyone interested in medieval castles.

AUTHOR: Stephen Friar is a writer and historian. His previous books include A Companion to Heraldry, The Companion to Churches, The Companion to Castles and The Sutton Companion to Local History. He lives in Painswick, Gloucestershire.

25 colour, 115 b/w illustrations

By: Stephen Friar
Imprint: Miscellaneous
Country of Publication: United Kingdom
Edition: New edition
Dimensions: Height: 234mm, Width: 156mm,
ISBN: 9781837052103
ISBN 10: 1837052107
Publication Date: 01 July 2026
Audience: General/trade , ELT Advanced
Format: Paperback
Publisher's Status: Unspecified

STEPHEN FRIAR is a writer and historian. His previous books include A Companion to Heraldry, The Companion to Churches, The Companion to Castles and The Sutton Companion to Local History. He lives in Painswick, Gloucestershire.

Reviews for The Companion to Castles

‘Stephen Friar’s vast knowledge of his subject shines through on every page …’ * South Wales Argus * ‘A fascinating book that covers the history and development of something that is unique to the Middle Ages – the castle.’ * Medieval History * ‘A fascinating book … as well as providing a history of British castles, the book also offers advice on how to get the most enjoyment and fulfilment out of your visits.’ * The Journal *