Introduction

Dr. Sam Willis traces the story of Britain’s castles in our history, art and literature.

Outline of Series 01, Episode 03

Sam Willis explores how, by the Wars of the Roses, castles were under attack from a new threat – the cannon – but survived into the Tudor era only to find their whole purpose challenged.

What had once been strategic seats of power now had to keep up with the fickle fashions of the court and become palaces to impress monarchs such as Elizabeth I.

Just as castles seemed to have lost their defensive function, the English Civil War erupted. The legacy of that tumultuous period resulted in castles no longer being associated with protection. Rather, their ruins took on a…

Castles: Britain’s Fortified History Series

• Episode 01: Instruments of Invasion.
• Episode 02: Kingdom of Conquest.
• Episode 03: Defence of the Realm.

Production & Filming Details

• Presenter: Sam Willis.
• Distribution: BBC.
• Released Date: 18 December 2014 (UK).
• Running time: 60 minutes.
• Country: UK.
• Language: English.

YouTube Link