Product Description
In this factual book, Alexandra M. Brown gives an informative account of the events surrounding the Windsor Castle fire of 1992. The book briefly explores the history of the Castle and discusses its role as the oldest royal residence in continuous use since its original construction by William the Conqueror in the 1070s. In "The Windsor Castle Fire and Restoration", the events leading up to the fire and the blaze itself are described in vivid detail, as well as the immense salvage operation required to rescue the priceless treasures stored within the grand rooms of the Castle.The fire led to the discovery of several architectural gems of great importance to British historians, including 17th Century frescos by the Italian artist Antonio Verrio, one of the oldest windows in Britain with its original glass still in place, and a 14th Century undercroft. The GBP37 million restoration project is also recounted and the actions taken at this stage are explained, as well as the royal family's role during the process. The fire of Windsor Castle created a political storm that has had a lasting effect on the British Monarchy.The book brings the story of the restoration forward to the present chronicling the continuing role of Windsor Castle in the affairs of state and the lives of the Royal Family. ... Read more

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From prehistoric hillforts to grand medieval castles, and from fortified country homes and Victorian follies to the defensive installations of World War II, this work explores the entire range of fortifications built in Britain in the last 4000 years. It analyzes the development of the 5000 stronghold fortifications from prehistoric times to the modern day. The chronological coverage includes prehistoric strongholds, the Roman legacy in Britain (Hadrian and Antonine Walls), the Dark Ages and the Nordic invasions, the motte and bailey castles left by the Normans, the castle building book of the middle ages, developments in the early modern period such as the growth of coastal forts and semi-fortified mansion houses, strongholds of the Napoleonic era and 19th-century invasion scares, and finally, defences from World War II from Scapa Flow to Hellfire Corner. ... Read more

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From Edinburgh to Tintagel, this is a pictorially stunning tour of Britain's many castles. Featuring 130 color photos. Together, England, Scotland, and Wales possess one of the largest and most impressive collections of castles anywhere in the world. Castles have had a key role in Britain's history, and the names of many of them--Kenilworth, Edinburgh, Bodiam, Stirling, Harlech, Tintagel, Berkeley, and Warwick--are synonymous with romance, battle, and intrigue. This handsome pictorial survey traces each stage in their development: Norman times through Plantagenet and Edwardian expansion, Tudor strengthening of the coastal defenses, the appalling devastation of the Civil War, the castle's gradual decline, on to fantastic mock castles, like Castle Drogo. Among Paul Johnson's many books are A History of the Jews, British Cathedrals, Civilizations and the Holy Land, Intellectuals, and To Hell with Picasso and Other Essays. 216 pp 10 x 7 1/2 130 color photos ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Great book for planning a tour of English castles
In the summer of 1999 I took my son on a tour of medieval English castles.To plan the trip I looked at a number of books to decide which castles to visit.This book, written with the sponsorship of English Heritage, describes the different types of castles (e.g.-keep, walled, moated) built throughout the history of England, Scotland and Wales, including where to find the best existing examples of each type.I used the map in the book to plot the locations of these castles, and chose a dozen in London and the surrounding counties to go see.The book was of invaluable assistance--not only in making the selection, but in describing their history and most interesting features.The photography is fantastic. This book was the keystone to a once in a lifetime experience.

excellent little book, a real value
This is a great little book at a super price. Lots of quality color and black and white photos and a top notch narrative to go along with them. This book is dense enough to hold the attention of a sophisticated readerand accessible enough not to bore the casual reader. ... Read more

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This is one of a series designed to help teachers planning a site visit. Historical background is combined with a variety of possible study approaches, documentary sources and photocopiable activity sheets for classroom and on-site work, together with practical information about the site. This book focuses on Goodrich Castle which occupies a commanding position over the Wye Valley in the Welsh Marches. It exemplifies the fascinating features of castles and castle life which appeal to children, with its moat, towers, hall and dungeon. Activity sheets on rebuilding, attacking, domestic life, and cooking and feasting, could be used in the study of any castle. ... Read more

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Customer Reviews (1)

Good for basic info and easy research
With its informative details and beautiful pictures, this book would interest history and gardening buffs alike. ... Read more

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A chronological and thematic description of the excavation of parts of the Calleva defences. This is followed by descriptions of the finds and specialist reports by Michael Fulford himself on the Roman pottery. The third part of this book analyses the long-term field survey work and the aerial photographs of settlement around Silchester. ... Read more

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The majesty and splendor of Scotland's capital, Edinburgh, is beautifully detailed with all-color ilustrations and maps. A brief history of the city is woven into the textand accompanies 35 magnificent full-color illustrations along with all of the important buildings found in the city. The book is one of a series of popular Pitkin Pride of Britain guidebooks which are thin, compact and can be taken along easily on a trip to Edinburgh. Some of the sites included are the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the Royal BotanicalGarden, St. Andrew's Church, the childhood home of Robert Louis Stevenson, Charlotte Square, Swanston, Pentland Hills, Dean Village, the Water and Port of Leith and the Fourth Rail Bridge. ... Read more

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Part of the "English Heritage" series, this title looks at the building of Housesteads, the best-known fort on Hadrian's Wall and a celebrated Roman monument. Incorporating rare archive material, it discusses life on Rome's most northerly frontier and what took place in the centuries that followed. ... Read more

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"This book takes you on a vivid four-thousand-year journey through and around the remarkable and varied strongholds of Britain. From prehistoric hillforts to grand medieval castles, and from fortified gentlemen's country homes to the all-encompassing defensive installations of the Second World War, the whole range of fortifications built in Britain is examined through the evocative remains that can be found in every corner of the island."--BOOK JACKET. ... Read more

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75 of England's most attractive and historically significant sites, from Stonehenge, to Queen Victoria's Royal Palace at Osborne, are illustrated in this book which features photographs taken from a balloon. This unique viewpoint reveals much about the buildings and their geographical settings which is difficult to perceive from the ground, yet in considerably greater detail than conventional high-level aerial photographs. Almost all of the sites featured are in the care of English Heritage, an organization set up to protect England's inheritance of prehistoric and Roman remains, castles, abbeys, houses and gardens. An explanatory text by Nell Burton describes the significance of these landmarks and puts them into a clear historical perspective. Attention is focused on the Roman remains along Hadrian's Wall, on the ruined medieval abbeys which are dotted through the English countryside and on the huge variety of castle strongholds which reflect the bloodier side of England's past. ... Read more