Castles
are perhaps one of the most recognizable symbols of medieval Europe, especially
to the non-specialist, and their lasting presence is a constant reminder
of times long past. Hull, working on the premise that the remains of medieval
castles are often mysterious and potentially difficult to interpret by
most modern visitors, has endeavored to create a guidebook for illuminating
the significance of castle ruins. Throughout the book, Hull appeals to
the reader’s emotions, conveying the impression that a visit to a
castle can be a full sensory and almost spiritual experience. Indeed, in
her acknowledgements, Hull conveys the hope that her book will enhance
one’s “castle experience, whether you are traveling by armchair
or exploring in person, and that you too will discover that sense of awe
and the true meaning of ruins.” (p. v)
The task Hull created for herself was multi-faceted and ambitious: a description
of the different types and parts of castles, as well as their evolution
and metamorphoses over time, a detailed discussion of the functions of
the different castle components, an explanation of the people responsible
for the construction of castles as well as those who lived and existed
within them, an exploration of the role of the castle within its greater
economic, political, social, and geographical contexts, and even a brief
discussion of the efforts that have been made recently for the preservation
of and promotion of visits to castles for the public. Consequently, the
book has been divided into five main chapters that roughly investigate
these distinct topics.
As a guidebook, the book is perhaps most successful.
There are, peppered throughout the text, short admonitions and appeals
to the reader to treat ruins with respect, as well as helpful suggestions
for “reading” potentially
overlooked or misunderstood clues in castle ruins that can enhance a visitor’s
understanding of the remains. Hull’s work is not designed to be a
scholarly work, and those who approach the book with this expectation will
be disappointed. Hull does provide notes, though perhaps not as many as
one would like, and the sources are largely general works on castles or
historic trust publications on specific castles; there are few scholarly
secondary works and even fewer primary sources listed in the bibliography.
In contrast, Hull provides extensive terminology lists at the end of each
chapter. The only criticism is that these separate lists might be more
effective as a consolidated glossary at the end of the text, much like
her appendix of all castles mentioned in the book.
Hull’s reverence for castles and their ruins is obvious, and she
has included many of her own photographs of various castles. Despite the
generally superb quality of the pictures, it becomes frustrating for the
reader at times when no link is made between image and text, or when there
is no image that provides a visual representation of what is being described.
This is particularly true in much of the first three chapters, which are
devoted to describing the development and physical appearance of castles,
and which comprise approximately two-thirds of the text. Perhaps labeled
diagrams of individual castles would better illustrate Hull’s descriptions
than simply photographs; if anything, such diagrams
would provide a good complement to the existing images.
The decision to organize the book topically makes
sense when recalling Hull’s objective in producing a guide for understanding castle ruins;
however, this creates other organizational problems with the text, especially
in terms of chronology. While Hull’s great knowledge about the history
of numerous castles is certainly an asset, the fact that she often incorporates
information spanning many centuries about a single castle before moving
on to a different castle can cause the chapters to sound disjointed and
jumpy. [1] Additionally, there is a fair bit of repetition, chiefly when
utilizing the same castle as illustrations of different examples or anecdotes.
Closer attention to the chronology of each chapter’s topic likely
would have made for smoother reading, even in the first chapter where a
chronological presentation seems to have been the overall intent. The chapter
that suffers most from organizational issues is the fifth and final chapter.
Although it begins as perhaps the most earnest manual for “the castle
experience,” with advice about proper clothing, helpful maps for
locating castles off the beaten track, and even the attitude with which
to approach a castle ruin, the chapter quickly loses its focus, touching
upon such disparate topics as viewing the castle in its geographic context,
the history and development of the town walls near surviving castles, understanding
what may or may not have survived the ravages of time, and a lengthy history
of historic site preservation in Britain.
Somewhat troubling is the fact that there are some
factual errors that should have been caught by good editing. King John
is referred to as Henry II’s brother
in one case (it seems the author meant Richard, not Henry; p. 53), and
later on, Richard II is incorrectly called “the Lionhearted” (p.
75).
Overall, Hull’s book certainly helps to bridge the distance between
a strict history of specific castles in Britain that places them into their
political context, a description of the types, general elements, and purposes
of medieval castles in general, and a practical handbook for the visitor
to such sites. Perhaps the manner in which these components were combined
is not ideal, nor the organization as “user-friendly” as intended,
but Hull’s book undoubtedly will find an eager if unscholarly audience
grateful and appreciative that she has offered her suggestions, expertise,
and background on the topic of castle ruins.
Notes
[1] Hull pays special attention to narrating the plight of many castles
which played a part in or which were affected by the English Civil War.