Castle Compendium
Castles capture the imagination, but what are they really like? Find out the basic features of castles that you might not know!
The Two Towers or the Two Turrets?
What is the difference between a tower and a turret? It’s quite simple…
A Window to the Past
What could be better than a vacation castle in Scotland? Queen Victoria and Prince Albert definitely enjoyed their getaway at Balmoral Castle, but at the time, Scotland still had a reputation for being wild and dangerous.
Get Your Defenses In Better Shape
What is the best kind of tower to defend a castle? Not a square! Let’s think outside the box.
Take Defense a Step Up
Although not as elaborate as some fortifications, Bunratty Castle’s simple square structure still displays several fascinating strategic and architectural features. Most notably…
Take the High Ground – Or Make It!
Warwick Castle, England The oldest part of Warwick Castle isn’t any of the stone structures we see. It’s actually the mound of dirt built up under one of the walls, which dates back to William the Conqueror’s campaign into England in the 1060s. Many castles are built on top of …
To Besiege or Not to Besiege: That is the Question
Warwick Castle’s imposing façade partly owes its endurance to the fact that it has only been besieged a couple times in its thousand-year history. But conquering this fortress would require a formidable force.