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OverviewA constant factor in human history is the need to protect oneself. Another factor is the urge to attack someone else. Until the Normans imposed their sophisticatedly-designed castles on Britain, the country had seen many structures that met either of these needs. Before the Romans brought their efficient war machine across the Channel and based its troops in a variety of walled buildings, their prehistoric antecedents had met these needs in a different way. For example, pre-Roman hillforts were used not only for defence but also as a gathering place for farmers scattered widely over the land, a place where they established a regional identity and a claim to the land through their ancestors. Along Hadrian's Wall, stone forts were built to house infantry and cavalry. Later some of these places served as regional bases for warriors who arrived from northern Europe. Then came the Norman Conquest. This book of Northumberland's coastal castles explores those that were an outward and visible sign from Norman times onward of domination by the powerful, as well as being a focal point of communities in which they were built. A profusion of colour picures shows where they were sited, how they developed, and what is left of them. Castles were abandoned when they became redundant: gunpowder put paid to many of them, but once there was peace the owners wanted the good life away from the cold and draught - another part of the story. Full Product DetailsAuthor: Dr Stan BeckensallPublisher: Amberley Publishing Imprint: Amberley Publishing Dimensions: Width: 17.20cm , Height: 1.20cm , Length: 24.80cm Weight: 0.524kg ISBN: 9781445601960ISBN 10: 1445601966 Pages: 192 Publication Date: 15 December 2010 Audience: General/trade , General Format: Paperback Publisher's Status: Active Availability: Temporarily unavailable The supplier advises that this item is temporarily unavailable. It will be ordered for you and placed on backorder. Once it does come back in stock, we will ship it out to you. Table of ContentsReviewsAuthor InformationDr Stan Beckensall, experienced public speaker and holder of numerous academic qualifications and awards, is the highly-respected author of many books on Northumberland, prehistory, drama and poetry. He is the author of many books and has been awarded many honours including the Channel 4 ICT Television British Archaeology Award for 2006. He has lived in Northumberland since 1966 and in Hexham since 1977. Tab Content 6Author Website:Countries AvailableAll regions |