Gone Medieval – Episode Summary: "Castles in Ruins"

Released on November 5, 2024

Introduction

In the "Castles in Ruins" episode of Gone Medieval, hosted by Matt Lewis and Dr. Eleanor Yonega from History Hit, the discussion delves into the fascinating history of medieval castles, their architectural evolution, and the factors contributing to their decline and current ruined state. This episode provides an insightful exploration into how castles functioned not just as military fortresses but as living spaces for nobility, and how advancements in technology, shifting societal norms, and military innovations led to their gradual obsolescence.

1. Castles as Living Spaces vs. Fortresses

Dr. Eleanor Yonega opens the discussion by distinguishing castles from mere fortresses. While both served defensive purposes, castles were uniquely designed to accommodate the nobility and royalty, incorporating living spaces that emphasized comfort and grandeur.

Dr. Eleanor Yonega [02:12]: "What makes a castle a castle and not a fortress was the express function of the castle as a living space for nobility and royalty."

Key Points:

• Castles were built on strategic hills but included luxurious living areas.
• The dual purpose of defense and habitation set castles apart from other military structures.

2. Architectural Innovations and Challenges

The episode explores several architectural advancements that aimed to enhance comfort but inadvertently introduced new challenges.

Chimneys:

• The introduction of chimneys in the late medieval period improved ventilation but disrupted the heating efficiency of castles.

• Conisborough Castle near Doncaster, built around 1185, was among the first in England to feature a chimney ([05:45]).

  Dr. Eleanor Yonega [05:45]: "From the 12th century onward in England, Conisborough Castle near Doncaster, which was built around 1185, was the first to sport a chimney."

Windows:

• The evolution of window sizes from the 11th to the 15th century reflected advancements in glassmaking and architectural techniques.
• Larger windows became a status symbol but compromised the castle's defensive capabilities.

Dr. Eleanor Yonega [10:30]: "A quick and dirty way of dating medieval buildings is to see how many fingers you can align with a window and guess the century based on that."

Privacy and Space:

• Early castles lacked private spaces for guests and servants, often requiring overnight stays in shared great halls.
• Increasing demands for privacy led to difficulties in retrofitting castles with individual rooms.

Plumbing and Modern Amenities:

• The integration of plumbing and later electricity posed significant challenges due to the solid stone structures of castles.
• Retrofitting these amenities was costly and often impractical, leading to a preference for building new residences over maintaining old castles.

Dr. Eleanor Yonega [15:50]: "Living in a massive stone building was an enemy of retrofitting precision plumbing."

3. Case Study: Castle Rising and Isabella of France

A notable example discussed is Castle Rising in Norfolk during the 14th century, highlighting the personal influence of Queen Isabella of France on castle architecture and maintenance.

Dr. Eleanor Yonega [18:20]: "Castle Rising became one of her main residences. Isabella liked Rising for the excellent hunting, but the castle itself was not up to her elaborate tastes, so she had an entirely new complex of buildings constructed in the central bailey to suit her needs."

Key Points:

• Isabella's renovations included a new bedroom and chapel, reflecting her personal preferences.
• This case illustrates the difficulties of maintaining and updating existing castle structures to meet evolving standards of comfort.

4. Transition to the Early Modern Period: Enclosure and Urbanization

The episode examines the socio-economic changes during the early modern period, particularly the enclosure movement, which displaced many peasants and fueled urban migration.

Dr. Eleanor Yonega [21:11]: "Enclosure was one of those really unfortunate modern inventions that made the lives of peasants much, much worse."

Key Points:

• Enclosure privatized common lands, forcing rural populations to migrate to cities.
• The influx of people into urban areas increased the demand for townhouses over maintaining ancestral castles.
• Wealthy landowners preferred building fashionable townhouses, leading to reduced investment in castles.

5. Restoration and Modern Perceptions: Stirling Castle

Stirling Castle serves as an example of modern restoration efforts and the challenges they pose.

Historian [24:18]: "They had very good evidence of the lime washing from the period, but the local community reacted negatively to the shiny, golden appearance, preferring the traditional stone look."

Key Points:

• Restoration aimed to reflect historical accuracy but often clashed with contemporary aesthetic preferences.
• Community resistance can hinder restoration projects, as seen with Stirling Castle's lime-washed Great Hall.

6. Military Use and the Impact of Gunpowder: Starforts and Sieges

The advent of gunpowder dramatically altered the military effectiveness of traditional castles, leading to architectural innovations like starforts.

Dr. Eleanor Yonega [29:01]: "Starforts were invented specifically to answer the difficulties posed by wall-shattering cannon, featuring polygonal layouts with bastions to eliminate dead zones."

Key Points:

• Starforts: Polygonal designs with bastions to enhance defensive capabilities against cannon fire.
• Cavaliers: Elevated platforms within starforts allowing defenders to fire over parapets.
• Significant Renovations: Examples include Queen Elizabeth I's extensive modifications to Barrack Castle.
• Civil War Sieges: Castles like Conwy and Stirling endured prolonged sieges, leading to considerable damage and eventual slighting to render them militarily obsolete.

7. Conclusion: The Legacy of Castle Ruins

Dr. Eleanor Yonega concludes by reflecting on the cultural and historical significance of castle ruins today.

Dr. Eleanor Yonega [35:00]: "Castle ruins connect us to our past, allowing communal caretaking and personal interaction with history that intact castles often deny."

Key Points:

• Castle ruins offer atmospheric and accessible historical sites for public engagement.
• The decline of castles is a testament to changing societal needs and technological advancements.
• Ruins serve as tangible links to the medieval era, fostering appreciation and preservation efforts.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

1. Dr. Eleanor Yonega [02:12]: "Most of the time, we're left with just their ruins. I'm Dr. Eleanor Yonega and today on Gone Medieval From History Hit, we are discussing the enigmatic castles that we are most likely to encounter today, those that are in ruins, and how these impressive and beloved buildings came undone."

2. Dr. Eleanor Yonega [10:30]: "A quick and dirty way of dating medieval buildings is to see how many fingers you can align with a window and guess the century based on that."

3. Dr. Eleanor Yonega [18:20]: "Castle Rising became one of her main residences. Isabella liked Rising for the excellent hunting, but the castle itself was not up to her elaborate tastes, so she had an entirely new complex of buildings constructed in the central bailey to suit her needs."

4. Historian [24:18]: "They had very good evidence of the lime washing from the period, but the local community reacted negatively to the shiny, golden appearance, preferring the traditional stone look."

5. Dr. Eleanor Yonega [35:00]: "Castle ruins connect us to our past, allowing communal caretaking and personal interaction with history that intact castles often deny."

Conclusion

"Gone Medieval's" "Castles in Ruins" offers a comprehensive examination of the rise and fall of medieval castles, highlighting the intricate balance between architectural ambition, technological progress, and socio-political shifts. Through expert analysis and historical anecdotes, the episode underscores the enduring legacy of these formidable structures and their transformation into cherished historical landmarks.

For more episodes and in-depth historical explorations, subscribe to History Hit and enjoy ad-free content, early access, and bonus episodes by visiting History Hit.