| Abstract: |
J C Perks opens the volume (pp 1-3) with a memoir of 'King of the Castle'. L Alcock, (5-22), in 'Castle-studies and the archaeological sciences: some possibilities and problems', discusses radiocarbon and other means of scientific dating, environmental and biological studies, and experimental archaeology (weapons, full-scale reconstructions, etc). C J Spurgeon (23-49) analyses some general features of 'Mottes and castle-ringworks in Wales', including late use of earthwork castles to 1403; siting is discussed in terms of geology and of individual lords' preferences. In 'Hen Domen revisited' P A Barker finds, after 25 years of intensive excavation, little evidence of an aristocratic lifestyle, but rather one of hardiness and simplicity. Derek Renn (55-73) takes as his subject "'Chastel de Dynan": the first phases of Ludlow', reviewing the evidence for its origin and early defences. 'The road to Harlech: aspects of some early 13th century Welsh casdes' is J K Knight's subject (75-88): Chepstow II, Pembroke, Usk, Caerleon, Cilgerran, and some Irish castles illustrate the work of William Marshall and his family, while Skenfrith, Grosmont, and Montgomery were Hubert de Burgh's work. Peter Webster (89-104) gives an account of the history and recent excavations at 'Dryslwyn Castle', first recorded in 1246; the town wall and inner ward have been investigated. In 'Holt Castle: John de Warenne and Chastellion', L A S Butler (105-24) tackles some problems of its foundation and of conflicting information, partly resolved by a recent survey. A J Taylor (125-42) writes of 'The Beaumaris Castle building account of 1295-8', and two other documentary papers are by Glanmor Williams (173-83, 'The Herberts, the Mansells and Oxwich Castle') and R Avent (185-204, 'The siege of Laugharne Castle from 28 October to 3 November 1644'). J M Lewis treats (143-60) 'The chapel at Raglan Castle and its paving-tiles' (Wessex, Malvern, and Netherlands maiolica groups represented). John R Kenyon (161-72) considers 'The gunloops at Raglan Caste, Gwent', pointing out their inadequacy for defence and noting some evidence for French influence (15th century). The final contribution is M W Thompson (205-15), 'The abandonment of the castle in Wales and the Marches', based on an analysis of Leland's records of well over 100 castles, mostly in ruins when he saw them. |
