Movies Logo
May 8, 2003

Season 1

01. The Normans and their Castles

Medieval historian Marc Morris travels the length of Britain to tell the story of the nation's castles, consulting the Bayeux Tapestry and archaeological evidence to discover how they evolved over a 600-year period, and revealing that the traditional motte and bailey-style constructions were actually of foreign invention, developed by William the Conqueror

30min
May 8, 2003

02. Rochester Siege

Medieval historian Marc Morris travels to Kent to tell the story of King John's besieging of Rochester Castle in 1215, revealing how the stronghold's fate was eventually decided with the help of 40 pigs

30min
May 15, 2003

03. Edward I and His Welsh Castles

Historian Marc Morris explores how King Edward I's relationship with a master builder led to the creation of some of the most famous castles in Britain, including Caernarfon, Caerphilly and Harlech - fortresses used by the king as a formidable weapon to consolidate his conquests of Wales and its native dynasties

30min
May 22, 2003

04. The Age of the Castle as a Home

Marc Morris explores the history behind Bodiam Castle in East Sussex which was built in the 14th century by Sir Edward Dallingridge. Castles such as Bodiam were funded by the huge profits obtained from ransoms and extortion in the Hundred Years' War with France

30min
May 29, 2003

05. Tower Houses in Scotland

Marc Morris looks at the history of Scottish castles, including Threave Castle in Dumfriesshire and Craigievar Castle in Aberdeen, both of which used the tower house style popular during the early 15th century

30min
June 12, 2003

06. Castles and the English Civil War

Historian Marc Morris reveals how the British castle made its final stand during the English Civil War between Royalists and Parliamentarians. Over 20,000 people died defending more than 200 strongholds, which faced pounding after pounding from the lethal might of contemporary cannon and mortar. Last in series

30min
June 19, 2003