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 Historical
Medieval Castles of Ireland and Wales
 by John Kenyon and Kieran O'Conor
$55.00 / Four Courts Press
/ 2003
One can keep abreast of the latest developments in castle archaeology
in Wales and Ireland with this important compilation of essays,
written to honor Welshman and pioneering archaeologist Jeremy
Knight, who retired in 1998. Knight inspired generations of archaeologists
with his enthusiasm and passion for his work, notably at Montgomery
Castle.
While primarily academic in nature, the essays are readable and
provide intriguing insight into the status of castle archaeology.
The articles challenge long-held beliefs about the sites, and
in some cases, even those held by Knight himself. Included are
new interpretations of archaeological work done at Baginbun Head
in County Wexford, one of the first Anglo-Norman fortifications
in Ireland; at Wales' Chepstow Castle, its Great Keep long touted
as the oldest surviving Norman secular building in Britain; and
at Kidwelly Castle, where changing perspectives suggest that
its masonry may have been introduced much earlier than previously
estimated.
Studies of architectural developments prevalent in both countries
provide fodder for further research. David Sweetman's discussion
of Irish hall-houses offers an extensive inventory of many such
sites, which are predominantly located in the western reaches
of the island. Likewise, while Terry Barry's essay on the defensive
nature of Irish moated sites includes brief comparisons with
moated sites in England, he prompts questions about Welsh moated
sites, such as those in Glamorgan, where their defensive nature
had previously been discounted.
The Medieval Castle in Ireland and Wales is a valuable
academic resource for professionals working in castle archaeology.
While some readers might find the scholarly nature of the book
a bit daunting, most castle enthusiasts will find its new perspectives
fascinating.
—Lise Hull
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