Secrets of a Medieval Castle | Goodrich Castle
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 18 พ.ค. 2023
- In this video, Secrets of a Medieval Castle | Goodrich Castle, Kevin Hicks takes you on a tour of Goodrich Castle in England and reveals some of the secrets that visitors often miss when they visit the castle. Having toured countless school groups over the years, Kevin has a great knowledge of this beautiful medieval fortress.
Located in Herefordshire, England, Goodrich Castle sits high on a hill overlooking the scenic River Wye and the surrounding countryside. The castle was originally constructed in the 11th century and it expanded over the years. During the English Civil War the castle was besieged by Parliamentarian forces, and it was the use of artillery, including "Roaring Meg", which ultimately broke the castle's defences and began its decent into ruin.
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CREDITS:
Thanks to English Heritage who manage Goodrich Castle: www.english-heritage.org.uk
Music: Hero's Theme: Royalty Free Music • Video
IMAGE CREDITS:
Aerial footage by Arthur Cauty via Motion Array
Goodrich Castle & Barbican, c12th century: ©Historic England/Alamy
Goodrich Castle Gatehouse workings ©Historic England/Alamy
Goodrich on River Wye painting: Thomas Hearne, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons
Every time you do a castle tour, my girlfriend and I immediately put it on the living room tv. We can't express how much we look forward to your little documentaries!
Cheers Bill, I appreciate that. A few more to come 👍🏻
Oh, yes. Me too. Such thing need to be seen in a big screen smart TV.
Wonderful very informative tour. Best I've heard. Thanks!
The castle tours are my favorite!
Twice then.
As a young man in the seventies I wandered many English castles, always felt at home in cold quiet stone, thank you for your manner of bringing the stone to life.
This man is a national treasure. Deserves so much more recognition. Imagine being a child with him as your history teacher, absolutely inspirational.
Wow, cheers for that 👍🏻
I agree ❤
I agree too. I will probably never get over to see these pieces of history but You bring it all to life and answer my questions as we walk around. Thank You from Canada.
if he was my history teacher, i would have become a historian myself, his enthusiasm is infectious and very inspirational.
I'd be scared to enter any dungeon with him though. He said it himself!
His excitement is infectious. You can't help but smile and be in awe of this man's passion for the history of this period. What an amazing guide! Imagine having him in the family. I'd be here all the time with him.
Haha, how lovely of you, thanks!
Be great wouldnt it ❤
To me, Kevin can be the coolest granpa one can possibly have.
If school had taught us history the way Kevin tells it I would have loved it back then. Instead it was doled out to us in huge, dry chunks and the only expectation was that we remember the dates. These videos are gems.
kevin's videos should be part of the school history curriculum, as he explains history better than most professors/teachers with years of study and research. Hell his videos makes me want to become a historian.
I was taught history by a nun who didn't have a clue about history. Not a good combination!
I remember that. I could never remember the dates after i left the class room
@@deedeedodo8092What would a nun know about history
Brilliant. I used to work for the landscape company that looked after the grounds. Fascinating to learn the history...makes me feel in a small way part of it. Well done. Great video.
I could watch this for hours. It’s also constantly devastating that we can’t really see exactly what it looked like and see the people living their lives in places like this so many years ago in times of both peace and war. So frustrating but it’s still so beautiful as well.
I wish I could see things like this in person.
Great video as usual, thank you. Without people like you I’d never get to see things like this incredible castle.
It must have taken quite a while to plan and build something so well thought out. Absolutely awesome!
If those walls could speak,the stories they would tell. The tour was spectacular. Your passion for history is much appreciated. Cheers from across the pond! 👍🇬🇧🇺🇸
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I can't get over how well designed this place is plumbing, fire places, built in sinks, built in ovens etc etc. I think this place would have been quite magnificent in it's day. How sad things have to be destroyed.
Props to the cameraperson for being dynamic and showing all the things talked in great detail. Camerawork easily gets overlooked, and maybe that is the point in a way, to make it feel as seamless and well flowing as possible.
Same goes to everyone behind the scenes, great work as usual.
Thanks for that, it's just me and my wife Julie and she really appreciated the nod, cheers. 👍🏻
@@thehistorysquad She did a fantastic job indeed . . Too many videos have sudden camera movements that cause tearing , artifacting in the video . But this was buttery smooth allowing all of that castle detail to be shown on screen without drama or corruption .
Great teamwork - - A++ to both of you . I really appreciate the passion as much as the detailed information . A rare combination online honestly . Cheers ,
@@SabbaticusRex Cheers back at you 👍🏻
Great tour! I always loved castles growing up. I fear the new British won't revere and protect the past like the indigenous people have. They have a history of destroying their predecessors' artifacts.
If I had a ticket to a time machine to give away I’d definitely offer it to Kevin. His enthusiasm and knowledge of earlier times is radiant he would so much deserve to see all he speaks to us about real time!
What a lovely thought Barbara, thanks!
Strange, I was just watching another History squad video and was thinking about how I'd love to go back to medieval times dressed in modern clothes etc just to see what their reaction would be like, no doubt I'd probably be arrested and hung, drawn and quartered for being a witch or something 😂
@@Bonkers4Hex there’s a book by Mark Twain “A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court” which is exactly about this imaginery plot
@Barbara Bárány ah sounds good will check it out, its something I've had in my imagination for years, I'd love to just see the looks on their faces haha
Army of darkness is the same thing
Can you imagine how these beautiful castles would look when they were first built?
Very much like Warwick Castle looks now I'd imagine since its in such good shape and big but not huge.
That was the quickest 40 minutes ever! I’m still wanting more. Such a great teacher and story teller! Brilliant brother!
Cheers Paul 👍🏻
I grew up in Texas, the closest thing to a castle I have been around is a 1600’s lookout tower the Spaniards built. It has battlements and little murder holes but calling it a castle is generous. Always amazing to see the real thing, all that old stone with so many memories and so much history is amazing.
I've been to the Missions in San Antonio. They're about the only thing that even begins to compare in terms of age and construction, although the missions didn't have all the defensive structures. That, or Chaco Canyon in New Mexico. But again, only in terms of age or perhaps size.
Americans have no history or culture
Thank you very much for this. Although I'm very proud to be a Texan, my family came to the colonies from England in 1750. I consider this kind of History to be very much part of the history of my family.
crazy to think this castle was already slighted and in ruins 100 years before your family left england for the colonies in 1750
ummm no it is not
The truly fascinating parts are the day to day living that these people had to figure out living inside the fortress. The cooking and water storage and of course what to do with the poop. Hats off to you Kevin, for actually explaining it. Not a job you would have wanted to be born into. "Cmon kids we gotta go spread out the poop to dry"
Another great job and the channel is growing so much!! Cheers!!
Cheers Bobby, your support is appreciated.
Fascinating.
I’ve been to a few castles and when I’m walking around I always look around and just try to imagine and visualise just how it would have looked back in the days when it was lived in and used. They must have been unbelievable sights back in their day.
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Sometimes, I have difficulty imagining the missing parts, but you paint a fantastic picture with your stories and knowledge that really brings the castle to life. Thanks for another great tour!
That's lovely and very kind of you, cheers Jenn 👍🏻
These castle tours are amazing. Really appreciate you both taking the time to do these. It’s sad in its own little way that we will never know truly how beautiful these rooms and buildings were, but like you say, use your imagination and knowledge and you’re not far off. It blows my mind how it was all just normal for them, but people will likely be saying the same about us in 500 years. Big thanks Kevin, looking forward to the next one
My pleasure, thanks for watching.
I agree. I would love to be able to see even a drawing of the still intact castle. I’ll bet it was glorious!
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As extraordinary as these castles are already, you’re enthusiasm makes them even more so! Thank you for yet another amazing tour…
That tour was amazing. It must have taken years to build this complex before the Civil War. Thank you so much.
"And then you've got to go around the castle to actually attack the front barbican."
I like how the castle guard were thoughtful enough to install that "ENTRANCE --->" sign so attacking armies would know which way to go 🥰 We LOVE your channel, Mr. & Mrs. History Squad!
Haha, nicely spotted 😜
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It’s always good to see you posting new material. History is life…good seeing you Kevin. Keep your bowstring waved mate.
Cheers Paul, hope you enjoy the video 👍🏻
It never ceases to amaze me how technologically advanced they were back then. Most of the time people think these times were somewhat barbaric and such, but it’s amazing either way.
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What a wonderful tour! It feels like being there in person - thanks to the immensely personable guide. Thank you for making this possible for millions of people who can't make their way to the castle!
You're most welcome, it's our pleasure. 👍🏻
I remember my parents taking me to England a few times growing up. We always did tours at nice historic places (all enclosed with modern amenities), but nothing like this. I imagine in pre-internet days, you'd have to be pretty savvy to know someplace like this even exists. I bet I would have loved to go around a place like this when I was a little kid.
I live in Hereford (not far away) and me and my brothers and mates had a great time as kids there. Sadly my 12yo lad is more interested in playing computer games. Progress I suppose.
That was a fantastic castle tour. I'm glad you took the time to go through the little details in the castle, like how the plumbing and heating worked. Those things can be easily skipped over but that's what made the castle feel like a home to the people living there.
Thanks for watching. On this visit, we also covered a cathedral, another castle and a beautiful moated manor house 👍🏻
What a great castle - The Civil War was a sad time if only for the destruction of so many wonderful properties - after the Dissolution of the Monasteries a hundred years before, people must have felt quite vulnerable... A fitting monument to our turbulent past. Must have been some fun history lessons, Sir!
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Really love his enthusiasm and you can see why. It's absolutely fascinating to learn just how clever and innovative they were back then. Love it.
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It is such a joy to watch your videos Mr. Hicks. We are all so fortunate that you have decided to pursue your passion for History after performing a life of service to the community.
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Fascinating description of castle defense from the perspective of the defenders and the aggressors. I've never seen a more interesting video describing how a castle worked. Thanks, Kevin!
My pleasure 👍🏻
I could listen to this good man speak about history all day, thank you for sharing this with us all sir
I’m always amazed that these structures are still reasonably intact. The architecture is phenomenal. Thanks for the great tour. 👏😁🇦🇺
Stone.
@@larapalma3744 Stone that was pounded by mortar , canon and men over and over again - - yet still they persist after nearly 800 years . Incredible stuff . Sometimes I wish we had never discovered gunpowder or electricity .. =>
I love these castle tours. I live in Tennessee in America and this is the closest I’ll every get to seein a castle so if you could do more of these like a whole series, I would definitely watch them all. You do a really good job explaining them too, my wife and I love it🤙
Hi Jacob (& Mrs B), we've covered Chepstow Castle and have a few more site visits for you from our trip this year. We live in Canada now but will film some more again next year. Thanks for watching 👍🏻
I’ve watched the chepstow castle episode three times now so and every other video you have out so the notes are on and I’ll be happily waiting for your next video whatever it may be. It’s rare for me to find something or someone I can listen to like I do you Kevin so please keep it as much as your able.we really appreciate it👍
@@jacobbevers8171 My pleasure.
I remember good Goodrich castle. It was 1988. Camping nearby we slipped in before opening times at about 06:00. Me and my mates had the place to ourselves. We did no damage. Wide eyed we explored. It added to my love of all the glorious debris of this country. God love you Kevin.
This is THE most educating and interesting presentation on this castle. Thank you Kevin for explaining the various historical aspects of this castle.
You are very welcome
I always wanted to tour the world when I got into my 50s and 60s. I didn't realize it would be via shows like this. Thank you so much for making it possible.
I really love these castle tours - excellent video and very interesting. Whenever we are on holiday somewhere we try to fit in a castle to have a look around. I find it astonishing how old these buildings are, but I also think about how it must have been for the poor folk who had to live under the rulers of the time.
As a keen history enthusiast I watch all of your videos Kevin. I think this is one of your best, please do more of these castle tours so I'll know what to look out for when I visit. From a fellow longbow archer, many thanks
Cheers Mark, I'll do what I can. I have to pack it in when we visit the UK now from Canada 👍🏻
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Goodrich was always my favourite Welsh castle. Also happens to be one of the first I ever visited.
It's in England!!
@@willbick7889 - Yeah, ok. Let’s say Welsh marches!! Was on a tour of Welsh castles when I first visited.
Fascinating how these castles are preserved. They are much more interesting as ruins from an architectural point of view and aesthetic than incorrectly reconstructed like Windsor, Warwick or Arundel. Thank you and keep showing these castles.
How magnificent it must have looked in its day. Such a lucky guy Kevin for you to make films about these locations and doing so with Julie.
We loved the longer duration too.
Cheers Darrell, it was a bit of an epic 👍🏻
You obviously do love this place, your enthusiasm shows, and it is delightful to see, your knowledge actions and theatre have convinced us Goodrich castle this year here we come, thank you 🤠
Excellent, you won't be disappointed. 👍🏻
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Oh kevin, no wonder it took a bit. The production value is noticeable! And i really do appreciate this. And now i got why i find this format of film so intriquing, they're straight up a field trip. We got like 4 castles here, It feels so weird that it was in ruins, just over 100 years ago... You're doing the place a service :)
This is such "form follows function" side of the coin, castles look majestic even in ruins. Look at that drop, it all has a purpose. It all has a story. Like the fireplace, imagine what has been spoken around it throughout the years. The cupboard that was laid with bricks and mortar from miles away, just to have a cupboard fit for a lord. the sanitation is deeply thought out, because you did not want squalor in such dense quarters. Just fascinating stuff, i know this is niche but i really do enjoy this content.
And how it was all destroyed with gunpowder. Imagine living there when it was at its finest... Wonder how much it'd cost to build one of these today, but back then this was the pinnacle of technology. Now it fits your pocket. The keep was almost a thousand years old, and you still stood atop of it. "they don't build them like they used to" It was built to the task, and because they had castles like this, necessity being the mother of innovation, they had to make bombards. And because of bombards, we have radio.
Absolutely fantastic content Kevin, thanks a tonne! Also big ups for the editor, could not have been a simple job this. Thank you so much!
Haha, cheers for that Jerry, and Julie's chuffed at the nod. Much appreciated.
Thank you for doing these tours. As someone who may never be able to afford to travel to the UK, but has always been fascinated by the history it means so much to hear you speak and show them in such detail.
You're most welcome, I'm glad you enjoy them. 👍🏻
What a splendid tour, thank you Kevin. Incredibly evocative, enthusiastic descriptions as ever. Very much appreciated.
I love how the castle emerges from the bedrock, constructed from that very stone. As though it has grown from the land over the course of a millennium. Immovable, almost indistinguishable from the earth on which it sits, in parts. Fabulous! Thanks again. 👍👍
Cheers Jean 👍🏻
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It's so interesting hearing about the rich history of this magnificent castle! Your commentary offers a glimpse of what life was like during the age when this castle was in her full glory. As you talked I imagined the rich ladies in beautiful long gowns and the Knights in armor ready to defend this place. I imagined the dark and damp, smelly prison area. The stables full of horses, the drawbridge and the stronghold of the fortress walls lined with bowman and later, cannons in each aperture. It is wonderful to see even the ruins of this castle, it must have been breathtaking in its heyday! 🏰 Great video! ❤💜👍
I dream of being able to tour historical places, castles, and palaces with you or someone just as knowledgeable and skilled in delivering that knowledge as you are!
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I always love watching people geek about their favorite stuff, passion for a topic is a learning aid like no other. Sir, your enthusiasm and genuine love for history makes this kind of learning so much more engaging and enjoyable. And major kudos to the camera operator; your work adds another level of love and enthusiasm to an excellent lesson. The combination is honestly something you couldn’t beg for if it wasn’t already present.
That's so kind of you, thanks!
I went to Goodrich about a week ago, during a thunder storm! Wish I'd seen this first, you've really brought the castle to life
Thank you Kevin, a very well timed break from the insanity of modern issues. I've always enjoyed watching your shows. Starting with the Documentary " the war of the roses " .
This is going to be a great video, as always. The right way to end the week. Thank you!
Kevin, your knowledge of castles is fabulous! Love watching your vlogs ! Fascinating! 👍
I absolutely loved the way Kevin detected and noticed all the details of the ancient structure, and explained their significance. Fascinating.
Its always a great day when we get a new video from Kevin! What a fantastic addition to my day off, Ill prolly watch this twice!
I cant think of anyone better to take us through any castle, especially another youre so familiar with like Chepstow. Im stoked to see what little details youll show and the stories youll share
Edit: I feel like this is the same castle I once heard Mick Aston mention in passing, saying something along the lines of "... they dug through over 100 meters of dolorite, that rock is like steel..." but for the life of me cant remember the time team episode.
Goodness what Idve give to be able to marvel at stuff like this in person.
Amazing to see the remanants of the balcony in the church, of course even in a house of worship theyd put themselves above and seperate from the common rabble. 😑
I hope some passionate graphics artist makes a digital reconstruction to tour or something. Those towers are just so grand, the guards there mustve greatly appreciated what seem like compartively luxurious accomdations.
Enjoy your day off Hannah, and the video 👍🏻
Don't know if it helps but the spectacular Bamburgh castle in Northumberland, England, is built upon a crag of volcanic dolerite. Whether that is the Time Team episode you are referring to, I don't know although I've seen every episode. It is a truly awesome structure.
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Your enthusiasm when telling stories makes them come alive,I wish I had been on your tours.Great videos.
Thanks Frances 👍🏻
These videos to me are almost as exciting as an Easter morning. Wake up and in the living room there it is, my Easter basket with a small gift and lots of candy and such. I feel almost the same way. Can't wait to get into it and enjoy what's waiting for me.
Thanks for sharing your knowledge with us and enlightening some of us of our history.
Haha, how lovely 👍🏻
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Kevin’s castle walks are Must See TV. Outstanding stuff!
I came here two years ago and was amazed at its history and architecture. Probably my favourite castle in Britain. Would of loved having tour guide as knowlegable as Kevin. Great video yet again.
Much appreciated, thanks for watching 👍🏻
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I love these castle walk throughs! Having the tiny details pointed out and explained are so interesting and fun to learn about, as well as the things right in front of your nose that you wouldn't normally think twice about. It is sad to hear about the wall collapsing after holding on for so long but what can ya do?
A very cool castle video with a wonderful guide and camera woman to help tell the tales and secrets of a once (and still is) beautiful fortress. Thanks Kevin!
Cheers mate, and Julie thanks you too 😊
Man I'm envious of the schoolkids who used to get these tours. Would love to have a tour guide like you as an adult!
Keith, thankyou for your services throughout your career. You are also a national hero!
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Love the archaeology/location walk and talk vids. One of the older castle tour videos was how I stumbled across your channel.
Thanks Kevin, My parents lived in Newport for years and I also my main work office is in Caldicot. I have driven past Goodrich Castle many times but have never visited so this is a treat. Your description brings it alive! 👏
The UK has such an amazing history through the ages and fascinating landscapes with their castles. I wish I could tour this country someday.❤
You have a great grin on your face when describing the different aspects of the castle.
It is truly evident you love the history.
Thank you for bringing this alive for us to see.
Absolutely amazing documentary. Thank you so much for your complete explanation of this structure and it’s inner workings.
Love when you do your castles, the things you point out bring it to life and put it back to how the castles were!
Brilliant historian with contagious excitement.
Always fascinated by you taking us on tours of these magnificent places, Kevin.
Thanks for another excellent and educational video.
Super video, sir! Thank you and your wife for your hard work and stunning content.
Stellar job as always Kevin. I learn so much from you. I also want to say hats off to your camera person. They brilliantly framed every shot and perfectly illustrated your story. Very professional.
Wow, it's my wife Julie, she says thanks very much!! Glad you enjoyed it. 👍🏻
This is a great tour. Goodrich is one of those castles that's in all the books, but everyone always focuses on that round tower on the square base. I'd never seen an in depth tour of the place showing how well preserved much of it is. I'd love to visit this castle for real some time!
I never imagined medieval castles with plastered walls. I always pictured the standard exposed stone walls. Such a neat detail that changes the way I think about castles. They must've looked absolutely stunning during their time.
Kevin, you are the BEST tour guide ever! You are filled with AMAZING facts and can read a castle like the back of your hand! Please continue bringing us these types of videos! 🤩
Thanks Margo, I will, wherever I can 👍🏻
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Awesome video!! Learning incredible little details about castles is fascinating. It makes me to see a project to create an entire new castle in the blueprint of a typical medieval castle. It would make for a great tourist attraction but an excellent way to learn and relive the past
Absolutely, have you heard of Castle Guédelon in France? An experimental archeological project, you might want to look up. 👍🏻
Thanks for showing us this fantastic castle, Kevin. Your knowledge makes this SO interesting.
“We’re going down down into the depths of the castle” he said with a great smile of excitement 😊
I just love your enthusiasm for these kinds of things! watching you run around like a kid on his first visit to a castle just shows that age is but a number and you never really slow down! I hope I hold this kind of passion and energy for what I love when I get into my more fine years!
Loved to tour Kevin, very interesting. Love to see more of these ‘tours’ especially as i find it difficult to visit these places myself.
I covered a few more sites on my visit back to the UK Paul, stay tuned 👍🏻
Great to watch this video on Goodrich Castle, such a mighty fortress that is truly iconic!! Really enjoyed your presenting Kevin, just fantastic!
Thanks!
The knowledge and charisma of this man is captivating.
Behind that, he seems like a very nice man.
Thank you Kevin, for the wonderful and informative tour. Your enthusiasm for, and love of history is evident in all your videos. This was a nice little video break from the flat lands of W. Texas. Cheers.
My pleasure David, a bit greener and hillier than your home then 👍🏻
Much greener and hillier than my home, for sure.🙂
Absolutely essential video! Goodrich and Chepstow are my absolute favourite castles… and your videos have greatly enhanced my enjoyment! Will be visiting both again in July…. I cannot wait
Excellent, that's great to hear!
A truly excellent tour! Kevin makes you really understand the layout of the castle and all its characteristics.
Your love of history makes you one of the coolest guys on this platform
Fascinating. we are very lucky to have this history, and people like yourself to pick out the things we all miss!! well done kevin.
My pleasure 👍🏻
Great video! Goodrich is possibly the best castle I've visited, due to how complete its features still are. Thanks for bringing it to life so well 😊
I adore these videos! I can just imagine going back in time in my mind of what went in on behind those stones.. Pretty cool
I love watching your videos. I'm American but all my ancestors are from England after coming to America in the 1600s so this is the history of my ancestors too. I love learning more about how my ancestors lived. I can imagine my ancestors being there and I think about what it took for them to survive during those times. They survived the black death, famine, other diseases, and war.
Absolutely fascinating trip through this magnificent castle Kevin !! Well done sir. It's so much better having a knowledgeable guide to point out the little nuances and intriguing points that most of us would likely miss on our own. My imagination was running wild reconstructing the different floors etc. You've made it this visit extremely enjoyable Kevin. Thanks again for a wonderful journey. Cheers from Ontario 👍👌
Hi Mike, thanks, I'm so glad you enjoyed it
Thank you for another great video Kevin! I love these castle tours and hope you can do more.
Here I am again’ watching and learning with my dear friend Kevin’ he is absolute treasure for history and telling the story of our great heritage’ advancements’ turmoil’ war’ peace’ everyday life, he’s a treasure for the day and the ages!
Cheers Chris 👍🏻 @chrismayo4902
This was beyond amazing. It’s hard to imagine the level of engineering given the time this was built. Just brilliant. Thanks for sharing
Love this video, I have always been interested in how they built fortifications and how someone figured out how to defeat them.
Thanks so much for this I absolutely love it, it’s on a par with your Chepstow vid. I haven’t visited either but want to, the castle walk around a are my favourite. I don’t know the history of the castle but seems extremely fortified especially the doorways, more so than Kenilworth? Oh Also nice one with the stair way to heaven quote I just knew you’d be a led zep fan :-)
Haha, indeed I am. Thanks for watching 👍🏻
I love, love , LOVE your little tours. Please keep them coming. Their fascinating!! 😁
Great tour. I’m from the USA and love Medieval timesThank you for the video learned so much.
Kevin, I think this is absolutely you in your most splendid element of historical appreciation. This series is amazing, keep it up!