Historic Medieval Castles

Casa Loma in Toronto – built in the early 1910’s it is one of many Neo-Gothic buildings that are especially interesting in the New World. As a medievalist expression, Neo-Gothic architecture represents traditional religious and political ideas, such as monarchism, and in Canada hearkens back to an idealized British past. It is a striking comment on the appeal of medieval ascetics, culture, and ideas in the 20^th century.

In the context of this exhibit specifically, medievalism refers to the modern perceptions of the middle ages, or the interpretation of medieval culture in modern fiction or imagination. ¹

Castles as relics of the past have long captivated our cultural attention – from the Romantics and Victorians to today people have visited, restored, and built new castles.

Most historic castles belonging to the real medieval past are concentrated in Europe and the Holy Land. Some of the most striking are the restored castles of England and France, whose real designs often inspire the castles of fantasy while also providing a tourist destination for many.

The traditional narrative holds that castles evolved as fortified private residences in response to the decentralized political situation of Europe after the fall of Rome and frequent external threats. Other scholarship emphasizes the symbolic value of a castle. Especially in England after 1066, large stone Norman castles would have dominated the landscape and made clear who was in charge. They also served to give authority to their owner in later centuries, because they implied wealth, power, and influence.¹ Castles were not “just”military structures, nor were they “just” residences or symbols; rather, they were a combination of these: fortress, palace, and propaganda.

The images below demonstrate the military and symbolic impact of castles in the historic medieval past.

Conwy Castle was one of a series of fortifications begun during Edward I’s pacification of Wales in the late 13^th century. This series of castles represents both the most advanced military castles in medieval Britain as well as possibly the most visually imposing. They were a clear message of English superiority and dominance to the people of Wales.

This model demonstrates both the strategic defensive position Conwy occupies as well as its imposing image to the surrounding area. Note the scale of the castle proper, as well as the gates of the town walls. The path from the countryside to the castle proper force both visitors and attackers to be completely subject to the awesome military and symbolic power of the castle.

With over 2 million visitors annually, the Tower of London is probably the most recognizable castle in England.² Due to its long and storied history, not to mention its somewhat unique image, this popularity is not without good reason.

Carcassonne Citadel in the Languedoc region of France. Restored in the 19th century, it is one of the few "real" castles that look likes it belongs in a fantasy world.

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¹For more on the symbolic analysis of castles, see Johnson, Mathew. Behind the Castle Gate: From Medieval to Renaissance (Abingdon: Routledge, 2002).

²“Top 10: Britain’s Most Visited Historic Properties”, Telegraph, 2015.