Castles: England + Scotland + Ireland + Wales

Britain and Ireland are home to hundreds of castles, some still lived in, some reduced to little more than lumps and bumps in the landscape. Many of them have been the scene of great historical events - negotiations, battles, sieges, executions, kidnappings and betrayals, and all have often bloody and grim stories to tell. Today, most castles are fascinating and romantic places to visit. They include Windsor, a vast and rambling warren that would still be recognized by medieval visitors; Carreg Cennen, a fabulous ruin complete with a cliff-side 'secret' tunnel set in breathtaking landscapes in the mountains of Wales; Hermitage in the Scottish Lowlands, where Mary Queen of Scots rode alone to visit her secret lover; and Blarney, most famous for the stone you should kiss in order to gain eloquence, but also one of Ireland's most impressive castles. Castles is based on the classic work by Plantagenet Somerset Fry and has been completely revised and redesigned for this brand new edition.