New Books in History John Goodall, "The Castle: A History" (Yale UP, 2022)
Nov 19, 2025
Dr. John Goodall, an architectural historian and author, dives into the captivating history of British castles, revealing their evolution from medieval fortresses to cultural symbols. He discusses how these structures were not just military strongholds but also vibrant centers of life and imagination. Goodall explores the impact of the Norman Conquest, the views of ordinary people towards castles, and the Gothic revival's romantic reinventions. He emphasizes the importance of authenticity in preservation and critiques the challenges of reconstructing historic interiors.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Castle As Demonstrative Residence
- John Goodall defines a castle as a noble residence made magnificent by fortification trappings rather than purely as a defensible fortress.
- He argues the castle's demonstrative social function often outweighs strictly military roles across periods.
Chronology Blended With Voices
- Goodall structures the book as a broad chronology mixing architecture, images, and literary castles to reveal changing perceptions.
- He treats images and buildings as texts to be glossed and read alongside chronicles and novels.
Normans Transformed Existing Traditions
- The Norman Conquest introduced castle-building as a pervasive building type, but fortifications and fortified residences existed earlier.
- English and Norman traditions merged, producing features like gatehouses and large halls distinctive to Britain.
