Ella Sophia Armitage
The Early Norman Castles of the British Isles.
"The Early Norman Castles of the British Isles" by Ella S. Armitage is a historical account written in the early 20th century. The book explores the architecture and significance of early Norman castles across Britain and Ireland, detailing the evolution from Anglo-Saxon and Danish fortifications to the introduction of the private castle system by the Normans. It serves as a comprehensive study of castle architecture, aiming to collate essential information for scholars interested in the history and evolution of these structures. At the start of the work, the author discusses the neglect of earthworks in English archaeology up until recent times, highlighting that early authorities like Leland documented fortifications but later scholars overlooked them. Armitage mentions notable figures in archaeological circles who contributed to the understanding of these structures. The opening section underscores the need for systematic studies to differentiate between various types of earthworks, particularly the moated mounds often associated with Norman architecture. This sets the stage for a deeper examination of fortifications that arose from the Norman Conquest, illustrating the significance of castles as not merely military structures but as vital components of the feudal landscape in medieval Britain.