How To Learn About Castles
Castles developed from the period of medieval history where the Lord and his Lady ruled the manor house and offered protection for those who worked the land around the stronghold. The first castles were little more than fortified dwellings, used as a safe haven when the lord and his people were threatened in some way. Over the years, castles evolved into huge, magnificent dwellings rich in history, structure and art. Many castles survive and offer opportunities to learn about these impressive structures.
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Instructions
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Check encyclopedias. Many families still buy a set of print encyclopedias for the use of their children and other family members. Others make sure to have an encyclopedia on their family computer. If you wish to learn about castles and the history of castles in general, look up the word "castles" in an encyclopedia. Encyclopedias offer general information on any number of subjects, so you might also find information on related subjects, such as "fortifications," "manor house" and "palace." Many encyclopedias will have pictures as well as explain about the different parts of the structure as well as those who managed and lived within and without the castle walls.
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Go to the library. To learn about castles, take a trip to your local library. Look up "castle" in the card directory for direction to any number of books and information on and about castles. Libraries will have both old and new books on the subject of castles, some mostly with text and others filled with pictures and illustrations. Unlike books you'd have to buy from a bookstore, you can check out books from your local library to learn what you need to know for your own information or to write that paper or report for class. Depending upon the library system, you can check out books from two to four weeks. You also can also read about castles quietly at a library desk. Many libraries are part of a network of libraries that share books. If you know of a book on castles you'd like to read that the library doesn't have on hand, ask the librarian if she can order it for you from another library.
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Buy books on castles. If you want to keep books on castles on your personal library shelves, visit your local bookstores or one of the online bookstores to find books on castles. At a local bookstore, you have the option of checking through an entire book before you decide to buy it. You can only check a chapter or two online. Books about castles include "Castle" by David Macaulay, "A Year in a Castle (Time Goes By)" by Rachel Coombs," "Castles" by Christopher Chant, Castles of the Western World: With 240 Illustrations (Magnificent Castles)" by Armin Tuulse and many others.
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Search online. Online you can search for the word "castle" or if you are interested in learning about a particular castle, such as Windsor Castle or Scotland's Stirling Castle, you can find links leading to specific castles.
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Visit a castle. You also can plan a trip to a castle open to tourists. Nothing will help you learn about castles more than getting to walk through the rooms of an actual castle, talking to the tour guide and getting information directly from the castle.
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References
- Photo Credit castle image by Alan Earley from Fotolia.com
