The Early Norman Castles of the British Isles.

"The Early Norman Castles of the British Isles" by Ella S. Armitage is a historical journey into the world of early Norman castles across Britain and Ireland. The book showcases how fortifications transformed from Anglo-Saxon and Danish designs into the castle system brought by the Normans. It's a detailed look at castle architecture, gathering important facts for those studying the history and growth of these structures. The book starts by pointing out that earthworks weren't always given enough attention in English archaeology, even though early writers wrote about them. Armitage credits important people in archaeology who helped us understand these structures. The introduction emphasizes that we need to carefully study earthworks to tell apart different types, especially the moated mounds linked to Norman architecture. This prepares us to thoroughly examine the fortifications that came about after the Norman Conquest, showing how castles were not only military buildings but also important parts of the feudal system in medieval Britain.