Military Architecture in England During the Middle Ages

"Military Architecture in England During the Middle Ages" by A. Hamilton Thompson is a historical account written in the early 20th century. The work examines the evolution of military fortifications in England, particularly focusing on castles from the medieval period. The book likely covers how military architecture developed as a response to various warfare tactics through different historical phases, from early earthworks to the sophisticated stone castles of the late Middle Ages. The opening of the volume begins with a discussion of early military fortifications, highlighting the earthworks constructed by prehistoric inhabitants of Britain. It elaborates on the characteristics and design principles of these ancient fortresses, including their defensive structures, such as banks, ditches, and elaborate entrances that were difficult for attackers to navigate. The text emphasizes the transition from these primitive fortifications to the Roman approaches and further onto the complexities introduced during the Saxon and Danish invasions, setting the stage for the detailed exploration of military architecture that follows in the subsequent chapters.