Follows the planning, construction, and ultimate testing in battle of a typical fortress with adjoining town built by the English during the Middle Ages.

Describes how medieval castles were built and examines the daily lives of those inhabiting them.

Examines the evolution of castles, explores the daily life of the people living there, and shares stories of sieges.

"Simple text and photographs present castles, including their construction, history, and interaction with the environment"--Provided by publisher.

"Castles may conjure up a romantic fairy tale world; however, in real life, during the Middle Ages, castles were fortresses, providing shelter and protection for the lord as well as for the peasants who lived on his land. For an army, a lord depended on young soldiers in armor called knights who spent years at the castle learning the skills of warfare"--

Discover what castles were for and what it was like to live inside one. Learn tactics for capturing or defending a castle and see a siege in action!

Explores life during the Middle Ages; describes the features found in castles, including murder holes, gatehouses, and moats; and discusses the numerous smells the inhabitants encountered. Have you ever dreamed of living in a castle? Imagine a moat filled with poop and an army of invaders holding you under siege. Life in the Middle Ages was no fairy tale! Charge back in time to find out what real life was like in the castles of the Middle Ages.