CASTLE

From Dover Castle overlooking the English Channel to Urquhart Castle on Loch Ness, medieval historian Marc Morris travels the length of Britain to tell the dramatic and thrilling story of Britain's castles.

In this six-part series, Marc charts the evolution of the medieval castle over a period of 600 years. He shows us the changing role of castles over time and some of the truly dramatic events that have happened within their walls. We learn how these amazing structures were built, rebuilt, extended and adapted to act not only as defensive fortresses but also as luxurious homes.

Most suitable for students aged 11-14, the topics covered in the programmes are:

• Programme 1: The Norman invasion and motte-and-bailey castles
• Programme 2: Stone keeps and the siege of Rochester Castle
• Programme 3: Edward I and his castles in North Wales
• Programme 4: Castles built by nobles newly rich from the Hundred Years War
• Programme 5: Tower house castles in Scotland
• Programme 6: The impact of the English Civil War on castles.