00.00 – 00.59
An introduction to the programme by the presenter, medieval historian Marc Morris. He gives us a glimpse at stone castles, which dominated the 12th century, and in particular he mentions the famous siege at Rochester Castle, which will form a large section of this programme.
01.00 – 06.09
Marc explains the structure of Rochester Castle, which lies at the mouth of the River Medway in Kent, an excellent position from which to control transport links during the 12th century. Built from 1127 onwards, Rochester Castle is a stone keep and was the tallest building in the country at the time. We learn why Rochester Castle was such a good defensive building.
06.10 – 08.29
We learn about the design of the stone keep castle and the military thinking behind it, using the Tower of London as an example.
08.30 – 11.12
Exchequer rolls are used as evidence to discover the cost of building stone keeps.
11.13 – 15.14
Marc shows us how the lords might have lived in the 12th century by visiting Hedingham Castle, which is very well-preserved. He explains how Rochester Castle would have been the height of luxury at the time, as well as a highly effective defensive building. We also see some of the amour that would have been used.
15.15 – 24.11
Marc explains the causes of, and build-up to, the 1215 siege at Rochester Castle.
24.12 – 45.37
This longer section describes the siege in detail from start to finish. We see some of the excellent evidence for this, such as the chancellery rolls, contemporary letters, modern-day experts and monastic chronicles.
45.38 – 48.15
We learn about the aftermath of the Rochester Castle siege and have a preview of the next stage in castle building in the 13th century.
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