In this book the author (an archaeologist) looks in detail at six castles on the Welsh border that played a role in the wars between the Parliamentarians and Royalists, exploring whether castles proved to be defensible in the face of the threat of cannons and mortars. The book forms part of the publisher’s extensive series of military histories aimed at those interested in the mechanics and logistics of warfare as well as the ebb and flow of the broader fortunes of the parties, produced to a high standard.
The castles covered are Hopton Castle, Shropshire, besieged and taken by the Royalists after a month’s siege and three assaults in 1644; Parliamentarian sieges of Beeston Castle, Cheshire, in 1644 and 1645, Chepstow Castle, Monmouthshire, in 1645 and 1648, Goodrich Castle, Herefordshire, 1646, Denbigh Castle, Denbighshire, 1646, and Raglan Castle, Monmouthshire, 1646; and an attack that freed imprisoned Royalist soldiers from Denbigh Castle in 1648.
For each site, the author outlines the castle’s origins and structures, reprinting existing castle plans by Cadw and Historic England and providing good new photographs of many of the key features discussed, and then provides a narrative of the siege using contemporary accounts (often contradictory and incomplete). He draws on archaeological evidence sourced from Historic Environment Records to supplement the historic sources, from the few large-scale excavations and more common evaluations, watching briefs and stray finds. Although the text is generally clear and full of detail, it is a pity that there are no plans showing the presumed disposition of forces or besieger’s earthworks, and some key buildings are not labelled in the plans.
The book should be read by anyone intending to visit the castles covered, as it provides a new perspective from which to appreciate the structures and landscape. As a contribution to the discussion of the artillery and its impact on tactics, the author concludes that although a besieging force equipped with cannon and a good supply of ammunition could probably count on success, defenders had grounds for hope, and the reluctance to force the issue by assault meant that the prospect of relief remained. Surrenders often were delayed until a breach or the prospect of mortar bombardment meant that the defenders despaired.
It is interesting to see that investments were often quite porous, with defenders sallying to disrupt works and to gather supplies, and that siegeworks were sometimes constructed at very short ranges (well within musket shot). Fittingly the author highlights Roaring Meg, a mortar manufactured during the siege of Goodrich Castle, which is now displayed there. It is a pity that besieger earthworks have survived much less well than the stonework of the castles they targeted.