Medieval History
The recent restoration of Great Tower at Dover Castle is the subject of a special Time Team programme, which will be broadcast in the United Kingdom on Saturday, December 19.
The castle has dominated the town and the White Cliffs since it was built in 1180 by Henry II to show off the best England could offer.
But it had become a shadow of its former self and in 2008 English Heritage decided to undertake a bold piece of restoration and recreate the rooms of the castle propelling it back to the world of King Henry II.
The hugely ambitious project brought together historians, designers and around 150 craftsmen. Everything was commissioned to be authentic, from the furniture and decorations to the books, ornaments and tapestries to provide a rare insight into life in the 12th century.
No one knew if it would work until it all came together in a few days before opening to the public and Time Team's cameras were invited behind the scenes to record the entire process.
"What you often see in modern castles is the bare bones that have been left, you see the stone, something rather bleak," said Professor Robert Bartlett, of the University of St Andrew's.
"The windows and traceries have often gone what you don't see are the hangings, the tables, the gold ornaments, the lights, the candles, the coverings, the rest of it.
"You don't smell the food, you don't hear the music. This is what would have been the effect if you were actually in those places as they were functioning as courtly centres. It must have been a complete riot of the senses."
English Heritage historian Paul Pattison said: "It was a massive spend, about £6,000 in the period 1179 to 1189."
"Now £6,000 doesn't sound a lot to us today, but to try to put that into contemporary context, it's like the spending on the Olympics. It's a massive, massive deal."
See our earlier articles for more information about Dover Castle:
Medieval Royal Palace at Dover Castle to Re-open
Dover Castle conference reveals insights into medieval landmark
Medieval Travel Guide: Dover Castle in England
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Medieval History
Time Team to show special on Dover Castle
The recent restoration of Great Tower at Dover Castle is the subject of a special Time Team programme, which will be broadcast in the United Kingdom on Saturday, December 19.
The castle has dominated the town and the White Cliffs since it was built in 1180 by Henry II to show off the best England could offer.
But it had become a shadow of its former self and in 2008 English Heritage decided to undertake a bold piece of restoration and recreate the rooms of the castle propelling it back to the world of King Henry II.
The hugely ambitious project brought together historians, designers and around 150 craftsmen. Everything was commissioned to be authentic, from the furniture and decorations to the books, ornaments and tapestries to provide a rare insight into life in the 12th century.
No one knew if it would work until it all came together in a few days before opening to the public and Time Team's cameras were invited behind the scenes to record the entire process.
"What you often see in modern castles is the bare bones that have been left, you see the stone, something rather bleak," said Professor Robert Bartlett, of the University of St Andrew's.
"The windows and traceries have often gone what you don't see are the hangings, the tables, the gold ornaments, the lights, the candles, the coverings, the rest of it.
"You don't smell the food, you don't hear the music. This is what would have been the effect if you were actually in those places as they were functioning as courtly centres. It must have been a complete riot of the senses."
English Heritage historian Paul Pattison said: "It was a massive spend, about £6,000 in the period 1179 to 1189."
"Now £6,000 doesn't sound a lot to us today, but to try to put that into contemporary context, it's like the spending on the Olympics. It's a massive, massive deal."
See our earlier articles for more information about Dover Castle:
Medieval Royal Palace at Dover Castle to Re-open
Dover Castle conference reveals insights into medieval landmark
Medieval Travel Guide: Dover Castle in England
- Europe's 'ugliest Castle' Celebrates 1000 Years
A new exhibition in Carlisle Castle's Militia Store tells the near 1000 year story of the often battered castle ? at various times a Norman castle, frontier fortress, administrative centre, royal palace and garrison. Nearby is the Captain's Tower,...
- ?battle Castle? Lays Siege On-air And Online
Vancouver?s Parallax Film Productions has done everything in its considerable power to push the boundaries of Real TV with their series Battle Castle, the new featuresque documentary airing on History Television. The show is an interactive, trans-medieval...
- Northampton?s Medieval Castle Remains To Be Brought To The Surface
The nderground remains of Northampton Castle could be brought to the surface under new proposals to regenerate a historic area of the town. Dr Marie Dickie, a member of the Friends of Northampton Castle (FONC), believes exposing some of the remains of...
- Medieval News Of The Week(s)
Two Weeks worth of news stories because I forgot to post these last week. Oldest listed first: Bishop?s Palace to yield its final secrets as dig ends Secret life of medieval city found under Cathedral Square More on this: 51 Headless Vikings Found in...
- Siklós Castle
Siklós castle, a set on Flickr.As an addition to my most recent post, here are some photos of Siklós castle. These photos were mainly taken in 2007, thus before and during the current restoration campaign. I hope I will be able to share new photographs...