posted 12-26-2000 02:55 PM           

The medieval period is that part of European history which falls between the collapse of the Roman Empire and the Renaissance. There is a great deal of discussion as to exactly what dates these are but general it accepted that the dates are about 500 AD for the start and 1500 AD for the finish of the period (I personally favour the discovery of the New World in 1492 as being a major change in world view resulting in the end of the period - but that doesn't mean there were dramatic changes overnight)

Actually may view is that all true european castles are medieval and other buildings calling themselves castles are either just big houses or army forts. This is not true of Beaumaris which, although it was never finished, was meant to be a fortified residence.

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And as I rode by Dalton-Hall Beneath the turrets high, A maiden on the castle-wall Was singing merrily: The Outlaw by Sir Walter Scott
http://www.castlesontheweb.com/members/philipdavis/index.html