posted 06-13-2001 02:20 AM         

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What sort of items do you consider strange, Peter ? Are you on the lookout for "OLD" castle guidebooks, general books or castle memorabilia. For instance, in my younger days, I did not have the respect for castles that I do now - hence I have at home a piece of Odiham Castle (horrors !!!). Being situated in the middle of a cow-field, I just picked up part of the fallen stone. Nowadays I'd thrash anyone who did a similar thing. Maybe I should go and put it back !!

On the subject of books, I do have this rather strange one by a person called Gordon Mason - but I'm holding onto mine, as it is a mine of information.

On the "unusual" side, I have :-
The sales particulars for Lympne Castle by FPD Savills / Strutt & Parker.
The sales particulars for Fordell Castle by Knight Frank International.
A 1923 HMSO Authorised Guide to the Tower of London.
A leaflet issued by Napier University in Edinburgh on Merchiston Tower. Had to ring them to obtain it, but it's very interesting.

posted 06-13-2001 03:00 PM           

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Strange indeed...
Some of the books I found strange, though came to understand as I read more of them, were the dusty old tomes hidden away in County reference libraries which spent many pages honouring the 'gentlemen' of the area, and catologued their domestic achievements at great length. Items such as the 'mansion newly buildit' or a wonderful indepth knowledge of local flora and fauna and papers written on these. Whilst not immediately noted as castle books many of these proved to be a great source of data on lost and ruined sites.
Two such were 'A Description of the Shire of Lanark'..(if I recall the title correctly) published by the Maitland Club, and Millar's 'Castles and Mansions of Renfrewshire'.
It dawned on me after a while that the authors were entirely dependant upon sponsorship in the form of advance sales for the production of their book, hence the glowing references.
Other useful sources included bound volumes of ancient local independant newspaper articles describing noteworthy estates and their histories.
I'm very fortunate in having several such libraries available within a half hour drive, and for anyone who happens to be in the area, I'd recommend a visit to the Glasgow Room of the Mitchell Library - Glasgow , or the Heritage centre - Motherwell.
Both are superb non-lending reference libraries with extremely helpful staff.

[This message has been edited by Gordon (edited 06-13-2001).]

posted 06-14-2001 02:55 AM         

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Another couple of interesting gems : -

1. Bramber - Glimpses of a Village written by Alison Noble and published by The Beeding & Bramber Local History Society.

This booklet was first issued in 1996 and reprinted in 1998. It is available from Steyning Library, priced at around £3.

2. Brampton Bryan, Church & Castle written by Audrey Sidebotham and published by Orphans Press Ltd.

This booklet is available from the Estate Office at Brampton Bryan Castle, priced around £2. A recommended purchase if you want a personal tour of the castle by the owner.