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Author
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Topic: Castle class
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#fred10#
Member
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posted 04-15-2004 05:53 PM
  
This may sound like a dumb question, but I was wondering if there are any 'classes' that one could take to learn more about them. Almost like a course taught in school or college to learn about different castles and there parts, etc. I realize I could read many books and such, but I feel like I could take in more with someone else teaching.I have seen glossaries with information on the parts of castles, but wonder if there was anyone who actually taught something like this? You 'moderator guys' seem to know so much about them. How did you learn so much information? Anyway, I hope this doesn't sound like a dumb question. I was just wondering. Thank you. |
Merlin
Senior Member
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posted 04-16-2004 04:01 AM
There are no dumb questions – as long as someone's realy interested.Classes about castles - I never heard of something like that outside university. And even there it's not a common thing. If you study something like medieval history or archaelogy, you may have the chance, as I did some years ago here in Zurich/Switzerland. Then I'm also a member of the swiss castle association (Schweizerischer Burgenverein), and they organize events like speeches of castle-experts or castle-tours and have a quarterly publication of the newest results of swiss medieval archeology. As for the rest of my knowledge: I studied history (and esp. the middle ages) for 6 years, read a lot of books and visit a castle everywhere and everytime I have the opportunity to do so. And then I also learned a lot from disucussions in forums like this one... |
deborahknowles
Senior Member
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posted 04-16-2004 01:24 PM
I don't know of any classes either. Do u live in UK? Watch out 4 good history progs such as Terry Jones's Medieval Lives, read loads and visit as many castles as poss! Enjoy!------------------
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#fred10#
Member
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posted 04-16-2004 01:40 PM
Thank you for your responses. I wondered if the National Trust, is this the UK?, had anything to do with preserving castles and their history? I've checked into it a bit, but it seems if you actually want some 'hands on' experience, you need quite a bit of time off. I live in the US (PA) and I could certainly take a couple weeks off from work, since vacation allows it. But, not say, six months.I wonder if there is a certain Association, just for castle people, that would include many castles rather than just one area? It sounds like there's not. But, that would be great! And you would get mail/email updates on different tours around the world and/or maybe a magazine subscription that's just simply about castles and their history. Gee, if I had enough knowledge, this would be a good idea to start this! Anyway, thanks again. |
Levan
Moderator
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posted 04-18-2004 05:42 PM
The Scottish Castles Association run seminars on castle care and restoration - you don't have to be a castle owner to attend!
http://www.scottishcastlesassociation.com/index.htm Hmm.. it looks like the website is well out of date, however, it is my understanding that the association is still very active - you'll just have to phone for details. The late Nigel Tranter used to be the president of the association. [This message has been edited by Levan (edited 04-19-2004).] |
Levan
Moderator
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posted 04-18-2004 05:43 PM
Castles of Britain also run courses http://www.castles-of-britain.com/A six week course http://www.coursebridge.com/html/courses/general_interest/CBEMC01.ASP [This message has been edited by Levan (edited 04-18-2004).] |
#fred10#
Member
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posted 04-18-2004 09:53 PM
Thank you very much Levan. I have bookmarked those links. I was hoping to take the six week course with Lise Hull, but as my husband and I are leaving for Germany for our castle tour June 3rd, the course would still be going then, since it does not start until May 10th. I'm sure there will be others! But, very helpful!Thanks again. |
AJR
Senior Member
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posted 04-22-2004 02:06 PM
A castle class seems a good idea. However, there's no alternative to visiting castles and reading numerous books. A castle class may be able to teach the basics, but since castles come in all shapes and sizes, you just need to spend quality time looking for yourself. For me, I'm always learning new things about castles, and will never know as much as I would like. The brain just can't take it. Hence I have countless books at home to refer to when necessary. |
Peter
Member
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posted 04-25-2004 03:47 PM
Hi Fred,
I've just returned from Western Ireland attending the British, Castle Studies Group Conference near Sligo. These are the things to go to if you want to learn. Next years conference is to be in Sussex, England. I do publish a small castle magazine as mentioned here before. If you would like more info contact me by e-mail. But please mark your e-mail ... Postern Please. Or you will get dumped with all the Spam.
Cheers Peter |
#fred10#
Member
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posted 04-25-2004 04:51 PM
Peter,I wonder how close is Sussex to Oxford? I have relatives there and may make a possible trip there next summer. When is this class being held and how long is it? I would be very interested in your magazine, but am not sure of your email address for more specifics. Maybe you could direct me further with that. Thank you. |
AJR
Senior Member
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posted 04-27-2004 11:02 AM
Oxford is pretty close to Sussex - a couple of hours in the car. I hope to go on this trip next year, as I live in Kent, which borders the county of Sussex. Should be interesting. |
Peter
Member
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posted 04-27-2004 03:58 PM
Opps !
Should have said, you need to be a member of the C.S.G. to go to one of their conferences. But as that is ...er ! Can't bring it too mind, but about £10 a year. So worth joining just for the year (might be a bit more for the States etc). But you would get their journal & newsletter anyway.
They 'normally' are after Easter week here in th U.K. A get together on the thursday night. Then a full day of castles on friday, then, saturday. Sunday normally ends about 1 or2ish. So folk can get back home for monday. We always have an extra day or two before/after to make it a full holiday. Cost of the conference is bed, breakfast and evening meals, all coaching and any entrance fees. You also get an information pack on sites to be visited.
My e-mail address is included on this site.
Fees for the conference differ every year. So I have no idea of next year. The conference in Ireland this year was £165 per person. Which was a good deal. Does not include getting to it.
I was asked about doing the conference in North Wales for 2008! Just hope they were winding me up !
I'm daft, but not that daft. |
#fred10#
Member
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posted 04-27-2004 07:07 PM
Thank you so much. Everyone's responses have been very helpful! |
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