posted 08-24-2009 09:31 PM         

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I am a student of medieval studies working on a historically-based fantasy novel. I'm trying to figure out what kinds of tapestries/wall-hangings, furniture, etc. would be found in a typical 13th Century English/Welsh castle. I'm using Gies' "Daily Life in Medieval Times" as my bible, but if anyone can recommend any good websites for historically accurate interiors of castles, I'd appreciate it! I can find loads of pictures of exteriors, but nothing showing what the interior might have actually looked like.

Thanks,
Amanda Langdon
University of Iowa
Library Science graduate student

posted 08-29-2009 06:36 PM            

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Can't recommend any websites, or show you any pictures but I know that interior walls would probably have been painted a yellow ochre colour or whitewashed and, of course, have tapestries to block some draughts. They had trestle tables, white linen cloths, straw filled pillows and mattresses, wooden shutters on the windows, glazed ceramic drinking vessels and brightly coloured hangings. They sat on benches or back stools. Hope this helps a little.

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"She was full more blissful on to see Than is the newe perejonette tree"

posted 09-01-2009 02:43 PM            

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Well, I write mediaeval stuff myself! If there's anything specific, I'll try to help!

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"She was full more blissful on to see Than is the newe perejonette tree"

posted 09-19-2009 03:02 PM         

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I'm in the process of writing a medieval fantasy novel, and I'd like it to be as historically accurate as I can. On the other hand, this is fantasy, so I want it to also be colorful and lively, vivid. I'm trying to think of some film visuals that might help me pull together my description of the castle. Hogwarts is too Gothic for my setting, with too many flying buttresses and arches and all. On the other hand, Meduseld (Lord of the Rings, Two Towers) seems too crowded with all of the columns. Do you have architectural suggestions that might open it up a bit but still remain within that early-Medieval/Romanesque style? Thanks so much.

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"Reason is a gift from God to civilized men; it has no part in this room." (Ivanhoe)

[This message has been edited by medievalwriter (edited 09-19-2009).]

posted 09-23-2009 01:35 PM            

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I will try and find some more pictures of Castle interiors, but for now...
http://www.flickr.com/photos/41766772@N04/3927646741/sizes/l/

These are later than the 12c.... http://www.flickr.com/photos/8349545@N03/2443446428/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/lynnmorag/128904035/

posted 09-26-2009 01:20 PM         

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WOW! Thanks so much, Queuxgropius! That first one took my breath away. I've seen close-ups of the "Round Table" before, but never the whole hall! It's the perfect place to start! Thanks again!

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"Reason is a gift from God to civilized men; it has no part in this room." (Ivanhoe)

posted 10-05-2009 06:48 PM            

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Glad they were of help to you, Medievalwriter. Here are some more
http://www.flickr.com/photos/40635353@N00/2153591343/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/28184908@N05/2710675049/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/lynnmorag/128904035/

I will see if I can find any more. I also have some among my files which I can send by email if you want to see them.