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| Author | Topic: Castles |
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Jack Dawsy Member |
posted 03-26-2000 07:09 AM
 
Why did castles decline?? |
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wurdsmiff unregistered |
posted 03-26-2000 09:14 AM
The use of castles declined for a variety of reasons. 1. Their defences became obsolete with the development of ever more destructive and sophisticated weaponry. 2. This point is particularily relevant in Britain, when Scotland and England came under the rule of one knig in 1603, and one parliament in 1707, cross border war declinded (though raiding continued for a while) and so the need for defensive structures waned. 3. They tended to be damp uncomfortable places to stay, and so those with the wealth to build them provided themselves with more spacious and comfortable buildings instead. 4. They became very expensive to maintain, as most old buildings do, and were allowed to fall into ruin and were replaced. ------------------ Gordon. |
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Philip Davis unregistered |
posted 03-26-2000 10:52 AM
In addition to what Wurdsmiff says it's also important to realise that castles were intimately tied to the feudal political system which fell into gradual disuse. However, castles did also preserve an appeal which has continued to have a lasting affect, so in some ways castles have not declined. There is a very good book on this subject by M.W. Thompson see http://www.castlesontheweb.com/members/philipdavis/Books/DCMWT.html ------------------ |
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Merlin Senior Member |
posted 03-29-2000 04:17 AM
I agree with Philip, although I can only speak for central europe. The great time of castle-building (with it's peak in the 13th century, during the 'interregnum' in the german empire) ended here in the 14th/15th century. The rising political and economical power of the cities, the decline of chivalry culture and lifestyle and the reasons named alredy caused the end of that great period in history. In some regions, there are also other reasons. For example: in the 14th century, there was a big earthquake with it's centre near Basel (Switzerland); more than 100 castles in that area were destroyed and only a small number rebuilt afterwards. 'Castles' that were built after 1400 have either no military function at all (and are therefor not castles in the sense of the german word 'Burg') or are pure military Fortresses and not for feudal representation. But this can be different in other regions. |
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