Towers of Defiance - Castles and Fortifications of the Princes of Wales

Paul R. Davis was born in south Wales and educated at Dyfed College of Art. He has worked for the Dyfed Archaeological Trust, and is author-illustrator of ten books on the historic monuments of Wales, three now in their second edition. In his day job, he is a professional surveyor.

“Towers of Defiance provides an excellent, affordable and well-illustrated entry point to the fascinating castles of the Welsh princes, which are often overshadowed by the tourist hotspots of their post-conquest neighbours. It will be an essential addition to the shelf for anyone interested in medieval Welsh history.” – Journal of the British Association for Local HistoryThis book explores the history and evolution of the Welsh castle during the time when the native rulers held sway (c.1066-1283). An extremely comprehensive, full-colour guide, it is illustrated throughout with spectacular new aerial photography, plans and reconstruction drawings, through which the author examines the various architectural designs and layouts that created the distinctive form of the Welsh castle. A historical introduction sets the scene for the period and explains the ruling aristocracy’s need for castles, exploring the social and political struggles that characterised the age and the ways in which the rulers of early mediev