0:00:00 > 0:00:00- Subtitles
0:00:00 > 0:00:02- Subtitles- - Subtitles
0:00:09 > 0:00:11- The castle - an image of Wales...
0:00:12 > 0:00:14- ..that's famous - throughout the world.
0:00:18 > 0:00:20- During this series...
0:00:20 > 0:00:23- ..I'll explore its construction...
0:00:25 > 0:00:27- ..defences...
0:00:27 > 0:00:30- ..and decor.
0:00:30 > 0:00:35- It's a riveting story and one - which is quintessentially Welsh.
0:00:35 > 0:00:38- There are more castles - per square feet in Wales...
0:00:39 > 0:00:41- ..than any other country - of equal size.
0:00:41 > 0:00:44- They attract droves of tourists.
0:00:47 > 0:00:50- But for us, - they're an uncomfortable legacy.
0:00:50 > 0:00:52- The outcome of ferocious battles...
0:00:53 > 0:00:56- ..that ultimately - led to us being conquered.
0:00:59 > 0:01:03- In order to understand - the castle's true significance...
0:01:04 > 0:01:06- ..I've journeyed throughout Wales...
0:01:06 > 0:01:10- ..over the border - and across the continent...
0:01:11 > 0:01:12- ..to see how the castle...
0:01:13 > 0:01:16- ..claims a central place - in many countries' history...
0:01:17 > 0:01:20- ..sparking the imaginations - of people of all ages...
0:01:20 > 0:01:23- ..and arousing a lasting interest.
0:01:25 > 0:01:30- How does the castle occupy our - dreams and capture our imagination?
0:01:31 > 0:01:33- To answer that question...
0:01:34 > 0:01:38- ..one must fully understand - the nature of the castle.
0:01:40 > 0:01:43- Is it a fort or is it a home?
0:01:46 > 0:01:49- A combination of pride and folly...
0:01:49 > 0:01:54- ..or does it combine vision - with hard labour, skill...
0:01:55 > 0:01:57- ..and determination?
0:01:57 > 0:01:59- Does it prove...
0:01:59 > 0:02:03- ..that, ultimately, - it is military power that counts...
0:02:03 > 0:02:08- ..or does it embody courage - and privilege, love and romance?
0:02:10 > 0:02:12- Does it frighten...
0:02:12 > 0:02:14- ..or does it excite?
0:02:16 > 0:02:19- It's a prominent - and powerful symbol...
0:02:19 > 0:02:22- ..but do we - truly understand the castle?
0:02:33 > 0:02:35- How do you capture a castle?
0:02:35 > 0:02:38- And how do you defend one...
0:02:38 > 0:02:41- ..against thousands of armed men?
0:02:43 > 0:02:45- It's a matter of mind...
0:02:45 > 0:02:47- ..as well as might.
0:02:49 > 0:02:55- This episode focuses on the courage - of knights and warriors...
0:02:55 > 0:02:57- ..in the heat of battle...
0:02:57 > 0:03:00- ..as their chieftains - try to answer...
0:03:00 > 0:03:04- ..one of the era's - most important military questions.
0:03:04 > 0:03:07- How do you capture a castle?
0:03:07 > 0:03:12- These days, you'd deploy countless - armies and heavy artillery...
0:03:12 > 0:03:15- ..to target the enemy's weakness.
0:03:15 > 0:03:19- But back in the Middle Ages, - things weren't so sophisticated.
0:03:19 > 0:03:21- Weapons weren't as powerful...
0:03:22 > 0:03:25- ..though a military onslaught - was still frightening.
0:03:26 > 0:03:30- This is how the castle - withstood all manner of attacks...
0:03:30 > 0:03:32- ..and from every direction.
0:03:36 > 0:03:40- The attackers' tactics - were inventive.
0:03:42 > 0:03:46- If the castle walls - were too mighty and tall...
0:03:46 > 0:03:49- ..it was possible - to tunnel underneath them.
0:03:49 > 0:03:53- Some kings were willing - to use more destructive means.
0:03:58 > 0:04:00- The castle builders, in turn...
0:04:00 > 0:04:04- ..had to work tirelessly - to fortify the castle.
0:04:06 > 0:04:10- I've travelled to the continent - to see how it was possible...
0:04:10 > 0:04:14- ..to adapt the shape of the walls - to withstand missiles...
0:04:14 > 0:04:16- ..and tunnelling...
0:04:16 > 0:04:21- ..and how they came a step closer - to building the perfect castle.
0:04:21 > 0:04:25- The force of attack - was increasing all the time.
0:04:33 > 0:04:37- This is what our famous - Welsh revolutionary experienced...
0:04:38 > 0:04:42- ..when he tried to retain his grip - on the oppressors' castles.
0:04:42 > 0:04:45- It's the first time - the gun was used in Wales.
0:04:46 > 0:04:51- It shows how Glyndwr succeeded - in angering the English authorities.
0:04:52 > 0:04:56- Losing these castles was - something no-one had anticipated.
0:04:57 > 0:05:00- Until fairly recently - in our history...
0:05:00 > 0:05:05- ..the castle was key in the fierce - struggle for crown and throne.
0:05:08 > 0:05:12- A Welshman, born in a castle - in Wales, wore the English crown.
0:05:16 > 0:05:20- A hero who would lead Wales - to independence once again.
0:05:21 > 0:05:24- But weapons were being invented - to overpower the heroes.
0:05:27 > 0:05:30- Despite the castle's resilience...
0:05:30 > 0:05:34- ..a time will come - when surrender becomes inevitable.
0:05:50 > 0:05:55- We often think of the Middle Ages - as an era dominated by violence.
0:05:58 > 0:06:00- It's a rather unbalanced view.
0:06:02 > 0:06:05- For long periods, - right across Europe...
0:06:05 > 0:06:07- ..people lived in peace.
0:06:12 > 0:06:17- Ordinary folk saw their health - improve and living standards rise.
0:06:19 > 0:06:22- But in the end, - they were ruled by coercion.
0:06:29 > 0:06:34- Their rulers asserted their right - through military might, if need be.
0:06:39 > 0:06:43- The castle was a symbol - of their strength and authority.
0:06:44 > 0:06:47- But it was also a symbol - of status and generosity too.
0:06:49 > 0:06:54- The castle is therefore different - from the Roman fort on one hand...
0:06:54 > 0:06:59- ..and the halls - of the Welsh princes on the other.
0:06:59 > 0:07:03- The fort was a refuge - for battalions of soldiers.
0:07:03 > 0:07:06- The hall - was a place in which to feast.
0:07:06 > 0:07:09- But the castle - defends a powerful individual...
0:07:10 > 0:07:12- ..and his close family.
0:07:12 > 0:07:15- It serves a military purpose.
0:07:15 > 0:07:20- It is that purpose which continues - to capture children's imaginations.
0:07:23 > 0:07:25- It's fun to pick up a toy sword...
0:07:25 > 0:07:28- ..and pretend to capture a castle.
0:07:33 > 0:07:37- But at the time, of course, - it was far from easy to achieve.
0:07:43 > 0:07:45- In the heat of battle...
0:07:45 > 0:07:49- ..the quality of your sword - was a matter of grave importance.
0:07:52 > 0:07:55- Sword technology leapt forward...
0:07:55 > 0:07:59- ..with the use - of hardened and tempered steel.
0:08:02 > 0:08:07- Specialised blacksmiths ensured - the sword became a fearsome weapon.
0:08:13 > 0:08:16- It was common for a knight - to name his sword...
0:08:16 > 0:08:20- ..and believe it to be magical...
0:08:21 > 0:08:24- ..like the legendary sword - of King Arthur.
0:08:24 > 0:08:26- Excalibur.
0:08:27 > 0:08:33- Each sword had a blade to strike...
0:08:33 > 0:08:35- ..and a hilt to hold.
0:08:36 > 0:08:40- But the exact shape of the weapon - varied greatly.
0:08:42 > 0:08:46- The knight went into battle - with other weapons too.
0:08:46 > 0:08:49- Clubs and maces.
0:08:49 > 0:08:51- Pikes and lances.
0:08:51 > 0:08:55- The Welsh were famous - for their archery prowess.
0:08:56 > 0:08:58- On the battlefield...
0:08:58 > 0:09:00- ..every weapon could be deadly.
0:09:03 > 0:09:05- An expert knight in full armour...
0:09:05 > 0:09:10- ..could be powerful enough - to change the course of battle.
0:09:10 > 0:09:14- But against the castle wall, - none of this was of much avail.
0:09:14 > 0:09:19- Often, no matter - how powerful its weapons were...
0:09:19 > 0:09:25- ..an army resorted to siege tactics - in order to capture a castle.
0:09:28 > 0:09:31- One of the most famous sieges - of the Middle Ages...
0:09:32 > 0:09:34- ..happened at Rochester in Kent.
0:09:40 > 0:09:44- Visiting the castle in person, - it's easy to see why.
0:09:46 > 0:09:50- After signing - the Magna Carta in 1215...
0:09:50 > 0:09:53- ..King John - reneged on the promises he'd made...
0:09:54 > 0:09:56- ..to the barons and his subjects.
0:09:58 > 0:10:02- It provoked widespread rebellion.
0:10:02 > 0:10:08- Rochester Castle stood guard - over one of the few bridges...
0:10:08 > 0:10:10- ..across the River Medway.
0:10:12 > 0:10:16- When rebel barons seized the castle, - King John knew he had to act.
0:10:21 > 0:10:26- The Siege of 1215 was one of - the bloodiest in English history.
0:10:33 > 0:10:36- John was in no mood to be merciful.
0:10:36 > 0:10:41- The barons' archers - fiercely defended their stronghold.
0:10:48 > 0:10:52- John's soldiers - launched a counterattack.
0:10:52 > 0:10:56- They succeeded in capturing - the bridge over the river.
0:10:56 > 0:11:01- But if you were inside here, - you wouldn't care about them...
0:11:01 > 0:11:04- ..because there were - mighty walls to protect you.
0:11:07 > 0:11:10- Firing arrows - over the castle's walls was futile.
0:11:10 > 0:11:14- But John had something - far more powerful in his armoury.
0:11:14 > 0:11:16- The trebuchet.
0:11:16 > 0:11:19- He brought - no less than five of them here.
0:11:22 > 0:11:25- Rochester's walls - were put to the test...
0:11:25 > 0:11:29- ..by the might of the trebuchet, - the powerful siege weapon.
0:11:56 > 0:11:57- .
0:11:59 > 0:11:59- Subtitles
0:11:59 > 0:12:01- Subtitles- - Subtitles
0:12:01 > 0:12:04- Rochester, 1215.
0:12:04 > 0:12:08- King John - attacks the rebel barons...
0:12:08 > 0:12:10- ..inside the castle.
0:12:11 > 0:12:16- The outer walls crumble - but the keep remains intact.
0:12:19 > 0:12:22- Today, traces of restoration work...
0:12:22 > 0:12:25- ..can clearly be seen - in the interior walls, but how so?
0:12:28 > 0:12:31- This arch, or semi-arch...
0:12:31 > 0:12:35- ..proves that John succeeded - in destabilising the tower...
0:12:35 > 0:12:37- ..and the barons' hopes.
0:12:38 > 0:12:40- They felt safe within these walls.
0:12:40 > 0:12:44- After all, the keep - had withstood five trebuchets...
0:12:44 > 0:12:47- ..each hurling missiles - at their walls.
0:12:47 > 0:12:51- But John had a plan - that would undermine everything.
0:12:53 > 0:12:56- He sent out an order to his men.
0:12:56 > 0:13:02- "With all speed by day and night, - 40 of the fattest pigs."
0:13:03 > 0:13:06- It wasn't - such a preposterous idea.
0:13:06 > 0:13:08- In an age before gunpowder...
0:13:09 > 0:13:13- ..pig fat could set a fire blazing - with almost incendiary force.
0:13:13 > 0:13:18- King John's men - proceeded to dig a tunnel...
0:13:18 > 0:13:21- ..under - one of the corners of the keep.
0:13:21 > 0:13:26- They shored up the foundations - with wooden pit props.
0:13:26 > 0:13:30- Then, with the fat from the pigs, - they ignited a fire.
0:13:34 > 0:13:38- Within the keep, - the collapse came without warning.
0:13:38 > 0:13:42- The defenders didn't even realize - the immediate threat.
0:13:43 > 0:13:47- But the props beneath them - were starting to burn.
0:13:48 > 0:13:52- Suddenly, the strain - on the tower's foundations...
0:13:52 > 0:13:54- ..proves too much...
0:13:54 > 0:13:57- ..and the corner collapses...
0:13:57 > 0:14:00- ..leaving the attackers - with easy access.
0:14:06 > 0:14:09- The animals' sacrifice - was worthwhile...
0:14:09 > 0:14:12- ..because - this part of the keep collapsed.
0:14:12 > 0:14:15- I'm sure - there was a pleasant taste...
0:14:15 > 0:14:18- ..to the king's breakfast - that morning!
0:14:18 > 0:14:22- After the war, when they - set about rebuilding the tower...
0:14:23 > 0:14:25- ..they gave it a rounded shape...
0:14:25 > 0:14:28- ..which is what we see here today.
0:14:31 > 0:14:34- There are failings - in the original towers...
0:14:34 > 0:14:38- ..which still stand - on every other corner of the keep.
0:14:38 > 0:14:43- The square shape left it susceptible - to collapse, if undermined.
0:14:44 > 0:14:49- Thanks to his pigs, John became - king of the castle once again.
0:14:49 > 0:14:52- But the story wasn't over yet.
0:14:54 > 0:14:57- The keep's weakness - had been exposed.
0:14:57 > 0:15:01- But now, the inner strength - of the keep showed itself.
0:15:01 > 0:15:06- The architect of the original - castle was William of Corbeil.
0:15:06 > 0:15:10- He was a Norman baron - who was also an archbishop.
0:15:12 > 0:15:16- He was responsible for the design - of Canterbury Cathedral.
0:15:16 > 0:15:19- He knew how to build - a solid structure.
0:15:20 > 0:15:22- Inside the keep at Rochester...
0:15:23 > 0:15:26- ..William built a thick crosswall...
0:15:26 > 0:15:28- ..which splits the space in two.
0:15:28 > 0:15:33- After John's men ploughed through - the external wall on one corner...
0:15:34 > 0:15:36- ..the defenders - retreated to the surviving half...
0:15:37 > 0:15:40- ..until hunger - forced them to surrender.
0:15:43 > 0:15:45- Their effort was so heroic...
0:15:45 > 0:15:49- ..that the king's supporters - persuaded him to show mercy.
0:15:52 > 0:15:55- There was only one execution.
0:15:55 > 0:15:58- An archer who'd switched sides...
0:15:58 > 0:16:03- ..having been in - the king's service since childhood.
0:16:07 > 0:16:10- For both the attackers - and the defenders...
0:16:10 > 0:16:14- ..there were clear lessons to be - learnt from the Rochester Siege.
0:16:15 > 0:16:18- Every attack fortified the castle...
0:16:18 > 0:16:23- ..in the sense that the builders - always learnt from their weaknesses.
0:16:23 > 0:16:27- This is - how the castle developed quickly...
0:16:27 > 0:16:32- ..from the original motte and bailey - to something far more impenetrable.
0:16:32 > 0:16:36- In order to view one of - the most inventive improvements...
0:16:36 > 0:16:40- ..one must come to Normandy, - to the Seine Valley...
0:16:41 > 0:16:43- ..close to - the village of Les Andelys.
0:16:44 > 0:16:47- 20 years - before the Rochester Siege...
0:16:47 > 0:16:51- ..it was here at Chateau Gaillard - that builders found a way...
0:16:51 > 0:16:55- ..of incorporating - several round towers...
0:16:55 > 0:16:57- ..in an unbroken defensive line.
0:17:00 > 0:17:04- The design's architect - was King John's brother...
0:17:04 > 0:17:06- ..Richard the Lionheart.
0:17:10 > 0:17:13- Richard was one of - England's greatest kings...
0:17:14 > 0:17:17- ..and was also the Duke of Normandy.
0:17:19 > 0:17:22- When you see this place - for the first time...
0:17:22 > 0:17:24- ..you have to take a deep breath...
0:17:24 > 0:17:28- ..as anyone who wanted to attack - the place would have to do.
0:17:28 > 0:17:32- Richard was very proud - of his miraculous castle...
0:17:32 > 0:17:34- ..that was built in a year.
0:17:35 > 0:17:39- It's not just part of the landscape, - it governs the landscape.
0:17:40 > 0:17:44- It allowed King Richard - to move goods and soldiers...
0:17:44 > 0:17:46- ..along the river.
0:17:56 > 0:18:00- Chateau Gaillard's purpose - was to defend Richard's territory...
0:18:00 > 0:18:02- ..against the King of France...
0:18:03 > 0:18:06- ..according to local historian - Coralie Menanteau.
0:18:07 > 0:18:11- Richard the Lionheart built the - castle in the shape of a triangle...
0:18:12 > 0:18:16- ..to block the French access routes.
0:18:17 > 0:18:22- There are numerous defensive layers - and many walls surrounding it.
0:18:22 > 0:18:25- It's a form of passive defence - - it exhausts the enemy...
0:18:26 > 0:18:31- ..before they get close - to the heart of the castle.
0:18:31 > 0:18:34- With France - posing a constant threat...
0:18:34 > 0:18:38- ..it required incredible effort - to build on such a large scale...
0:18:39 > 0:18:41- ..in such a short space of time.
0:18:42 > 0:18:45- They could build quickly - for many reasons.
0:18:45 > 0:18:50- Firstly, they used local stone, - materials from surrounding areas.
0:18:50 > 0:18:55- The essential stone came from - ditches surrounding the castle.
0:18:55 > 0:18:58- The workers excavated it themselves.
0:18:58 > 0:19:03- There was plenty - to build the castle walls.
0:19:04 > 0:19:09- Later, as many people came here - to build the castle.
0:19:10 > 0:19:13- A total of 6,000 workers - came to Les Andelys...
0:19:13 > 0:19:17- ..with 2,500 labouring here daily - to build Chateau Gaillard.
0:19:41 > 0:19:46- Richard supervised - the construction work personally.
0:19:46 > 0:19:51- History acknowledges that he was - the architect of this unique design.
0:19:52 > 0:19:57- It was completed at speed - under threat from the French army.
0:19:59 > 0:20:03- If you wanted to ensure that any - castle could withstand an attack...
0:20:03 > 0:20:06- ..you needed a supply - of fresh water.
0:20:06 > 0:20:10- The answer was to create a well, - deep underground.
0:20:10 > 0:20:14- The workers were running out of - oxygen due to the lamps they used.
0:20:14 > 0:20:17- They went - further and further underground...
0:20:17 > 0:20:21- ..until they reached - a depth of 100 metres...
0:20:21 > 0:20:23- ..the level of the river below.
0:20:26 > 0:20:29- The Duke of Normandy - had to empty his coffers...
0:20:29 > 0:20:31- ..to erect Chateau Gaillard.
0:20:32 > 0:20:34- 12.7 million ducat was required.
0:20:34 > 0:20:37- A very substantial percentage...
0:20:37 > 0:20:41- ..of any country's economy - during the Middle Ages.
0:20:41 > 0:20:44- In less than two years...
0:20:44 > 0:20:46- ..the castle was complete.
0:20:50 > 0:20:55- Richard was the ruler of the Seine - and every territory on its banks.
0:20:55 > 0:20:57- His inventive design - of round towers...
0:20:58 > 0:21:04- ..stood solidly against - the onslaught of French soldiers.
0:21:08 > 0:21:11- The king - could revel in his masterpiece.
0:21:33 > 0:21:36- This is what Richard would've seen.
0:21:38 > 0:21:40- His miraculous castle.
0:21:46 > 0:21:51- It was so beautiful that he referred - to it as his one-year-old daughter.
0:21:57 > 0:21:59- It was so mighty...
0:21:59 > 0:22:04- ..it dominated the entire river - and its surrounding territories.
0:22:08 > 0:22:10- The next leap...
0:22:11 > 0:22:16- ..was taken in Wales by Gilbert - de Clare, a young Norman baron...
0:22:16 > 0:22:19- ..also known as Red Gilbert.
0:22:19 > 0:22:21- This is Caerphilly Castle...
0:22:21 > 0:22:24- ..the first castle in Britain...
0:22:24 > 0:22:29- ..designed to be defended - by walls within walls.
0:22:29 > 0:22:32- The sheer scale - of Caerphilly Castle...
0:22:32 > 0:22:35- ..is a lasting source of amazement.
0:22:35 > 0:22:39- In its day, it took defensive - strategy to a whole new level.
0:22:40 > 0:22:43- It was de Clare's and - his chief stonemason's vision...
0:22:43 > 0:22:47- ..to erect multiple obstacles - for potential attackers.
0:22:51 > 0:22:56- Each time an attacker overcame an - obstacle, he was faced by a new one.
0:22:56 > 0:23:01- Penetrating one gatehouse - led only to another.
0:23:01 > 0:23:05- Crossing a drawbridge - meant facing a portcullis...
0:23:05 > 0:23:07- ..and a further set of doors.
0:23:08 > 0:23:10- And at every turn...
0:23:10 > 0:23:13- ..defenders firing down - from the towers and walls.
0:23:14 > 0:23:17- Artificial lakes - surrounded the structure...
0:23:17 > 0:23:20- ..to keep siege engines - at a distance...
0:23:20 > 0:23:24- ..and thwart any effort - to tunnel beneath the walls.
0:23:26 > 0:23:29- It's thanks to the efforts - of de Clare's builders...
0:23:30 > 0:23:34- ..that defensive technology - was advancing rapidly.
0:23:35 > 0:23:39- But the opposing strength of - the onslaught was escalating too.
0:23:39 > 0:23:41- At a rapid pace.
0:23:42 > 0:23:48- In the Marches and - many other areas across Europe...
0:23:48 > 0:23:51- ..attackers - were able to capture castles.
0:23:55 > 0:23:59- One castle could change hands - from one side to another...
0:23:59 > 0:24:03- ..from the Welsh to the English - time and time again...
0:24:03 > 0:24:07- ..up to 12 times - across the course of a century.
0:24:09 > 0:24:12- These transfers of control - were rarely peaceful.
0:24:42 > 0:24:45- In time, - the sheer force of the attack...
0:24:45 > 0:24:48- ..became more and more destructive.
0:24:49 > 0:24:53- So much so that castle builders - across Europe started dreaming...
0:24:54 > 0:24:56- ..of building the perfect castle.
0:24:57 > 0:24:59- One that couldn't be captured.
0:24:59 > 0:25:01- One that would withstand any storm.
0:25:02 > 0:25:05- But was this dream a foolish one?
0:25:13 > 0:25:13- .
0:25:16 > 0:25:16- Subtitles
0:25:16 > 0:25:18- Subtitles- - Subtitles
0:25:19 > 0:25:23- Faced with fierce attacks - during the Middle Ages...
0:25:23 > 0:25:28- ..the castle's architects succeeded - in strengthening it further.
0:25:28 > 0:25:32- As the craft of castle building - reached its pinnacle...
0:25:32 > 0:25:36- ..it was a natural step - to extend the defensive walls...
0:25:36 > 0:25:38- ..to encompass the entire town.
0:25:45 > 0:25:48- Whether it's - the perfect castle or not...
0:25:48 > 0:25:51- ..the walls of this fortification...
0:25:51 > 0:25:54- ..defended - an entire city from the enemy.
0:25:55 > 0:25:58- For the might - of its defensive system...
0:25:58 > 0:26:01- ..its name - became renowned across Europe.
0:26:02 > 0:26:03- Carcassonne.
0:26:09 > 0:26:12- This was - an important strategic location...
0:26:13 > 0:26:17- ..close to the Pyrenees, - in the borderlands between France...
0:26:17 > 0:26:21- ..and the ancient kingdom - of Aragon in northern Spain.
0:26:21 > 0:26:25- One gate - forms the only entry to Carcassonne.
0:26:25 > 0:26:27- The Porte Narbonnaise.
0:26:27 > 0:26:31- It's guarded by two flanking towers - and a double barbican.
0:26:34 > 0:26:39- The settlement inside has been - fortified since Roman times...
0:26:39 > 0:26:41- ..but its restoration...
0:26:42 > 0:26:45- ..is what attracts - five million visitors every year.
0:26:50 > 0:26:55- Its defensive system - is what makes Carcassonne unique.
0:26:57 > 0:27:00- Despite the grandeur - of its design...
0:27:00 > 0:27:04- ..it's a system reliant - on thousands of fine details.
0:27:06 > 0:27:09- Uneven walls - make it almost impossible...
0:27:09 > 0:27:13- ..to prop siege ladders - up against it.
0:27:16 > 0:27:21- There are hourds, wooden shelters, - to protect the defending bowmen.
0:27:24 > 0:27:28- And the breteches, - balconies with machicolations...
0:27:28 > 0:27:31- ..were murder holes - to kill the enemy below.
0:27:35 > 0:27:40- There's genius too in the way - the ancient Roman fortifications...
0:27:40 > 0:27:44- ..are integrated into the circuit - of medieval double walls.
0:27:44 > 0:27:51- The Romans - built the first wall in 300AD.
0:27:51 > 0:27:55- Back then, the wall's - sole purpose was to defend the city.
0:27:56 > 0:28:01- A passive system of defence. - It defended, that is all.
0:28:02 > 0:28:07- The second wall, built in the 13thC, - was an active defence system.
0:28:07 > 0:28:11- The aim is to attack the enemy - before they reach the city...
0:28:11 > 0:28:14- ..and defeat them as best we can.
0:28:16 > 0:28:20- This active defensive system - allowed the garrison...
0:28:20 > 0:28:24- ..to carry the fight to any army - who threatened Carcassonne.
0:28:27 > 0:28:30- There were other things - to perturb the enemy.
0:28:30 > 0:28:34- The murder holes, the hourds - for the archers and so on.
0:28:34 > 0:28:39- Though some enemies tried - to bombard the city from afar...
0:28:39 > 0:28:43- ..only the most audacious, - or foolish...
0:28:43 > 0:28:46- ..would dare attack - the walls on foot...
0:28:46 > 0:28:50- ..when the walls offered defenders - so many advantages...
0:28:50 > 0:28:54- ..long before anyone - reached the heart of the castle.
0:28:56 > 0:28:58- Here it is.
0:28:58 > 0:29:00- The Earl's Castle...
0:29:00 > 0:29:05- ..where the lords of Carcassonne - could rule without fear...
0:29:05 > 0:29:10- ..knowing that Europe's most - sophisticated defensive system...
0:29:10 > 0:29:13- ..protected them from every enemy.
0:29:13 > 0:29:15- It might not have been perfect...
0:29:15 > 0:29:19- ..but it was far better - to be inside it than outside.
0:29:24 > 0:29:29- Every powerful stronghold formed - the basis of its ruler's authority.
0:29:30 > 0:29:32- It was also a means...
0:29:32 > 0:29:37- ..of establishing the reign of - a foreign king over a new territory.
0:29:39 > 0:29:43- But if such a castle fell into - the hands of the natives...
0:29:44 > 0:29:47- ..the weapon - turned against its creator.
0:29:47 > 0:29:50- It's a very powerful symbol - of revolt.
0:29:52 > 0:29:54- That's what happened - here in Wales...
0:29:55 > 0:29:57- ..in 1404.
0:30:00 > 0:30:05- Harlech Castle was built - for King Edward I of England.
0:30:05 > 0:30:09- It was part of his - ambitious construction plans...
0:30:10 > 0:30:12- ..to keep the Welsh under his thumb.
0:30:12 > 0:30:15- Edward chose the location wisely.
0:30:18 > 0:30:22- Today, the castle stands - above acres of land...
0:30:22 > 0:30:24- ..that was once covered by sea.
0:30:26 > 0:30:29- Back then, it stood - directly above the shoreline.
0:30:33 > 0:30:34- If it was under siege...
0:30:34 > 0:30:39- ..reinforcements and food - could be shipped here directly.
0:30:41 > 0:30:43- Edward's chief stonemason...
0:30:43 > 0:30:46- ..Master James of St George...
0:30:46 > 0:30:50- ..used the era's - most sophisticated techniques...
0:30:50 > 0:30:53- ..to build - the most impenetrable walls.
0:30:53 > 0:30:56- But a century later, - none of that was enough...
0:30:56 > 0:30:59- ..to keep Harlech - from falling into Welsh hands.
0:31:05 > 0:31:07- In 1400...
0:31:07 > 0:31:09- ..Wales had risen up...
0:31:10 > 0:31:13- ..under its rebel leader, - Owain Glyndwr.
0:31:13 > 0:31:17- Some regarded Glyndwr - as the Son of Prophesy...
0:31:17 > 0:31:21- ..who would deliver the Welsh - from English rule.
0:31:21 > 0:31:24- What's striking - about Owain Glyndwr...
0:31:24 > 0:31:28- ..is that he called himself the - Prince of Wales from the outset.
0:31:29 > 0:31:31- He didn't revolt and think...
0:31:31 > 0:31:35- .."This is going well, I'll try - to become the Prince of Wales."
0:31:36 > 0:31:38- He had vision right from the start.
0:31:38 > 0:31:42- He captures Harlech and Aberystwyth.
0:31:42 > 0:31:46- He certainly retained his grip - on these castles...
0:31:46 > 0:31:49- ..the Edwardian castles.
0:31:49 > 0:31:53- Edward's castle - soon became Owain's castle.
0:31:54 > 0:31:58- But the grandeur of - the fortification still declared...
0:31:58 > 0:32:01- ..that Harlech was a royal court.
0:32:02 > 0:32:06- Standing here, I can feel the power - that existed in the bygone age.
0:32:06 > 0:32:10- The place was the headquarters - of not a rebel or a rioter...
0:32:11 > 0:32:13- ..but a king, the King Owain.
0:32:13 > 0:32:16- He was surrounded - by a team of loyal supporters.
0:32:17 > 0:32:19- John Trefor, - the Archbishop of St Asaph.
0:32:19 > 0:32:22- John Byford, - the Archbishop of Bangor...
0:32:23 > 0:32:26- ..and also Gruffydd Young, - a formidable chancellor.
0:32:27 > 0:32:30- It was their job to create - an independent Welsh state.
0:32:38 > 0:32:43- The castle was very useful - for Glyndwr in a military context...
0:32:43 > 0:32:46- ..as was the association - with the Mabinogion...
0:32:47 > 0:32:49- ..and ancient Welsh legends too.
0:32:51 > 0:32:56- Harlech is an ancient site. - It appears in the Four Branches.
0:32:56 > 0:32:59- It stands in a prime location - on top of a cliff.
0:33:00 > 0:33:02- It's very symbolic.
0:33:02 > 0:33:05- Once Glyndwr - seized Harlech Castle...
0:33:05 > 0:33:09- ..he saw Harlech as a symbol - of his new kingdom as a prince.
0:33:09 > 0:33:13- As princes are meant to do, - he lived in that castle.
0:33:13 > 0:33:17- It was there that he announced - his plans for his new kingdom.
0:33:17 > 0:33:22- His vision was personal because it - depended on him as an individual.
0:33:22 > 0:33:25- It also affected the establishment.
0:33:26 > 0:33:30- He specifically had a vision - for the Church.
0:33:30 > 0:33:34- He had a vision - for education and universities.
0:33:34 > 0:33:40- Having an imposing castle like that - was central to his aspirations.
0:33:40 > 0:33:43- He could welcome people - from overseas.
0:33:43 > 0:33:47- It was essential - for creating connections overseas.
0:33:47 > 0:33:49- If he'd met people...
0:33:50 > 0:33:53- ..in a hall in the country - and feared going near the castle...
0:33:54 > 0:33:58- ..that was under English rule, - then he wouldn't have been able...
0:33:58 > 0:34:02- ..to introduce himself - as the Prince of Wales.
0:34:05 > 0:34:08- But not everything - worked in favour of the Welsh.
0:34:10 > 0:34:13- If he was going to succeed...
0:34:13 > 0:34:16- ..Glyndwr - had to regain Wales as a whole.
0:34:17 > 0:34:20- The country - was full of English castles.
0:34:20 > 0:34:24- Castles like Carreg Cennen - had lessons for the rebel.
0:34:26 > 0:34:28- If you - build a castle on top of a cliff...
0:34:29 > 0:34:32- ..you're creating - a defensive fortification.
0:34:32 > 0:34:35- This castle withstood a siege - by Owain Glyndwr...
0:34:35 > 0:34:39- ..who came with a force of 800 men - which lasted months.
0:34:39 > 0:34:42- Although they managed - to damage it...
0:34:42 > 0:34:45- ..they failed to seize the castle.
0:34:45 > 0:34:48- He had to stay here a while.
0:34:48 > 0:34:52- The sturdy walls of Carreg Cennen - thwarted Glyndwr's plans...
0:34:52 > 0:34:54- ..for the rest of his kingdom.
0:34:55 > 0:34:58- Not that things - were any better in other areas.
0:34:58 > 0:35:02- Caernarfon Castle stood against him.
0:35:03 > 0:35:07- Many more castles - fell back into English hands.
0:35:07 > 0:35:10- The tide was turning - against the Welsh.
0:35:10 > 0:35:14- A talented young chieftain - led the campaign against him.
0:35:15 > 0:35:19- He also wanted the title - of Prince of Wales.
0:35:21 > 0:35:23- Henry of Monmouth...
0:35:23 > 0:35:26- ..who later became - Henry V of England.
0:35:26 > 0:35:31- Glyndwr and his main allies - were surrounded in Harlech.
0:35:34 > 0:35:38- The English came armed - with an unfamiliar weapon.
0:35:38 > 0:35:40- A powerful one at that.
0:35:42 > 0:35:46- It's significant. It's the - first time a gun was used in Wales.
0:35:46 > 0:35:51- Henry, the Prince of Wales, - brought a gun in from England...
0:35:51 > 0:35:53- ..as a set piece for the siege.
0:35:54 > 0:35:57- He set tongues wagging.
0:35:59 > 0:36:02- It shows how Glyndwr succeeded...
0:36:02 > 0:36:06- ..in angering the - English authorities so much...
0:36:06 > 0:36:10- ..that they spent all this money - to make this public display.
0:36:10 > 0:36:13- "We're going to recapture - this castle."
0:36:16 > 0:36:22- Losing these castles was something - no-one had initially foreseen.
0:36:22 > 0:36:25- The revolt had failed.
0:36:25 > 0:36:31- Glyndwr escaped, though history - records little more of him.
0:36:33 > 0:36:33- .
0:36:35 > 0:36:35- Subtitles
0:36:35 > 0:36:37- Subtitles- - Subtitles
0:36:39 > 0:36:42- Harlech, 1468.
0:36:42 > 0:36:45- 60 years - after Glyndwr's rebellion...
0:36:45 > 0:36:48- ..the castle - is under siege once again.
0:36:48 > 0:36:52- This time, the fate - of the English crown is at stake.
0:36:55 > 0:36:59- There was fierce fighting between - the Houses of York and Lancaster.
0:36:59 > 0:37:01- The Wars of the Roses.
0:37:02 > 0:37:05- In their battle against the Yorkist - King Henry IV...
0:37:05 > 0:37:08- ..the Lancastrians - established Harlech...
0:37:09 > 0:37:13- ..as one of their main bastions - in the fight against him.
0:37:14 > 0:37:18- It's rumoured that this - provided the inspiration...
0:37:19 > 0:37:21- ..for the famous song, - Men of Harlech.
0:37:24 > 0:37:26- The Tudors - were in charge of defence.
0:37:26 > 0:37:31- They were assisted by soldiers - who sailed to their aid from France.
0:37:31 > 0:37:37- The king had to mobilise an army - 10,000 strong to seize the castle.
0:37:45 > 0:37:49- But it was the Tudors - who seized the crown in the end.
0:37:51 > 0:37:53- Less than 20 years later...
0:37:53 > 0:37:58- ..Henry Tudor would be sailing back - from France under the Welsh banner.
0:38:01 > 0:38:03- The Welsh - had a tradition of prophesy.
0:38:04 > 0:38:07- The idea of a Prophetic Son.
0:38:07 > 0:38:09- A man who would come, a hero...
0:38:10 > 0:38:13- ..who'd lead Wales - to independence once again.
0:38:15 > 0:38:19- Having landed in Pembrokeshire, - Henry Tudor's knights...
0:38:19 > 0:38:21- ..scoured the country...
0:38:21 > 0:38:25- ..to form armies - to fight for the Son of Prophesy.
0:38:31 > 0:38:33- After the Battle of Bosworth...
0:38:33 > 0:38:36- ..after the success of Henry VII...
0:38:37 > 0:38:41- ..poets acknowledged - that the prophesy had come true.
0:38:45 > 0:38:49- The English crown was now worn by a - Welshman, born in a Welsh castle...
0:38:50 > 0:38:52- ..with the support of the Welsh.
0:38:58 > 0:39:02- The Tudors - brought stability and peace...
0:39:03 > 0:39:05- ..to England.
0:39:05 > 0:39:09- There was no need to develop - the castle's might further.
0:39:09 > 0:39:12- It was left in peace - for close to two centuries.
0:39:14 > 0:39:19- But in the 1640s, - all that changed again.
0:39:23 > 0:39:26- The English Civil War.
0:39:26 > 0:39:30- A bloody struggle - between Crown and Parliament.
0:39:30 > 0:39:33- On the one side, King Charles I.
0:39:33 > 0:39:35- On the other, Oliver Cromwell.
0:39:38 > 0:39:40- After two centuries of peace...
0:39:40 > 0:39:43- ..the British castle was unprepared.
0:39:43 > 0:39:45- On the continent...
0:39:46 > 0:39:50- ..with the development - of destructive artillery power...
0:39:50 > 0:39:55- ..they erected mounds of earth - in front of the castles as defences.
0:39:56 > 0:40:00- But for castles like Raglan - here in Wales...
0:40:00 > 0:40:03- ..there was - an unforeseen blow to come.
0:40:03 > 0:40:05- In order - to appreciate the outcome...
0:40:05 > 0:40:07- ..one must go back in time...
0:40:08 > 0:40:12- ..to trace the history - of these splendid structures.
0:40:12 > 0:40:17- This is the most substantial castle - a Welshman has ever built.
0:40:17 > 0:40:21- Though we're close to the - English border in Monmouthshire...
0:40:22 > 0:40:26- ..Raglan Castle was very important - to Welsh culture...
0:40:26 > 0:40:28- ..and the Welsh language.
0:40:29 > 0:40:33- It was the capital for - Welsh-speaking natives, if you like.
0:40:33 > 0:40:37- It was the centre - of Welsh aristocratic culture.
0:40:37 > 0:40:42- Poets came from Merionethshire, - Caernarvonshire and the south...
0:40:42 > 0:40:44- ..to Raglan Castle.
0:40:44 > 0:40:47- All these facets came together.
0:40:47 > 0:40:50- Language, wealth - and political connections.
0:40:50 > 0:40:55- There's no doubt that it was the - epicentre of the Welsh heartland...
0:40:55 > 0:40:57- ..in the 1460s.
0:40:58 > 0:41:02- It was built - by Sir William Herbert...
0:41:02 > 0:41:04- ..the Duke of Pembroke.
0:41:04 > 0:41:07- He was - an influential figure in London.
0:41:07 > 0:41:10- He was the first Welsh nobleman...
0:41:10 > 0:41:13- ..to join the Peerage of England.
0:41:15 > 0:41:17- The era's changed...
0:41:17 > 0:41:20- ..and there are - new noblemen and aristocrats.
0:41:21 > 0:41:24- People flocked here - to enjoy the Earl's hospitality.
0:41:25 > 0:41:27- It's a warm welcome.
0:41:27 > 0:41:31- Everyone loves feasting - late into the night...
0:41:31 > 0:41:35- ..and sampling - an endless supply of fine wines.
0:41:36 > 0:41:40- William Herbert's - new-found wealth...
0:41:40 > 0:41:44- ..was derived from the profitable - overseas wine trade.
0:41:44 > 0:41:46- The fruit of the Rhine and Rhone...
0:41:46 > 0:41:49- ..flowed through the cellars - of Raglan Castle.
0:41:49 > 0:41:54- One poet refers to Raglan as - the vineyard of the Welsh language.
0:41:54 > 0:41:57- That is to say, - Raglan is the nation's vineyard.
0:41:58 > 0:42:02- It was a place of pleasure...
0:42:02 > 0:42:04- ..with wine, - hospitality and culture.
0:42:05 > 0:42:09- It was also - a centre of Welsh culture.
0:42:09 > 0:42:12- William Herbert - was regarded as the leader...
0:42:12 > 0:42:17- ..who brought kudos - back to the Welsh as a nation.
0:42:17 > 0:42:21- More poems are attributed - to William Herbert...
0:42:21 > 0:42:23- ..than any other during that era.
0:42:23 > 0:42:27- It was the golden age of the cywydd - and medieval literature.
0:42:29 > 0:42:31- And this palace...
0:42:32 > 0:42:36- ..was a Welsh-speaking palace, - which is often forgotten.
0:42:37 > 0:42:41- Who would've thought? A Welsh - palace so close to the border?
0:42:45 > 0:42:47- If time travel was possible...
0:42:48 > 0:42:51- ..any Welsh author - would love to come back here...
0:42:52 > 0:42:55- ..to share - William Herbert's hospitality.
0:42:58 > 0:43:01- But two centuries later...
0:43:02 > 0:43:05- ..what kind of welcome - did the castle give...
0:43:05 > 0:43:09- ..to the Roundheads of the 1640s?
0:43:09 > 0:43:13- At the root of the English Civil War - was a clash of ideas...
0:43:13 > 0:43:18- ..and philosophy between the - Royalists and the Parliamentarians.
0:43:18 > 0:43:22- There were Welsh on both sides - who were willing to fight...
0:43:22 > 0:43:25- ..for their principles.
0:43:30 > 0:43:34- But on the front line, - it was a fierce and merciless war.
0:43:38 > 0:43:43- The Parliamentarian army defeated - the Royalists on the battlefield.
0:43:49 > 0:43:52- By the time they reached Raglan...
0:43:52 > 0:43:56- ..they'd already won the war, - to all intents and purposes.
0:43:57 > 0:44:00- Henry Somerset, - William Herbert's heir...
0:44:00 > 0:44:03- ..held on to the castle - for the king.
0:44:03 > 0:44:06- Almost all the other - royal strongholds...
0:44:07 > 0:44:10- ..fell into the hands - of the Parliamentarians.
0:44:11 > 0:44:15- Somerset knew he was standing alone.
0:44:17 > 0:44:21- The Parliamentarian army - arrived with its artillery.
0:44:23 > 0:44:26- A cannon with a name.
0:44:26 > 0:44:28- Roaring Meg.
0:44:31 > 0:44:35- Raglan's resistance crumbled - under cannon fire.
0:44:35 > 0:44:38- When this tower was attacked...
0:44:38 > 0:44:43- ..an entire chapter in - the castle's history was demolished.
0:44:46 > 0:44:50- William Herbert - built Raglan as a palace.
0:44:51 > 0:44:53- Two centuries had passed since then.
0:44:56 > 0:45:00- Now, artillery power - had increased to such a degree...
0:45:00 > 0:45:04- ..it was no longer possible - to be a home and a fortress.
0:45:15 > 0:45:19- The castle's evolution - spanned the centuries.
0:45:20 > 0:45:23- The square Norman keep.
0:45:26 > 0:45:29- Richard the Lionheart's - rows of rounded towers.
0:45:32 > 0:45:35- Walls within walls in Caerphilly.
0:45:39 > 0:45:43- And the active defence system - in Carcassonne.
0:45:45 > 0:45:50- Throughout its history, the castle's - architects endeavoured...
0:45:50 > 0:45:55- ..to ensure the defence - was stronger than the attack.
0:45:56 > 0:45:58- Faced with extreme threat...
0:45:58 > 0:46:02- ..they devised structures - which confronted the enemy...
0:46:03 > 0:46:06- ..and exposed them - to deadly peril at every turn.
0:46:09 > 0:46:10- The outcome?
0:46:11 > 0:46:15- Splendid bastions which aided - many of our history's greats.
0:46:21 > 0:46:25- In the end, the castle - had to bow to the inevitable...
0:46:25 > 0:46:27- ..in the cannon age.
0:46:29 > 0:46:33- By standing so prominently - in our landscape today...
0:46:34 > 0:46:38- ..every castle is a monument to - the inventive, brave and diligent...
0:46:38 > 0:46:41- ..of yesteryear.
0:46:41 > 0:46:44- The golden era of the castle - may be over...
0:46:45 > 0:46:48- ..as a defensive - and military structure...
0:46:48 > 0:46:50- ..but one thing's for sure.
0:46:50 > 0:46:57- The castle has survived war, siege, - onslaught and time itself.
0:47:01 > 0:47:04- In the final episode of Y Castell...
0:47:04 > 0:47:09- ..we'll explore some of Europe's - most beautiful palaces...
0:47:09 > 0:47:12- ..to see the kind of life they led - and their style.
0:47:13 > 0:47:16- The castle was a public platform...
0:47:16 > 0:47:18- ..for ceremony and feast.
0:47:20 > 0:47:24- But it also had to be decorated - as a private residence...
0:47:25 > 0:47:26- ..for the nobility...
0:47:27 > 0:47:30- ..and later, - for the nouveau riche...
0:47:30 > 0:47:33- ..who wanted a luxurious life - every day and night.
0:47:34 > 0:47:39- Why then, - in our more democratic era...
0:47:40 > 0:47:44- ..does the castle still capture the - imagination of the entire family...
0:47:44 > 0:47:46- ..including my own?
0:48:13 > 0:48:15- S4C Subtitles by Adnod Cyf.
0:48:16 > 0:48:16- .