Medieval Britain

This is one of only two books in the series co-authored by S. L. Case and D. J. Hall. Later books were written either by S. L. Case or L. F. Hobley.

Illustrations include types of Castle, Norman Knight, Water Carrier, Shop Signs, Abbey ground plan,
Monks and Friars, halls,cottages, clothing, Jester, Pillory, Ship,Parliament organisation, Astralobe,
Crusades Map, instruments of war, One Hundred Years War Chart, Lancastrian Yorkist and Tudor Roses etc.

From Chapter Three - Castles

The word "castle" comes from a Latin word meaning a fort. Important people who had the necessary power and money to build castles were able to gain protection from their enemies. The Normans, as we have seen, wanted to be safe from the dangers of a Saxon rebellion. They quickly put up strong points which consisted of a mound of earth called a motte and a courtyard called a bailey. On top of the motte was a tower or keep which was made of wood at first. Later the wooden keep was replaced by one made of stone. Another courtyard with extra walls and towers was added.

From Chapter 7 - Monks and Friars

Not all men who wanted to live a religious life became monks. Some chose instead to become wandering friars. Friars dressed like Monks and lived by rules which were just as strict but they did not live in monasteries. They believed that they could serve God better by going out into the world preaching and healing the sick. The friars did much good work in the Middle Ages and they were greatly loved and respected. Simple lodgings called friarages were built in many towns in England and from these friars went out each day to work amongst the people.

From Chapter 11 - Crime and Punishment

In the Middle Ages the gildsmen in the towns used to hold their own courts to punish members who had let the gild down by giving short weight or selling poor quality goods. We still use the phrase "a baker's dozen" when we mean thirteen, because bakers in the Middle Ages used to put an extra loaf in each dozen to make sure they were not giving short weight. If they did they were liable to be dragged off to the stocks on a sledge like the one in the picture with one of the loaves hung around their necks.