The Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Wales has a leading national role in developing and promoting understanding of the archaeological, built and maritime heritage of Wales, as the originator, curator and supplier of authoritative information for individual, corporate and governmental decision makers, researchers, and the general public.

This paperback edition of a book first published in hardback in 2002 is a fascinating and provocative study which looks at castles in a new light, using the theories and methods of landscape studies.

This is the second of the three volumes covering Caernarvonshire. It contains entries relating to 781 monuments in the central part of that county. In its preparation the Commission's staff have examined 1630 buildings and 1070 possible earthworks.The volume contains the illustrated Inventory, the Official Report with the list of monuments considered especially worthy of preservation, an introductory note mentioning some of the more interesting monuments, and an account of the development of the road system. LIST OF PARISHES Former parishes, not listed in the Inventory, are shown in parentheses Bangor Beddgelert Betws Garmon Clynnog Cricieth Dolbenmaen Llanaelhaearn Llanarmon Llanbeblig Llanberis Llanddeiniolen Llandwrog Llanfaglan Llanfair-is-gaer (Llanfihangel-y-Pennant) Llangybi Llanllyfhi Llanrug Llanwnda Llanystumdwy Penllyn (Penmorfa) Pentir Treflys Waunfawr Ynyscynhaearn

Includes section "Reviews."

Spread across the medieval kingdom of England in a network of often formidable strongholds, castles, like cathedrals, are defining landmarks of their age, dominating their settings, in many cases even to this day. By representing an essential aspect of our history and heritage, the interpretation of which is constantly being revised, they demonstrate the value of Malcolm Hislop’s compact, authoritative and well illustrated new guide to English castles. The gazetteer includes an astonishing variety of types, sizes and designs. Individual entries bring out the salient points of interest including historical context, building history and architectural character. The defensive and domestic purposes of these remarkable buildings are explained, as is the way in which their layout and role developed over the course of hundreds of years, from the predominantly earth and timber fortresses of the Normans to the complex stone castles of the later Middle Ages, many of which can be visited today. Hislop’s experience as an archaeologist specializing in medieval buildings, castles in particular, as well as his eye for structural detail, ensure that his guide is a necessary handbook for readers who are keen on medieval history and warfare, and for visitors who are looking for an accessible introduction to these monumental relics of England’s military past.