Life in an Irish Castle 2007 (out of print)

Duncan Crosbie introduces us to the ghost of Sir Humfrey who takes the reader back to the building of the castle. He tells how the castle grew from a single tower to the building we see now and shows how the weapons used, both to attack and defend the castle developed as the castle’s defences strengthened. Different flaps, tabs and pop-ups illustrate long bows, siege engines, battering rams and catapults. Daily life in the castle is also illustrated – from the work of blacksmiths, farriers and armourers to the life of the knights and soldiers. There are also illustrations of the castle’s farms and gardens, which provided a regular supply of fresh food. Finally the journal brings the story through the development of gunpowder and cannons to the siege and eventual fall of the castle.