To Shadiversity: Do all castles have a drawbridge? Do all castles have a bridge that pulls up? All of the medieval period. Show me a pictures of medieval castles that have no drawbridge.
It makes a lot of sense to have a fireplace, or at least a brazier in the winch room. Not only would it help keep whatever servants were manning it warm and ready to act when the weather gets chill, it also gives them a readily available source of heat and/or ignition to make whatever they were dropping down the murder hole more dangerous.
Yep. Hot oil wasn't so much a thing. But hot coals from a wood fire? Oh yeah. Anybody who is a target shooter has gotten a piece of hot brass down a shirt collar, and that is VERY distracting. And that doesn't burn like a wooden coal would. Although i have received a 2nd degree burn from hot brass.
It does indeed make sense to be able to heat the gatehouse. That is the place where most of the men on watch would be. And I've heard the boiled sand was popular to pour down murder holes, cheap and it gets everywhere.
Also the added security of the castle means that at night almost every room that wasn't used for storage would be used as a sleeping space, at least for the garrison and their families. In times of crisis many people from the vicinity would flock to the place to seek shelter and protection.
More than that, have you ever tried to work with metal in brittle cold? Maintaining even a basic fire would have been a good precaution against injury.
Hollywood at least has the excuse of budgets for costumes and sets often limit what they can do, video games have no excuse at all for how poorly designed weapons, armor and general design of other things are. Love games like Kingdom Come, Battle brothers, witcher and mount and blade at least attempting to look more historically accurate.
A common misconception is that the room with windlass would not be occupied constantly.. this was a key and very expensive piece of equipment and as such several soldiers would be barracked there at all times.
I know you said that these sorts of videos dont do as well in youtube numbers, but its truly so fascinating to listen to you demonstrate your breadth of knowledge on medieval topics. Shad is no one trick pony for sword content thats for sure
Owe I have been waiting eagerly for this episode. I live in South Wales and have past Castell Coch practically everyday all my life. Only visited a handful of times 🙈. When ever I have been traveling out of beautiful Wales, when I see Castell Coch when I return, I know I'm home. Once as a young lad walking up the Garth Mountain opposite in the fog. When we reached the top, we were above the clouds and all that could be see were the tips of Castell Coch. It was an amazing sight, unfortunately before the time of camera phones, but the image has always stayed with me.
Shad's visit to the UK is the gift that keeps on giving! I cannot get enough of these insightful and delightful videos! It makes me feel ashamed for having been living in this country for over ten years and never ones visited a single one of these amazing castles! Thank you Shad!
Do all castles have a drawbridge? Do all castles have a bridge that pulls up? All of the medieval period. Show me a pictures of medieval castles that have no drawbridge.
@@taylorfusher2997 Well, although many of the castles have general features, not all castles do not have drawbridge, reason being they might not have to, they sometimes use the natural height of their motte, as per the early motte-and-bailey castles. Some castle build on cliffs don't have a drawbridge since they use the terrain to their advantage, and some castles in city walls don't need it because it is already protected.
Time Team have just released their video of the refurbishment on Dover Keep. The small things that Shad has picked up on here are all done as properly as current research goes.
My Castell Coch knowledge is a bit rusty, but I believe it was built on the remains of the original castle that apparently looked nothing like what is there today and the majority of it was rebuilt with some creative libertys. Shad didn't butcher the name than much 😂 excellent video 👍👍
I have an explanation for the fireplace in the Winch Room. Now, I am NOT an expert by any means. But with everything I know about castles, and Current day Militaries the winch room would most likely be a permanent duty station. There would probably be at least one guard in that room at all times in case they had to lower the portcullis. Now I could easily see one guard, maybe four, standing ready at the gate and checking those who enter. They would only be there for a few hours at a time. The guards in the Winch Room and at the gate would probably swap every now and then to give each other a break. So a fireplace makes sense because if it was a permanent post then they would eat there as well. Even in times of piece a smart lord would want his gate and Winch room guarded. It would also be a place of congregation for any guards patrolling the walls.
I visited Castell Coch last summer and was totally blown away by all the detail inside! It's great to see a lot of it again. There was so much written (and audio guide) info inside the castle which gives a lot more context for various details, so it's unfortunate that we don't get to see any of that in this video. You mentioned the small chapel in the roof space of the tower on the left, and that it likely wasn't very accurate. If I remember correctly, the chapel in the original reconstruction was a wooden extension to that tower, resting on top of the curved courtyard walkway, but this has not stood the test of time. You can still see some of the stones that would have been used to support the wooden chapel sticking out of the tower! In fact, the stained glass windows displayed in the current "chapel" were taken from the original chapel after it was demolished.
Because it was built by one of the richest people in the world in the 19th century. He also built a large part of Cardiff Castle and his main home Mount Stuart. All are in this fantasy medieval style.
Although I do love the aesthetic of just a big pure stone castle this is a good reminder to me of reality and that medieval people were actually people and would have wanted to live comfortably
except this isnt medieval, its victorian gothic revival fantasy medieval inspired, a lot of which was based on pierrefonds, and other work done on cardiff, the architects and artists were givem free reign, so while beautifull, it cant represent actual medieval furniture/decor
@@neoaliphant Well, at least most of the inside fresco's and furniture was inspired on medieval art. I agree some of those are more rennessaince or even later, probably due to lack of examples in art. But all in all, making the rooms as cozy and detailed as possible is quite accurate.
Shad, regarding any wishes to see hanging carpets, tapestries/hanging brocades in a well kept fashion I can wholeheartedly endorse a visit to Castle Rushen in Castletown on the Isle of Man. The Entire structure has a remarkable preservation of it's original display, especially in the dining hall, kings quarters etc.
I imagine a reason the castles lack authenticity in Hollywood originally was due to technical/budgetary constraints. In the black and white days, all the decoration and patterns would wreak havok with the image and convincingly reproducing complex settings like that would have cost an arm and a leg. The rather plain sets would then embed themselves in the minds of everyone to the point that when tech and budgets caught up, no one really noticed the inaccuracies.
I think it’s not simply about buget, it’s more about the nowadays attitude. When you see 1950/60 films, the in their bright colors are more accurate than even one film at the moment. F you listen to series you often hear the phrase- it should become darker to get better… not in literal meaning but the coloring reflects this thinking.
I think the most likely reason I'd that the filmmakers simply aren't aware that castles looked nicer inside than they do now. All they will have seen is ruins, or at least structures that haven't been lived in for centuries. It takes a leap of logic to realise that since a castle is also a residence, the people residing there would want it to be comfortable.
With respect to larger windows in castles that face outwards: 1) Castles were homes, first and foremost, there are plenty of examples of castles with large windows on the upper floors that haven't been reconstructed (ie that have the original windows). Having extra light and better views in the Nobility's living quarters at the expense of some defence was understandably deemed to be worth the risk. 2) large windows are typically only found high off the ground to a) Be safe from ladders b) Be less of a structural concern as the load decreases with height (less tower above it has to support). 3) Wooden shutters with arrow loops would be quick to install to protect larger windows. 4) If there was a full seige, and hordings were constructed on the outside of the tower, it would a) Protect the larger openings anyway b) Large windows/openings would provide access to the hordings for the defenders where arrow slits could not. My theory on why on earlier castles is that before windowed glass was available, having large openings on the outside of castles, exposed to the winds was not preferable to a smaller, better defended arrow loop. Maybe too, the longer after the Norman occupation, the less the nobles feared regular attack, so again, the trade off shifted towards every day comfort.
21:40 that would be the staging room. They probably brought all the food up to that room and the room servants would check the plating and bring it in. I'd guess it was used for general dining storage too. A place to pour wine into pitchers and wait to be called to fill glasses.
I wasn't too keen on watching a castle tour but I ran out of things I wanted to watch. Then your enthusiasm won me over. I thoroughly enjoyed the video.
Shad! That fireplace above entrance could be functional. That way you can bring the people cold oil/water and heat it up right there next to the murder hole/slit.
The fireplace in the windlass room could serve a function during siege. When you want to pour boling oil down the murder hole, you have to get it hot somewhere. Might as well heat it up in the room itself. Plus some warmth during a winter siege might come in handy.
In the post-apocalyptic game cdda it's common for players to tie mattresses to cars for armor, which really helps when you're bumping broken down vehicles out of the way so you can get through.
Did any one else notice the blue lion with red claws in the second room? That's actually a Scottish symbol, same type is in Sterling Castle. Represents a force that is armed and ready to defend.
about the fireplace at 18:00 I'd assume that the fireplace in question was for the watch in the winter, I suspect it is too pretty for their use but keeping your watch happy and not opening your gate.
Shad, I'd like to see what you could show us of the different types of beds they used. Some were much smaller because they sat up while sleeping. There were also the 'box beds' that looked more like a wardrobe than a bed. Thanks for this video!
I have commented about the interlocking stones with a Z-pattern in the horizontal beams on smoke funnels before (I think it was Caerphilly). And here it is again. And once again I don't know if it's an accurate representation of an actual medieval technique or something done in a contemporary style when the castle was rebuilt. But this time the pattern seems to be painted on (the straight beam above the fireplace in the banquet hall at 03:24), so that pattern seems to indicate that whoever drew it either traced the actual stone pieces or knew enough about the concept of interlocking stones to fake it (which would then indicate that this look might actually be something desirable) or copied it from medieval paintings or documents. Interestingly, this pattern shows up in different places as well. In the same room there's a variation of it above a doorway (02:46) and even a slightly vaulted arch with that patterning in the room at the top of the gatehouse (06:32) but that last one is actually the wrong way around so those are surly just painted on.
greetings Shad I'm still hoping you would talk about secret rooms, passageways, corridors, entrance or exits. wether from an actual castle or historical records. It's a very popular thing in fiction but never saw a real one or at least historical records of one being used.
He has mentioned Sally ports which are back doors for castles. I know there are passageways for servants to use in Victorian homes that allow them to traverse within mansions without being seen by the primary residents.
On a school trip to Castell Coch we were told that the fireplace in the winch room was for boiling the stuff that they would tip down the murder hole (so not for comfort). We were also told that it would often be urine etc (it must have stunk when boiling it up) because oil was expensive. I hope you also went to Cardiff Castle, just down the road, another reconstruction of an old castle, where the interiors are along the same lines (if not better?)
Wouldn't do to have your guards freeze to death in the winter. Many castles had fireplaces in simple guard towers. Dumping boiling things onto enemies didn't occur very often. It is a trope that continues to be repeated in history books, such as people not bathing, even though not true.
@@robo5013 @robo5013 I think the guards hung about in the guard house but not the winch house, The gate would probably only be opened in the morning and closed at night. That room doesn't have much space in it, as I far as remember. Anyway that was what our teacher said about the fireplace, maybe he was full of shoite though😄 But don't spoil my illusion robo, all of us kids really picked up our ears at the concept of boiling pi$$ being rained down on attacking soldiers, it's the one bit of info that stuck in my head as a kid🤣😉
I have watched documentaries for years about castles etc. for years. Shads simple walk through so far have been way more informative then most of those have been about how the stuff was used in every day life and what it would actually look like.,
I absolutely love these castle tours with Shad as our guide. I've seen my share of castles in The Netherlands, Germany and France, and rarely have I seen other than bare or white washed walls. This is stunning! Thank you for taking us along.
Pretty good Welsh shad as a Welsh man it’s good to see you trying to get it right and you should vist north wales as we have some nice ones up here plus that’s where I am from 😂
You are totally right about the windlass, that is not medieval but is a 19th century thing like something you would see on a sailing clipper. Medieval would have wooden axles reinforced with forged iron. Like the windlass on my trebuchet!
Great tour! It's always a challenge in a fantasy setting, building it grounded enough in reality, meeting reader's (sometimes wrong) expectations, and integrating what changes there would be in a high or low magic setting.
You must visit Dover Castle and Kent the next time you are over here, it has a similar decorated area (though admittedly not as fine as you've shown Coch Castle to be) and a lovely chapel. The decorated rooms were covered by a Time Team special when they were done.
I was looking forward to this video and you did not disappoint. Thank you. Some years ago, when living in England, I took my children to visit along with a couple of their friends. We arrived in the early morning as the sun was rising and the the castle shrouded in mist. Complete chance but perfectly timed. The kids went absolutely silent and their jaws were on the ground. They had all seen castles before but Castle Coch has a big edge on most of the others. It looks the part and seems proud of it.
Thanks for the wonderful video Shad. I've only been to Castell Coch once and I hadn't remembered the exquisite internal decor, so it was great seeing it depicted here.
For anyone wondering it when you are further away it looks more red more of a pink than anything. When you get closer it seems to lose it's colour. Also it's quite modern for a castle as it was built in the 1880s.
I live near here! Always loved the fantasy look of it poking out of the wooded cliffside. Never been inside so I plan to have a wander about with the little one later this week.
On the subject of the fireplace for the gate, this is a room where people are expected to grab and manipulate metal objects at a moments notice. Having stiff fingers and icy chains may very well have been a consideration during the original construction to help the servants and guards be more capable when it's demanded
So I started reading your book (I know, off topic, but this is your latest video, so I figured it would get more discussion here), because so many people have beef with you over literally NOTHING, and I just said "Screw the haters, I'm getting his book." I'm about 1/4 of the way through, but so far....it's incredible. 1. Believable combat system 2. Well fleshed-out magic and world-building dynamics. 3. Clear influences from fantasy, anime, real history and other media/information without doubling down too much on tired tropes. The closest thing I can compare Daylen to is a cross between Robert Baratheon and Darth Revan, with a touch of Rurouni Kenshin. 4. It's a redemption arc where the main character...actually needs to be redeemed. Too often I see these "redemption arcs" and think "bro, you weren't even that bad in the first place. wtf..." 5. Contrary to what people seem to be assuming, the themes are overtly political at all (maybe 2-3 bits about freedom of press sprinkled in, but not anything all that controversial, and certainly not anything super-partisan) So far, all the criticisms of it I see can be addressed with "yes...that's literally the point". ex: "so are we just supposed to believe that this prolific rapist is capable of redemption" No. He really is a bastard, He's just trying to become LESS of a bastard, and he struggles with it to the point where it's sometimes hilarious. "he's a hypocrite" Yes, and he openly acknowledges and feels guilty about this. "but there's so much rape, and some of them are so young" You mean like 90% of the rest of the fantasy novel genre? ....yes. Does that mean this book is "pro-rape", uh...only if ripping off a rapist's penis counts as "pro-rape", so that's gonna be a "no" from me. 😆 Overall rating so far? Solid 9.3/10. Looking forward to the sequel whenever it comes out after I finish this one.
KCD is about 20% game and 80% historical document. The level of detail and study they went into for it is really crazy You've made me want to go and replay it now 🙂
These castles are awesome. I had the chance to work in a castle owned by the von Berlichingen family. The castle had a lot of old furniture in it, for example an approx. 800 year old oak cabinet (gigantic, about 5 meters tall and 6 wide if my memory serves me right.) It was like breathing historic air. From the ages old chimney system down to the cooling-basement, which was haunting when moving through at night and no permission to use the big lights in it. That plus the persona of the original Götz von Berlichingen made it awesome to work in.
The kitchen on the second floor makes sense if there is a barrel ramp, a dumb waiter and two floor well head to the floor below. I would look for a hatch in the floor and a place for a pully on the beam above in the kitchen. The room below the kitchen does seem to be a larder from the floor plans. The problem is getting bigger things into the room. Remember however you're lifting things off a wagon so its already 0.8 to 1.5 meters high. The gallery outside could have had a barrel ramp. A big spit roast would probably be done in the great hall or bailey. One of the rooms on the gallery might have a hand mill for flour.
I love that Shad is having the time of his life visiting all those castles.
Yo! Fellow Marylander! Its good to see you and our flag
To Shadiversity:
Do all castles have a drawbridge? Do all castles have a bridge that pulls up? All of the medieval period. Show me a pictures of medieval castles that have no drawbridge.
His enthusiasm is truly inspiring!
How do you make a water bed more bouncy?
You use spring water.
🤣
It makes a lot of sense to have a fireplace, or at least a brazier in the winch room. Not only would it help keep whatever servants were manning it warm and ready to act when the weather gets chill, it also gives them a readily available source of heat and/or ignition to make whatever they were dropping down the murder hole more dangerous.
Yep. Hot oil wasn't so much a thing. But hot coals from a wood fire? Oh yeah.
Anybody who is a target shooter has gotten a piece of hot brass down a shirt collar, and that is VERY distracting. And that doesn't burn like a wooden coal would. Although i have received a 2nd degree burn from hot brass.
It does indeed make sense to be able to heat the gatehouse. That is the place where most of the men on watch would be.
And I've heard the boiled sand was popular to pour down murder holes, cheap and it gets everywhere.
Also you don't want things to freeze together in the winter if you have water leaks
Also the added security of the castle means that at night almost every room that wasn't used for storage would be used as a sleeping space, at least for the garrison and their families. In times of crisis many people from the vicinity would flock to the place to seek shelter and protection.
More than that, have you ever tried to work with metal in brittle cold? Maintaining even a basic fire would have been a good precaution against injury.
One day we'll break free of this "everything was brown and gray in medieval Europe" mindset Hollywood and video game developers have.
Kingdom come deliverance did a very good job of depicting a medieval setting
Hollywood at least has the excuse of budgets for costumes and sets often limit what they can do, video games have no excuse at all for how poorly designed weapons, armor and general design of other things are. Love games like Kingdom Come, Battle brothers, witcher and mount and blade at least attempting to look more historically accurate.
@@gherkinisgreat Ah, if only I could walk 50 meters from the bathhouse before I looked like I fought a pig for half an apple and lost...
Agree with your overall point, but this is medieval revival
Shad speaking softer whilst inside made it feel like I was listening to a medieval genre version of David Attenborough 😂
😂 but notice he gets louder and more amped up as he goes, lovely bloke
Exactly lol @@EthanBSide
It's Shad's castle ASMR.
😂😂😂 absolutely
Here we see the "Shad" in his natural habitat...
What surprises me is how busy this would look to the eyes if it wasn't patterned and coloured so well. That's some real ART.
A common misconception is that the room with windlass would not be occupied constantly.. this was a key and very expensive piece of equipment and as such several soldiers would be barracked there at all times.
I know you said that these sorts of videos dont do as well in youtube numbers, but its truly so fascinating to listen to you demonstrate your breadth of knowledge on medieval topics. Shad is no one trick pony for sword content thats for sure
I actually started following and subscribed to Shad because of the castle content, namely his breakdowns of video game and movie castles
Owe I have been waiting eagerly for this episode. I live in South Wales and have past Castell Coch practically everyday all my life. Only visited a handful of times 🙈.
When ever I have been traveling out of beautiful Wales, when I see Castell Coch when I return, I know I'm home.
Once as a young lad walking up the Garth Mountain opposite in the fog. When we reached the top, we were above the clouds and all that could be see were the tips of Castell Coch. It was an amazing sight, unfortunately before the time of camera phones, but the image has always stayed with me.
Shad's visit to the UK is the gift that keeps on giving! I cannot get enough of these insightful and delightful videos! It makes me feel ashamed for having been living in this country for over ten years and never ones visited a single one of these amazing castles! Thank you Shad!
I just wish a lot of our castles in the UK had been better looked after and rebuilt if needed but unfortunately it's too expensive
Im not a Brit. But I have heard that it is a hassle to maintain castles that old.@@damidoxgaming3891
Do all castles have a drawbridge? Do all castles have a bridge that pulls up? All of the medieval period. Show me a pictures of medieval castles that have no drawbridge.
@@taylorfusher2997 Well, although many of the castles have general features, not all castles do not have drawbridge, reason being they might not have to, they sometimes use the natural height of their motte, as per the early motte-and-bailey castles. Some castle build on cliffs don't have a drawbridge since they use the terrain to their advantage, and some castles in city walls don't need it because it is already protected.
Man, these castles are beautiful
Shad: Hollywood doesn't accurately portray the colorful interiors of castles!
Hollywood: Cleopatra was Black.
Time Team have just released their video of the refurbishment on Dover Keep. The small things that Shad has picked up on here are all done as properly as current research goes.
My Castell Coch knowledge is a bit rusty, but I believe it was built on the remains of the original castle that apparently looked nothing like what is there today and the majority of it was rebuilt with some creative libertys.
Shad didn't butcher the name than much 😂 excellent video 👍👍
I live near that castle, it's very fantastical to see it poking out of the trees when you're driving past it on the motorway
I have an explanation for the fireplace in the Winch Room.
Now, I am NOT an expert by any means. But with everything I know about castles, and Current day Militaries the winch room would most likely be a permanent duty station. There would probably be at least one guard in that room at all times in case they had to lower the portcullis.
Now I could easily see one guard, maybe four, standing ready at the gate and checking those who enter. They would only be there for a few hours at a time. The guards in the Winch Room and at the gate would probably swap every now and then to give each other a break. So a fireplace makes sense because if it was a permanent post then they would eat there as well. Even in times of piece a smart lord would want his gate and Winch room guarded. It would also be a place of congregation for any guards patrolling the walls.
I visited Castell Coch last summer and was totally blown away by all the detail inside! It's great to see a lot of it again.
There was so much written (and audio guide) info inside the castle which gives a lot more context for various details, so it's unfortunate that we don't get to see any of that in this video.
You mentioned the small chapel in the roof space of the tower on the left, and that it likely wasn't very accurate. If I remember correctly, the chapel in the original reconstruction was a wooden extension to that tower, resting on top of the curved courtyard walkway, but this has not stood the test of time. You can still see some of the stones that would have been used to support the wooden chapel sticking out of the tower! In fact, the stained glass windows displayed in the current "chapel" were taken from the original chapel after it was demolished.
Yeah, I also went last year and you are right the chapel was originally a wooden one on the side of the tower.
Cool additional point
That's a freaking beautiful Castle
Because it was built by one of the richest people in the world in the 19th century. He also built a large part of Cardiff Castle and his main home Mount Stuart. All are in this fantasy medieval style.
Although I do love the aesthetic of just a big pure stone castle this is a good reminder to me of reality and that medieval people were actually people and would have wanted to live comfortably
except this isnt medieval, its victorian gothic revival fantasy medieval inspired, a lot of which was based on pierrefonds, and other work done on cardiff, the architects and artists were givem free reign, so while beautifull, it cant represent actual medieval furniture/decor
@@neoaliphant Well, at least most of the inside fresco's and furniture was inspired on medieval art. I agree some of those are more rennessaince or even later, probably due to lack of examples in art. But all in all, making the rooms as cozy and detailed as possible is quite accurate.
Shad, regarding any wishes to see hanging carpets, tapestries/hanging brocades in a well kept fashion I can wholeheartedly endorse a visit to Castle Rushen in Castletown on the Isle of Man.
The Entire structure has a remarkable preservation of it's original display, especially in the dining hall, kings quarters etc.
I imagine a reason the castles lack authenticity in Hollywood originally was due to technical/budgetary constraints. In the black and white days, all the decoration and patterns would wreak havok with the image and convincingly reproducing complex settings like that would have cost an arm and a leg. The rather plain sets would then embed themselves in the minds of everyone to the point that when tech and budgets caught up, no one really noticed the inaccuracies.
I'd very much love to see Shad make a list of the best medieval movies he has seen, both in terms of historical accuracy and storytelling.
this is not true for other kinds of historical movies because?
They still lack authenticity in hollywood today. Most of them are just plain stone inside in movies. I wish filmakers would put more effort.
I think it’s not simply about buget, it’s more about the nowadays attitude. When you see 1950/60 films, the in their bright colors are more accurate than even one film at the moment. F you listen to series you often hear the phrase- it should become darker to get better… not in literal meaning but the coloring reflects this thinking.
I think the most likely reason I'd that the filmmakers simply aren't aware that castles looked nicer inside than they do now. All they will have seen is ruins, or at least structures that haven't been lived in for centuries. It takes a leap of logic to realise that since a castle is also a residence, the people residing there would want it to be comfortable.
Shad doesn't hire a castle guide, he IS the castle guide. 😂
Channeling the "Chuck Norris" of Castle jokes incoming
@@NeBuLiSt MAAAAAAAAAAAAAACHIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIICHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOLAAAAAAAAAAAAAATIIIIIIIIOOOOOOOOOOOOOOONNNSSSSSSSSSSS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
With respect to larger windows in castles that face outwards:
1) Castles were homes, first and foremost, there are plenty of examples of castles with large windows on the upper floors that haven't been reconstructed (ie that have the original windows). Having extra light and better views in the Nobility's living quarters at the expense of some defence was understandably deemed to be worth the risk.
2) large windows are typically only found high off the ground to
a) Be safe from ladders
b) Be less of a structural concern as the load decreases with height (less tower above it has to support).
3) Wooden shutters with arrow loops would be quick to install to protect larger windows.
4) If there was a full seige, and hordings were constructed on the outside of the tower, it would
a) Protect the larger openings anyway
b) Large windows/openings would provide access to the hordings for the defenders where arrow slits could not.
My theory on why on earlier castles is that before windowed glass was available, having large openings on the outside of castles, exposed to the winds was not preferable to a smaller, better defended arrow loop. Maybe too, the longer after the Norman occupation, the less the nobles feared regular attack, so again, the trade off shifted towards every day comfort.
The beautiful thing with this channel is I can both learn and be entertained at the same time. Great job!
Just wanted to say I appreciate the camera person so much. As someone who speaks in pictures I really appreciate your style of filming.
21:40 that would be the staging room. They probably brought all the food up to that room and the room servants would check the plating and bring it in. I'd guess it was used for general dining storage too. A place to pour wine into pitchers and wait to be called to fill glasses.
Shad being a Nerd about a Castle is great to see and hear.
It shows he really likes authenticity.
Using Nerd is not meant as an insult at all Shad.
'Nerd' hasn't been a derogatory term for a long while, mate.
@@pyroavok
That shows my age then.
Because most of my teen age years it was.
I wasn't too keen on watching a castle tour but I ran out of things I wanted to watch. Then your enthusiasm won me over. I thoroughly enjoyed the video.
Shad! That fireplace above entrance could be functional. That way you can bring the people cold oil/water and heat it up right there next to the murder hole/slit.
The fireplace in the windlass room could serve a function during siege.
When you want to pour boling oil down the murder hole, you have to get it hot somewhere.
Might as well heat it up in the room itself.
Plus some warmth during a winter siege might come in handy.
Ah the mighty mattress,
also known as the best shield and siege defense rampart ever made!
In the post-apocalyptic game cdda it's common for players to tie mattresses to cars for armor, which really helps when you're bumping broken down vehicles out of the way so you can get through.
Did any one else notice the blue lion with red claws in the second room? That's actually a Scottish symbol, same type is in Sterling Castle. Represents a force that is armed and ready to defend.
LOVE the window alcoves with comfortable seating ... just need a nice table for the snacks and books
One of my local castles , just watched an episode of merlin and it was on it .
So cool to see you in our Wales. I'd love for you to see Castell y Bere.
Thank you for sharing that beautiful castle.
about the fireplace at 18:00 I'd assume that the fireplace in question was for the watch in the winter, I suspect it is too pretty for their use but keeping your watch happy and not opening your gate.
Love this series
Love that you do more Castle Content again. I really like your expertise on the Topic.
Wow.. i never knew there were castles beautifully decorated like this in my country, ill have to check this out when im back
I would love to see a video about Edinburgh castle it would be super cool!
Awesome. So beautiful. Makes one appreciate one's ancestors.
Beautiful Castle. Beautiful Plushie.
16:18 It would be cool if they replaced the wood with super thick plexiglass or something so people can actually see down it!
Ok, the plushie is adorable
Very nice and calm discussion of the castle, I do enjoy this
What about a castle design competition, where the winner would get their design build along with your designs in your property?
Shad, I'd like to see what you could show us of the different types of beds they used. Some were much smaller because they sat up while sleeping. There were also the 'box beds' that looked more like a wardrobe than a bed. Thanks for this video!
Fantastic video Shad. Love your work
I have commented about the interlocking stones with a Z-pattern in the horizontal beams on smoke funnels before (I think it was Caerphilly). And here it is again. And once again I don't know if it's an accurate representation of an actual medieval technique or something done in a contemporary style when the castle was rebuilt. But this time the pattern seems to be painted on (the straight beam above the fireplace in the banquet hall at 03:24), so that pattern seems to indicate that whoever drew it either traced the actual stone pieces or knew enough about the concept of interlocking stones to fake it (which would then indicate that this look might actually be something desirable) or copied it from medieval paintings or documents. Interestingly, this pattern shows up in different places as well. In the same room there's a variation of it above a doorway (02:46) and even a slightly vaulted arch with that patterning in the room at the top of the gatehouse (06:32) but that last one is actually the wrong way around so those are surly just painted on.
greetings Shad I'm still hoping you would talk about secret rooms, passageways, corridors, entrance or exits. wether from an actual castle or historical records. It's a very popular thing in fiction but never saw a real one or at least historical records of one being used.
He has mentioned Sally ports which are back doors for castles. I know there are passageways for servants to use in Victorian homes that allow them to traverse within mansions without being seen by the primary residents.
The problem is - they are secret!
On a school trip to Castell Coch we were told that the fireplace in the winch room was for boiling the stuff that they would tip down the murder hole (so not for comfort). We were also told that it would often be urine etc (it must have stunk when boiling it up) because oil was expensive. I hope you also went to Cardiff Castle, just down the road, another reconstruction of an old castle, where the interiors are along the same lines (if not better?)
Wouldn't do to have your guards freeze to death in the winter. Many castles had fireplaces in simple guard towers. Dumping boiling things onto enemies didn't occur very often. It is a trope that continues to be repeated in history books, such as people not bathing, even though not true.
@@robo5013 @robo5013 I think the guards hung about in the guard house but not the winch house, The gate would probably only be opened in the morning and closed at night. That room doesn't have much space in it, as I far as remember. Anyway that was what our teacher said about the fireplace, maybe he was full of shoite though😄
But don't spoil my illusion robo, all of us kids really picked up our ears at the concept of boiling pi$$ being rained down on attacking soldiers, it's the one bit of info that stuck in my head as a kid🤣😉
I have watched documentaries for years about castles etc. for years. Shads simple walk through so far have been way more informative then most of those have been about how the stuff was used in every day life and what it would actually look like.,
I want the shad plushie! X'O It has a shabbard! A PLUSHIE SHABBARD!!!
You gotta get with Kevin Hicks! You two would get along smashingly!
I absolutely love these castle tours with Shad as our guide.
I've seen my share of castles in The Netherlands, Germany and France, and rarely have I seen other than bare or white washed walls. This is stunning! Thank you for taking us along.
Pretty good Welsh shad as a Welsh man it’s good to see you trying to get it right and you should vist north wales as we have some nice ones up here plus that’s where I am from 😂
I never intended to buy a plushie of a youtube nerd man ... But im more in the market for it than i thought, cause its damn cool.
I saw Shad posting a new video about exploring his Coch. I have a mindset of a 10 year old and this amused me immensely and I'm not sorry about it....
You are totally right about the windlass, that is not medieval but is a 19th century thing like something you would see on a sailing clipper. Medieval would have wooden axles reinforced with forged iron. Like the windlass on my trebuchet!
I'm getting so hipped to visit this castle my self!
Shed should 'speak in' so we could walk through the castle while listening to his commentry.
Thank you for doing this. Trying to understand what the inside of a castle looked like has been very challenging.
Awesome Video as always, what a special find. I love castles, wonderful tour, thank you.
That soft speaking was very calming and relaxing. Almost ASMR. AS(had)MR?
Great tour! It's always a challenge in a fantasy setting, building it grounded enough in reality, meeting reader's (sometimes wrong) expectations, and integrating what changes there would be in a high or low magic setting.
Really love these castle videos Shad, keep it up!
You must visit Dover Castle and Kent the next time you are over here, it has a similar decorated area (though admittedly not as fine as you've shown Coch Castle to be) and a lovely chapel. The decorated rooms were covered by a Time Team special when they were done.
I was looking forward to this video and you did not disappoint. Thank you.
Some years ago, when living in England, I took my children to visit along with a couple of their friends. We arrived in the early morning as the sun was rising and the the castle shrouded in mist. Complete chance but perfectly timed.
The kids went absolutely silent and their jaws were on the ground. They had all seen castles before but Castle Coch has a big edge on most of the others. It looks the part and seems proud of it.
aaaa your plushie has excellent cheekbones.
So glad you made it to the UK, Shad! Such a fun video!
keep these type of videos coming, that was great.
Epic! I love that plushy, the likeness is incredible!
Ngl, if it had a white shirt, I would have thought it was a Jamie Hyneman. 🙂
Thanks for the wonderful video Shad. I've only been to Castell Coch once and I hadn't remembered the exquisite internal decor, so it was great seeing it depicted here.
For anyone wondering it when you are further away it looks more red more of a pink than anything. When you get closer it seems to lose it's colour.
Also it's quite modern for a castle as it was built in the 1880s.
The original site dates back to 1081, but what we see today is mostly the 19th century restoration work,
I live near here! Always loved the fantasy look of it poking out of the wooded cliffside.
Never been inside so I plan to have a wander about with the little one later this week.
These castles are embodiments of history and Shad is like a teacher showing us the beauty of these structures of the old world.
On the subject of the fireplace for the gate, this is a room where people are expected to grab and manipulate metal objects at a moments notice. Having stiff fingers and icy chains may very well have been a consideration during the original construction to help the servants and guards be more capable when it's demanded
Awesome Video Shad!!!
You can tell he loves Coch
shad has a very intense appreciation for Coch
Yes, he is a coch enthusiast. Shad loves himself some coch. Et cetera.
badass castle!
Ordered mine! 👍
So I started reading your book (I know, off topic, but this is your latest video, so I figured it would get more discussion here), because so many people have beef with you over literally NOTHING, and I just said "Screw the haters, I'm getting his book."
I'm about 1/4 of the way through, but so far....it's incredible.
1. Believable combat system
2. Well fleshed-out magic and world-building dynamics.
3. Clear influences from fantasy, anime, real history and other media/information without doubling down too much on tired tropes. The closest thing I can compare Daylen to is a cross between Robert Baratheon and Darth Revan, with a touch of Rurouni Kenshin.
4. It's a redemption arc where the main character...actually needs to be redeemed. Too often I see these "redemption arcs" and think "bro, you weren't even that bad in the first place. wtf..."
5. Contrary to what people seem to be assuming, the themes are overtly political at all (maybe 2-3 bits about freedom of press sprinkled in, but not anything all that controversial, and certainly not anything super-partisan)
So far, all the criticisms of it I see can be addressed with "yes...that's literally the point". ex:
"so are we just supposed to believe that this prolific rapist is capable of redemption"
No. He really is a bastard, He's just trying to become LESS of a bastard, and he struggles with it to the point where it's sometimes hilarious.
"he's a hypocrite"
Yes, and he openly acknowledges and feels guilty about this.
"but there's so much rape, and some of them are so young"
You mean like 90% of the rest of the fantasy novel genre? ....yes. Does that mean this book is "pro-rape", uh...only if ripping off a rapist's penis counts as "pro-rape", so that's gonna be a "no" from me. 😆
Overall rating so far? Solid 9.3/10. Looking forward to the sequel whenever it comes out after I finish this one.
you're 1/4 of the way through but you give it a 9.3 rating and you're looking forward to the sequel? The sequel is the rest of the 3/4 of the book.
@@MythicJedi ah, I meant to say "my rating so far is 9.3/10", mea culpa.
I played 'kingdom come deliverance' recently and I'm surprised how accurate the game got the castle design right.
KCD is about 20% game and 80% historical document. The level of detail and study they went into for it is really crazy
You've made me want to go and replay it now 🙂
@@VictoryWorks glad I inspired you.
I truly appreciate these castle videos. i may never get to see any castles in my life and this is an excellent walk through of my now favorite castle.
Castle videos are what brought me to this channel to begin with
Great one Shad!
Amazing castle, and video. I love em.
The Shad Plushie looks like Rolf Harris circa 1960
Shads content is good. It just is.
*I love the multiple nerdgasms he has throughout the video lol*
8:54
This was fantastic!the bed looked really nice,it even looked something that one may see in a fantasy film or series,keep doing these castle videos.
These castles are awesome. I had the chance to work in a castle owned by the von Berlichingen family. The castle had a lot of old furniture in it, for example an approx. 800 year old oak cabinet (gigantic, about 5 meters tall and 6 wide if my memory serves me right.) It was like breathing historic air. From the ages old chimney system down to the cooling-basement, which was haunting when moving through at night and no permission to use the big lights in it. That plus the persona of the original Götz von Berlichingen made it awesome to work in.
I love your dedication and excitement to your passion for all things medieval.
Is there any notable shell keeps that would be a must see in your mind?
The kitchen on the second floor makes sense if there is a barrel ramp, a dumb waiter and two floor well head to the floor below. I would look for a hatch in the floor and a place for a pully on the beam above in the kitchen. The room below the kitchen does seem to be a larder from the floor plans. The problem is getting bigger things into the room. Remember however you're lifting things off a wagon so its already 0.8 to 1.5 meters high. The gallery outside could have had a barrel ramp. A big spit roast would probably be done in the great hall or bailey. One of the rooms on the gallery might have a hand mill for flour.
Amazing! I'm going to have to visit this one soon. Watching this has made me want to have a proper explore!
I'm so glad that we're getting more of these informational castle videos again ^_^
Very cool castle. Love seeing the medieval style interior. Shad's pronunciation of "coch" is pretty good IMO.
Beautifully interpretive re-creation 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍
Shad: "HOW DARE TOU BARGE IN ON ME! DID YOU SEE ANYTHING?!"
Me: "NO SIR! I DIDN'T SEE YOU PLAYING WITH YOUR DOLLS AGAIN!"😂😂😂
Knock next time!
Beautiful. Thank you for showing this.