'Castles of Communities': medieval town defences in England; Wales and Gascony

Abstract

Medieval town defences represent a somewhat neglected area of research, despite important groundwork and some influential studies of individual fortified towns and cities. This paper presents some key data derived from a recent research project investigating the archaeology and social history of urban defences in England, Wales and ‘English’ Gascony in the period c. 1050-1500. Combining the evidence of archaeology, architecture, documents and urban topography, the project has aimed to re-evaluate the functions and significance of urban defences, examining them as expressions of identity and commercial need as well as military features. Particular themes addressed in the paper are: the number of fortified towns and their distribution within the urban hierarchy ; the date, construction and topographies of circuits ; and the functions of defences. Bastides of the thirteenth and fourteenth century and their defences are examined in a case study that explores these themes further. Overall, the evidence suggests that some commonly held ideas about town defences – including the notions that they represented defining features of urban settlements and ‘communal’ fortifications – are in urgent need of re-appraisal.