|
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Harlech
Started in 1283 by Edward I of England to help consolidate his conquest of Wales, Harlech Castle required around one thousand skilled workmen, seven years, and £8,000 to build. When completed, the castle sat on a steep hill overlooking Tremadoc Bay—in the last seven hundred years, the waters have receded, leaving behind a flat marshy area. Note the high walls, the rounded towers, and the substantial outer wall.
Harlech Plan
After you study this plan and the photograph above, compare Harlech Castle with the fortifications below that arose somewhat later. In particular, think about how Harlech differs from Breda or the fortifications surrounding the Leipzig suburb of Deutz below.
Pembroke Plan
After invading southeastern Wales, Roger of Montgomery, a Norman knight, began this castle in 1093 to maintain control over his new subjects. William Marshall, the Earl of Pembroke, began extending the fortifications in the late twelfth century, giving the castle the appearance it has in this illustration. Study the similarities this castle shares with Harlech.
Plan of Breda
Breda lies at the confluence of the Merk and Aa rivers. During the Dutch Revolt, Ambrogio Spinola, the commander of Spanish forces in the Netherlands, lay siege to Breda. The town and its Dutch garrison held out for eleven months, from August 1624 to June 1625, before surrendering. Consider the manner in which the plan for Breda's fortifications differs from that of Harlech and Pembroke.
Defense of Deutz (1642)
This etching represents King Gustavus Adolphus' assault on the fortification of Deutz, a suburb of Leipzig. Notice the infantry square in the foreground, consisting of musketeers and pikemen. Notice, as well, the configuration of Deutz's fortifications. In what way is it similar to Breda?
Back to Web Gallery Index | Back to Class Schedule
For
questions, comments, or suggestions about this website, please contact the webmaster.
Copyrighted by Hugh Dubrulle, 2003.