Watch Secrets of the Castle

Secrets of the Castle is a British TV series that explores the process of building a castle, from choosing the site to constructing the walls and towers. The show features historian Ruth Goodman, archaeologist Peter Ginn, and builder Tom Pinfold, who work together to recreate a medieval castle using only traditional methods and materials.

The show is set in Guédelon, a small village in Burgundy, France, where a team of builders and craftsmen are attempting to build a castle from scratch using only medieval techniques. The project, which began in 1997, is based on extensive research by historians and archaeologists and aims to create a fully functioning castle using only tools and methods that would have been available in the 13th century.

Over the course of the series, Ruth, Peter, and Tom join the Guédelon team and take on a variety of roles, from quarrying stone to making lime mortar to constructing wooden scaffolding. Each episode focuses on a different aspect of castle-building, from the planning and design phases to the construction of the keep, the gatehouse, and the walls.

One of the most interesting aspects of the show is the way it takes viewers through the entire process of building a castle, from start to finish. We see the builders selecting the site, clearing the land, and laying the foundation stones. We watch as they shape the stones, mix the mortar, and build up the walls, layer by layer. We see them construct a wooden hoarding and a drawbridge, build a great hall, and excavate a latrine.

Throughout the series, Ruth, Peter, and Tom provide historical context and explanation, helping viewers understand the significance of each stage of construction and how it fits into the broader history of castle-building. They also demonstrate various medieval technologies, such as the trebuchet and the mangonel, and explain how they were used in warfare.

The show is full of fascinating details about life in the Middle Ages, from the way food was prepared and stored to the way clothes were made and worn. We learn, for example, that medieval builders often used urine as a source of ammonia for cleaning and preserving wool, and that they used cow hair to make plaster more durable.

In addition to the historical and educational aspects of the show, there is also a strong focus on the human aspect of castle-building. We see the Guédelon team working together, overcoming challenges, and creating a sense of camaraderie as they work towards a common goal. We also see the team interacting with visitors, explaining the project to school groups and tourists, and sharing their enthusiasm for medieval history and culture.

Overall, Secrets of the Castle is an engaging and informative series that offers a unique look at the process of building a medieval castle. With its combination of history, architecture, and craftsmanship, it will appeal to anyone with an interest in medieval history, DIY projects, or just good old-fashioned hard work.

Secrets of the Castle is a series that ran for 1 seasons (5 episodes) between November 18, 2014 and on