Castles: Britain's Fortified History
Castles: Britain's Fortified History is a TV show on BBC4. Historian Sam Willis traces the story of Britain's castles and their unique role in our history, art and literature. The program has been available since 2026. A total of 2 episodes have been broadcast, most recently in February 2026.
Last episode
Castles: Britain's Fortified History
Sam Willis tells the story of the English ruler who left the most indelible mark on the castle, Edward I, as he turned it into an instrument of colonisation.
Catching up on Castles: Britain's Fortified History?
Don't want to miss an episode anymore? Set up a free alarm and receive an email when new episodes are available. Handy!
Sam Willis shows how the castle arrived as an instrument of invasion with the Normans but became a weapon with which unruly barons challenged the Crown.