Dover Castle
17 Jun 2010 Leave a Comment
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European history isn’t very strong in American public schools. I remember only one year dedicated to it–9th grade–and that year was spent mostly on 20th century happenings, particularly the Russian revolution and The Age of Anxiety. I honestly can’t remember hearing a thing about William the Conqueror in public school, ever.
Thus, it probably comes as no particular surprise that the charm and allure of Britain’s medieval past was lost on me for a long time. Then I discovered the Iron Age and bog bodies, which still fascinate me. Then I had some fun dabbling in Saxon costuming. Then I read Lord of the Rings and Beowulf, and “got” the allure of the Saxon mead-halls and chivalry.
And then, last night, we watched the Time Team special about Dover Castle and its interior restoration. And oooooh, the beauty and the drama of all those hangings, all those embroidered tapestries, the painted furniture, the gold and silver-work. Suddenly, I’m beginning to feel some love for the Norman.
You can see some video of the restored rooms in Dover Castle here. Click the Great Tower link, and then the Virtual Tour link. It’s pretty fabulous.
