Usborne Peep Inside the Castle

Synopsis

Young children can explore a bustling medieval castle in this charming, lift-the-flap non-fiction book. Flaps and peep-through holes in the pages reveal a knight putting on his armour, castle guards counting the king's treasure and a grand feast with the royal family. A lovely introduction to a popular historical subject for little children.

Summary

Chapter 1: Gateway and Drawbridge

* Description: Illustrates the castle's entrance, a drawbridge over a moat, and a fortified gateway with a portcullis.
* Real Example: Caernarfon Castle, Wales, with its impressive drawbridge and polygonal towers.

Chapter 2: Great Hall

* Description: Explores the castle's central chamber, used for feasts, celebrations, and occasionally justice.
* Real Example: Westminster Hall, London, a magnificent medieval hall renowned for its grand banquets and trials.

Chapter 3: King's State Apartment

* Description: Shows the King's luxurious living quarters, including his private chamber, chapel, and great chamber for entertaining.
* Real Example: Stirling Castle, Scotland, where King James V's lavishly decorated apartments showcase exquisite Renaissance architecture.

Chapter 4: Armoury

* Description: Portrays the castle's store of weapons, including swords, spears, and armor.
* Real Example: Tower of London, England, home to the iconic Royal Armouries, a collection of priceless medieval weapons.

Chapter 5: Keep

* Description: Features the castle's central stronghold, a solid, fortified tower used for defense and as a last refuge.
* Real Example: Edinburgh Castle, Scotland, with its iconic keep known as David's Tower, which offers panoramic views of the city.

Chapter 6: Courtyard

* Description: Illustrates the castle's open space, used for training, recreation, and housing livestock.
* Real Example: Windsor Castle, England, with its vast Lower Ward courtyard, where jousting tournaments and royal pageants were held.

Chapter 7: Garden

* Description: Explores the castle's enclosed garden, used for growing herbs, vegetables, and flowers.
* Real Example: Hampton Court Palace, England, with its renowned Tudor knot gardens, a showcase of intricate plant designs.

Chapter 8: Chapel

* Description: Depicts the castle's place of worship, often richly decorated with stained glass windows and carvings.
* Real Example: St. George's Chapel, Windsor Castle, England, a magnificent Gothic chapel known for its exquisite choir stalls and burial sites of British monarchs.

Chapter 9: Dungeon

* Description: Explores the castle's darkest corner, used to hold prisoners and inflict punishments.
* Real Example: Warwick Castle, England, with its medieval dungeons that offer a chilling glimpse into the harsh realities of castle life.