The Castle Studies Trust
@castlestudies.bsky.social
The Castle Studies Trust is a UK based charity founded in July 2012 with the aim of increasing knowledge of castles in the UK and abroad.
Pinned
Following the Trust receiving 21 applications asking for £170,000, will you help us fund major new castle research projects in 2026? Since 2013, we have made a major contribution to boosting the understanding & preservation of castles. To help please donate here: donate.kindlink.com/castle-studi...
Between 2018-21 we awarded Duncan Wright 3 grants to research Laughton castle which developed the proof of concept for an AHRC grant. Now it's up for a Current Archaeology awards under From Bayeux to Bosham. The winner is decided by public vote so vote for this great project: archaeology.co.uk/vote
December 21, 2025 at 5:02 PM
Between 2018-21 we awarded Duncan Wright 3 grants to research Laughton castle which developed the proof of concept for an AHRC grant. Now it's up for a Current Archaeology awards under From Bayeux to Bosham. The winner is decided by public vote so vote for this great project: archaeology.co.uk/vote
Reposted by The Castle Studies Trust
In a nice end to the year, I can draw your attention to this short (ish) report on the
earthwork survey of Cockroad Wood Castle in Somerset which I led this year. A fascinating, if slightly enigmatic site. historicengland.org.uk/research/res...
. One for @castlestudies.bsky.social
earthwork survey of Cockroad Wood Castle in Somerset which I led this year. A fascinating, if slightly enigmatic site. historicengland.org.uk/research/res...
. One for @castlestudies.bsky.social
December 19, 2025 at 10:36 AM
In a nice end to the year, I can draw your attention to this short (ish) report on the
earthwork survey of Cockroad Wood Castle in Somerset which I led this year. A fascinating, if slightly enigmatic site. historicengland.org.uk/research/res...
. One for @castlestudies.bsky.social
earthwork survey of Cockroad Wood Castle in Somerset which I led this year. A fascinating, if slightly enigmatic site. historicengland.org.uk/research/res...
. One for @castlestudies.bsky.social
Following the Trust receiving 21 applications asking for £170,000, will you help us fund major new castle research projects in 2026? Since 2013, we have made a major contribution to boosting the understanding & preservation of castles. To help please donate here: donate.kindlink.com/castle-studi...
December 14, 2025 at 5:30 PM
Following the Trust receiving 21 applications asking for £170,000, will you help us fund major new castle research projects in 2026? Since 2013, we have made a major contribution to boosting the understanding & preservation of castles. To help please donate here: donate.kindlink.com/castle-studi...
Originally it was thought that there was not much information on Dover in the folios. This has proved to be false and has given a lot of very useful information on the castle in what when we had previously known little. To find out see: castlestudiestrust.org/blog/2025/12...
December 8, 2025 at 10:40 AM
Originally it was thought that there was not much information on Dover in the folios. This has proved to be false and has given a lot of very useful information on the castle in what when we had previously known little. To find out see: castlestudiestrust.org/blog/2025/12...
Reposted by The Castle Studies Trust
The remains of Gresham castle photographed with a regular camera and how it looks with a LiDar drone camera.
December 7, 2025 at 7:58 PM
The remains of Gresham castle photographed with a regular camera and how it looks with a LiDar drone camera.
With the transcribing and translating of the survey of southern England fortifications finished Drs Paul Pattison and Esther van Raamsdonk are interpreting the text. They reveal that there's far more there than thought, especially on Dover. To learn more: castlestudiestrust.org/blog/2025/12...
December 7, 2025 at 5:31 PM
With the transcribing and translating of the survey of southern England fortifications finished Drs Paul Pattison and Esther van Raamsdonk are interpreting the text. They reveal that there's far more there than thought, especially on Dover. To learn more: castlestudiestrust.org/blog/2025/12...
Of the 21 applications we have received, we had 13 from England, 4 from Scotland and two each from Wales and Ireland. They are for a wide range of sites and are wanting to do a variety of things including excavations and our first ever under water geophys one. Read more on the link below.
On Monday, the deadline for applications passed for our 13th round of grants. We received 21 applications (most since our first year) asking for a record amount of over £170,000. To find out what applications we received you can read here: castlestudiestrust.org/blog/2025/12...
A large and varied crop of fascinating applications asking for a record amount of over £170,000 for the Castle Studies Trust to consider – Castle Studies Trust Blog
castlestudiestrust.org
December 4, 2025 at 10:18 AM
Of the 21 applications we have received, we had 13 from England, 4 from Scotland and two each from Wales and Ireland. They are for a wide range of sites and are wanting to do a variety of things including excavations and our first ever under water geophys one. Read more on the link below.
On Monday, the deadline for applications passed for our 13th round of grants. We received 21 applications (most since our first year) asking for a record amount of over £170,000. To find out what applications we received you can read here: castlestudiestrust.org/blog/2025/12...
A large and varied crop of fascinating applications asking for a record amount of over £170,000 for the Castle Studies Trust to consider – Castle Studies Trust Blog
castlestudiestrust.org
December 3, 2025 at 8:55 PM
On Monday, the deadline for applications passed for our 13th round of grants. We received 21 applications (most since our first year) asking for a record amount of over £170,000. To find out what applications we received you can read here: castlestudiestrust.org/blog/2025/12...
Reposted by The Castle Studies Trust
The Courtauld is offering a a new fully funded Peter Fergusson PhD Scholarship in English Medieval Architecture for eligible projects focusing on England from the eleventh to the early sixteenth centuries. Statement of intents are due by 17 November 2025.
Peter Fergusson PhD Scholarship in English Medieval Architecture, Courtauld, statement of intent deadline 17 November 2025
The Courtauld is offering a a new fully funded Peter Fergusson PhD Scholarship in English Medieval Architecture for eligible projects focusing on England from the eleventh to the early sixteenth centuries. Statement of intents are due by 17 November 2025.
medievalartresearch.com
November 10, 2025 at 1:16 PM
The Courtauld is offering a a new fully funded Peter Fergusson PhD Scholarship in English Medieval Architecture for eligible projects focusing on England from the eleventh to the early sixteenth centuries. Statement of intents are due by 17 November 2025.
Reposted by The Castle Studies Trust
Christian Clarkson of Simpson Brown look at the work they carried out at the iconic castle of Carrickfergus. Done as part of a City Deal, their work shows that we can still learn more from even the most extensively studied castle. To find out more read here: castlestudiestrust.org/blog/2025/11...
November 9, 2025 at 5:04 PM
Christian Clarkson of Simpson Brown look at the work they carried out at the iconic castle of Carrickfergus. Done as part of a City Deal, their work shows that we can still learn more from even the most extensively studied castle. To find out more read here: castlestudiestrust.org/blog/2025/11...
Christian Clarkson of Simpson Brown look at the work they carried out at the iconic castle of Carrickfergus. Done as part of a City Deal, their work shows that we can still learn more from even the most extensively studied castle. To find out more read here: castlestudiestrust.org/blog/2025/11...
November 9, 2025 at 5:04 PM
Christian Clarkson of Simpson Brown look at the work they carried out at the iconic castle of Carrickfergus. Done as part of a City Deal, their work shows that we can still learn more from even the most extensively studied castle. To find out more read here: castlestudiestrust.org/blog/2025/11...
Closing date for applications to the CST, is now exactly 4 weeks away on Monday 1 December
We are now open to receive grant applications. Closing date is 3 months today, 1 December. Remember to send 2 completed references and when writing it think what questions you are trying to answer and whether methods proposed will help do that.
The CST is delighted to announce that for our next round of grants, which will open in September, we will be increasing the maximum grant award by 40% to £14,000. Applications open on 1 Sept & closes on 1 Dec 2025. For more info you can go here: castlestudiestrust.org/Grants.html
November 3, 2025 at 10:43 AM
Closing date for applications to the CST, is now exactly 4 weeks away on Monday 1 December
@katiemcgown.bsky.social gives an update on how Visualisation of Canterbury Castle project we funded has progressed and looking at how visiting other similar sites can help with the visualisation of a very ruined structure: castlestudiestrust.org/blog/2025/10...
October 28, 2025 at 8:02 PM
@katiemcgown.bsky.social gives an update on how Visualisation of Canterbury Castle project we funded has progressed and looking at how visiting other similar sites can help with the visualisation of a very ruined structure: castlestudiestrust.org/blog/2025/10...
David's experience at Finlaggan shows the importance of the multi-disciplinary research on castles especially when written sources are so sparse. Find out how the excavation of Finlaggan transformed our understanding of it and history of the area.
"There's no castle here" however Finlaggan's dig director David Caldwell thought before he led a multi year excavation there. Find out how he changed his mind with a castle not thought to exist including when and by whom it was built by: castlestudiestrust.org/blog/2025/10...
October 16, 2025 at 8:55 AM
David's experience at Finlaggan shows the importance of the multi-disciplinary research on castles especially when written sources are so sparse. Find out how the excavation of Finlaggan transformed our understanding of it and history of the area.
"There's no castle here" however Finlaggan's dig director David Caldwell thought before he led a multi year excavation there. Find out how he changed his mind with a castle not thought to exist including when and by whom it was built by: castlestudiestrust.org/blog/2025/10...
October 15, 2025 at 7:12 PM
"There's no castle here" however Finlaggan's dig director David Caldwell thought before he led a multi year excavation there. Find out how he changed his mind with a castle not thought to exist including when and by whom it was built by: castlestudiestrust.org/blog/2025/10...
Reposted by The Castle Studies Trust
Just back from a really fascinating afternoon looking at the preliminary results of the Crookston Castle geophysical survey explained by Nick Hannon of HES and they are as positive as the turn for the fun day with lots of intriguing anomalies both inside and outside the fenced castle area.
October 11, 2025 at 5:00 PM
Just back from a really fascinating afternoon looking at the preliminary results of the Crookston Castle geophysical survey explained by Nick Hannon of HES and they are as positive as the turn for the fun day with lots of intriguing anomalies both inside and outside the fenced castle area.
Just back from a really fascinating afternoon looking at the preliminary results of the Crookston Castle geophysical survey explained by Nick Hannon of HES and they are as positive as the turn for the fun day with lots of intriguing anomalies both inside and outside the fenced castle area.
October 11, 2025 at 5:00 PM
Just back from a really fascinating afternoon looking at the preliminary results of the Crookston Castle geophysical survey explained by Nick Hannon of HES and they are as positive as the turn for the fun day with lots of intriguing anomalies both inside and outside the fenced castle area.
Reposted by The Castle Studies Trust
Reposted by The Castle Studies Trust
Reposted by The Castle Studies Trust
One of the most interesting features of Crusader Castles is the builders' use of pillars and lumps of masonry taken from classical sites.
You can see this clearly in this section of wall from the castle of Jubail in Lebanon (which incidentally is one of my favourite castles!)
You can see this clearly in this section of wall from the castle of Jubail in Lebanon (which incidentally is one of my favourite castles!)
October 1, 2025 at 1:42 PM
One of the most interesting features of Crusader Castles is the builders' use of pillars and lumps of masonry taken from classical sites.
You can see this clearly in this section of wall from the castle of Jubail in Lebanon (which incidentally is one of my favourite castles!)
You can see this clearly in this section of wall from the castle of Jubail in Lebanon (which incidentally is one of my favourite castles!)
Reposted by The Castle Studies Trust
In our latest blog post the team transcribing and translating the survey of 22 castles and forts in southern England by a Dutch engineer in the C17 give an update on their work including the challenges and revelations the text has thrown up: castlestudiestrust.org/blog/2025/09...
September 28, 2025 at 5:54 PM
In our latest blog post the team transcribing and translating the survey of 22 castles and forts in southern England by a Dutch engineer in the C17 give an update on their work including the challenges and revelations the text has thrown up: castlestudiestrust.org/blog/2025/09...
In our latest blog post the team transcribing and translating the survey of 22 castles and forts in southern England by a Dutch engineer in the C17 give an update on their work including the challenges and revelations the text has thrown up: castlestudiestrust.org/blog/2025/09...
September 28, 2025 at 5:54 PM
In our latest blog post the team transcribing and translating the survey of 22 castles and forts in southern England by a Dutch engineer in the C17 give an update on their work including the challenges and revelations the text has thrown up: castlestudiestrust.org/blog/2025/09...
Not that you would think it, but there's a castle hidden behind the facade of Dalkeith Palace. Find out how much survives and why, read below.
On the outside Dalkeith Palace is a C17 building, but beneath the exterior, as is often the case with great houses, something far older is revealed as Dr Christian Clarkson, Heritage Consultant at Simpson and Brown discovered when preparing a conservation plan castlestudiestrust.org/blog/2025/09...
September 17, 2025 at 8:41 AM
Not that you would think it, but there's a castle hidden behind the facade of Dalkeith Palace. Find out how much survives and why, read below.
On the outside Dalkeith Palace is a C17 building, but beneath the exterior, as is often the case with great houses, something far older is revealed as Dr Christian Clarkson, Heritage Consultant at Simpson and Brown discovered when preparing a conservation plan castlestudiestrust.org/blog/2025/09...
September 16, 2025 at 6:50 PM
On the outside Dalkeith Palace is a C17 building, but beneath the exterior, as is often the case with great houses, something far older is revealed as Dr Christian Clarkson, Heritage Consultant at Simpson and Brown discovered when preparing a conservation plan castlestudiestrust.org/blog/2025/09...
Reposted by The Castle Studies Trust
A mere 5 days to go! Send in your proposals!
Anyone up for another great set of castles papers at Leeds next year?
Send your best proposals for papers on time, castles, and everything in between. #CfP #castles
Please share! @imc-leeds.bsky.social @castlestudies.bsky.social
🏰 🏯🏰🏯🏰🏯
Send your best proposals for papers on time, castles, and everything in between. #CfP #castles
Please share! @imc-leeds.bsky.social @castlestudies.bsky.social
🏰 🏯🏰🏯🏰🏯
![TIME FOR CHANGE: TEMPORALITIES & CASTLES
Call for Papers - Leeds IMC 6-9 July 2026 - 'Temporalities'
[photograph of a sundial on the wall of Duriston Castle, by Neil Owen]
What is a castle in time? Is there a time of castles, for castles? Can castles be atemporal? What does a castle studies engaging with questions of temporality look like? Whose castle temporalities matter? Can we call time on the castle studies of yesterday, yesteryear? Can the lens of temporality challenge castle knowledges and interpretations?
This panel welcomes proposals which examine temporalities and temporalities in castle studies as a field of inquiry at the intersection of (among others) medieval studies, architecture, archaeology, history, heritage and medievalism.
Papers of between 15-20 minutes, by researchers at all career stages, discussing any aspects of castle studies research including but not limited to the following, are welcome:
• Temporality in castle studies;
• Remembering and memorializing in castle
Obscured history, identities and heritages in spaces, communities, themes: past and
castles past and present
present;
• Medieval temporalities and the heritage •
Temporally situated antiquity, novelty and innovation in castles;
• Planning, timing, scheduling, recording in • castle communities, lives, societies;
• Ruined, lost and fictional castles in time
Parallel and contradictory times;
• Time and temporality in the reception of castles;
Please send proposals (a title and abstract of no more than 200 words; short biography of 50 words or less), or any questions, to Dr William Wyeth (william.wyeth@english-heritage.org.uk) by 15 September 2025,
This session is organised by Emma Fearon (Nottingham Trent University) and William Wyeth (English Heritage)](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:cufbyelmip22n2nfovzppjtw/bafkreihv6l7jrbe37evhks2lmef6eihjfbkaja6ge37pxllhawos5yjjca@jpeg)
September 10, 2025 at 8:36 AM
A mere 5 days to go! Send in your proposals!