Secrets of the Castle

Secrets of the Castle is an enlightening historical documentary series that first hit the small screen in 2014. Produced by the British Broadcasting Company (BBC), the essence of this series is the exploration of experimental archeology as it highlights techniques from the 13th century. The engaging take-away from this show is its ability to transport viewers back into the Middle Ages, uncovering the techniques and methodologies used in constructing castles, as well as diving into the day-to-day lives of people from that era.

The series is centered around Guédelon Castle in Burgundy, France: a unique, living experiment where archeologists and builders are constructing a castle using the same techniques and materials employed in the 13th-century. This castle in real-time construction provides the backbone of the whole series. It's a bid to understand the 'secrets' of medieval manors, providing first-hand insights into how these engineering feats were accomplished hundreds of years ago.

The 'Secrets of the Castle' is hosted by historian Ruth Goodman, archaeologist Tom Pinfold, and master mason Peter Ginn. The series consists of five, hour-long episodes. Each one is dedicated to a different aspect of castle building and medieval life. These components range from architectural designs, stone cutting, mortar making, to woodworking and even blacksmithing. Not only does the series dissect the construction process, but it also dives deep into the socioeconomic facets of the era, exploring the lives of the laborers, craftsmen, and landowners.

Ruth Goodman's role in the series is to focus on the historical context and elaborate on the everyday life of people who resided in the castles. She also examines the food they ate, the clothes they wore, and the overall lifestyle they led in those times. Peter Ginn undertakes the construction perspective and engages in practical masonry tasks, demonstrating the techniques medieval laborers would have used. Tom Pinfold, in contrast, delves into the role of different workers involved in the castle construction, from stonecutters and carpenters to blacksmiths and tile-makers.

The Secrets of the Castle offers thoroughly researched and detailed illustrations of the past, making history readily accessible and appealing to the average viewer. Furthermore, it explains why castles were built the way they were and reveals the defensive logistics behind certain architectural decisions. Viewers get to witness how a seemingly simple stone castle would have been a complex structure built with a strategic motive.

The series helps viewers visualize how people of the Middle Ages communicated, how they entertained themselves, and how they made a living. It opens windows into countless aspects of 13th-century life that might simply feel alien to the modern audience.

The Secrets of the Castle exceptionally blends education and entertainment. With its real-life experiment at its core, viewers get an unusual inside peek into the life and troubles of the medieval world. As the series progresses, you grow attached not only to the presenters but also to the entire team working at Guédelon, including the horses.

Secrets of the Castle is a must-watch series for those who hold a passion for history and the ingenuity of our ancestors. The show makes history feel alive and relevant, taking viewers through a humanistic, tangible journey. It's an illuminating marriage of archaeology, history, and experimental construction that leaves its audience with a profound respect for the capabilities of those in the past, creating a tangible connection across centuries. The series does more than just describe what happened in history—it lets viewers experience it.