Battle Castle

Built and fought for by men like Richard the Lionheart, these castles are the sites of some of the most legendary power struggles of all time. All are all prime examples of their era, a testament to the engineering and military expertise of the day.



The central narrative of each episode is the story of one castle at a critical moment in its history – the point at which, after decades of building and improvements, it is thought to be invincible. Now it faces the ultimate test: an attacking army determined to overthrow the defenders.

Lavish CGI reveals the castle’s design and meticulous construction, recreating it in all its original glory. Medieval warfare was an ongoing game of innovation and counter-innovation, with weaponry and techniques constantly being modified and adjusted. Find out what forces each ‘castellan’ (the commander of the castle) put in place to repel the invaders, and what strategies the attackers used.

The climax of each episode is the final attack. Terrifying battle scenes are bought to life using fast-paced dramatic reconstruction and the latest visual effects. Who wins, who loses? Defenders or attackers? Victory or defeat?

In the final part of each programme, Dan explores the consequences of the outcome of the siege. Does it herald the collapse of an empire, or the start of a new one?

Set against the backdrop of the larger conflict and the stakes for both sides, this engaging and dynamic series is a compelling journey of discovery filmed in some of the world’s most exciting historical locations.