Secrets of a Medieval Castle | Chepstow Castle

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  • Опубліковано 24 гру 2024

КОМЕНТАРІ • 7 тис.

  • @maddawgnoll
    @maddawgnoll 17 днів тому +6

    I came for the castle. I stayed for the enthusiasm. This guy truly enjoys telling the history

  • @mjrchapin
    @mjrchapin 2 роки тому +3189

    I have watched so many UK history documentaries, including ones about castles, but this is far away and the most entertaining, informative, and lively one. This gentleman's enthusiasm and knowledge is wonderful!

    • @thehistorysquad
      @thehistorysquad  2 роки тому +200

      Thank you !!

    • @acorn8170
      @acorn8170 2 роки тому +130

      I came here to say the same thing. I learned more about castles in this video than anything I've ever took away ..great video. Thank you

    • @posttyped11
      @posttyped11 2 роки тому +73

      As soon as he said it is his all time favorite castle, it was automatically mine as well.

    • @lenol0315
      @lenol0315 2 роки тому +14

      How long do you think the wooden floors survived before they fell down and were destroyed from time

    • @Mr.RobotHead
      @Mr.RobotHead 2 роки тому +31

      Yes, probably the best "castle tour" video I've seen.

  • @theblackprince1346
    @theblackprince1346 2 роки тому +833

    Half an hour video of Kevin talking history. What a treat.

  • @Lord_Baphomet_
    @Lord_Baphomet_ Рік тому +212

    The glee in his voice when talking about history is such a delight to be a part of.

  • @Diskhate
    @Diskhate 7 місяців тому +55

    Ever had the sensation that you are listening to someone who has that kind of genuine, everlasting and deep love of what he's talking about? This is that

  • @jasmijnariel
    @jasmijnariel Рік тому +177

    No clickbait crap, no loud music... just a good informative video ❤
    I subscribed😊

    • @thehistorysquad
      @thehistorysquad  Рік тому +9

      Thank you so much & welcome to the channel 👍🏻

    • @brandiguzzo9419
      @brandiguzzo9419 8 місяців тому +5

      Same here!

    • @rhondathompson6942
      @rhondathompson6942 7 місяців тому +2

      @@thehistorysquad your like our history teacher love it

    • @jarlwhiterun7478
      @jarlwhiterun7478 7 місяців тому +1

      ​@@rhondathompson6942you're*
      You need an English teacher too!

    • @TyraP-ey9rp
      @TyraP-ey9rp 7 місяців тому

      ​@@jarlwhiterun7478Lmao

  • @abiA5
    @abiA5 2 роки тому +458

    I'd just like to say that I love your videos. I'm disabled and mainly bed bound. Through your videos you enable me to see incredible historical places and learn about our history. Without people making history accessible through videos, photos etc, I would be unable to see places like this castle. Thank you so much for making history accessible to everyone and creating a record of these historic sites for generations to come.

    • @thehistorysquad
      @thehistorysquad  2 роки тому +35

      It's my pleasure Abigail, thank you for watching.

    • @generalkayoss7347
      @generalkayoss7347 2 роки тому +3

      Mind if I ask what happened?

    • @davebeech236
      @davebeech236 2 роки тому

      You'll probably enjoy this channel: ua-cam.com/users/TheCotswoldExplorer

    • @TechMan1900
      @TechMan1900 2 роки тому +30

      @@generalkayoss7347 That’s considered by many to be a very impolite question to ask. If they wanted to share, they would.

    • @brucedillinger9448
      @brucedillinger9448 2 роки тому +18

      GeneralKayoss - with all due respect that is quite a personal question and would most often be considered rude. I'm guessing that was not your intention.

  • @The.Spoonie.Witch66
    @The.Spoonie.Witch66 Рік тому +69

    There’s nothing I love more than listening to someone talk about something they are passionate about. 😊

    • @owlthepirate5997
      @owlthepirate5997 4 місяці тому +1

      Then you'd love hearing me talk about reefer.

    • @donnarichardson7214
      @donnarichardson7214 22 дні тому

      Don't forget knowledgeable. The internet is chock full of freaks talking passionately about things they know nothing about.

  • @robbyboogz
    @robbyboogz 2 роки тому +341

    Kevin’s fast walk when he is explaining stuff is great 😂 you can tell how enthusiastic he is about this stuff and it is awesome to see.

  • @hugodesrosiers-plaisance3156
    @hugodesrosiers-plaisance3156 Рік тому +422

    As a woodworker, those original castle doors, with the bracings and the iron studs, absolutely floored me. Such a stunning piece of woorworking and iron smithing, and such a wonderful piece of History.

    • @davidlillecrapp2960
      @davidlillecrapp2960 Рік тому +19

      The doors floored you! 😄
      Your right though, they look amazing.

    • @hugodesrosiers-plaisance3156
      @hugodesrosiers-plaisance3156 Рік тому +14

      @@davidlillecrapp2960 I'm glad at least one person got the pun. 😛

    • @Iamhaseebraza
      @Iamhaseebraza Рік тому +10

      Have u seen wooden doors of forts and mansions of indian subcontinent that of mughal and after era?? U will be stunned to by looking at those huge doors 500-600 years old woth fresco art carved on them

    • @modulusquantum6455
      @modulusquantum6455 Рік тому +3

      @@Iamhaseebraza East Indian architecture and it's history is absolutely mind boggling. But then much of Antediluvian
      science, math and architecture comes from more advanced civilizations than our own. Our most advanced tech will look like
      this video millennia in the future.

    • @jorgeguanche5327
      @jorgeguanche5327 Рік тому +8

      ​@@hugodesrosiers-plaisance3156 in the late 80s I was in the House of one schoolmate. His father was a Carpenter and had the originals Doors of the christofer Columbus House in the canary islands....a few hundreds years old doors that the local politicians remove from the House and trow them to the garbage. As a little kid those Doors looks like a medieval dream..

  • @davepersich3035
    @davepersich3035 2 роки тому +1205

    Apparently the doors are the oldest castle doors in Europe. They were originally thought to date from 1245, but using tree ring analysis, they have been dated to pre 1190, probably commissioned by William Marshal. They are among the earliest examples of Oak being sawn, rather than cleaved. The doors, clad in iron were never breached. The Parliamentary army found it easier to breach the castle walls during the civil war.

    • @thehistorysquad
      @thehistorysquad  2 роки тому +245

      Yes, Dave, that's all bang on 👍🏻

    • @kennyshortcake999
      @kennyshortcake999 2 роки тому +37

      Thanks for that matey 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

    • @LR-yu3mx
      @LR-yu3mx 2 роки тому +30

      Very informative and interesting! I have learnt in build ing, an arch is a very strong stucture. We had arches in a house that my late husband designed. The bulder made a wooden. Arch and rhe bricks were laid diagonally over the wooden arch-stucture.. After the mortas was dry, rhe arch was extremely strong. I think all these arches were done in that way, and not filled up with soil. When you have an arch, one does not need a lintle above the door/window, because of the strengh

    • @margaretlavender9647
      @margaretlavender9647 2 роки тому +29

      NOT ‘probably’. The door, the main door WAS definitely installed by William the Marshal.

    • @sipjedekat8525
      @sipjedekat8525 2 роки тому +34

      @@margaretlavender9647 I bet he got help with doing that. :)

  • @ew1974
    @ew1974 Рік тому +66

    Mr. Hicks, your knowledge and enthusiasm for the subject matter shines through this entire video. Thank you, and your team, very much for this wonderful history lesson. In relation to your pop quiz, I imagine the iron plating on the doors had as much to do with fire resistance as it did with protection from battering ram, and later powder blasting.

    • @thehistorysquad
      @thehistorysquad  Рік тому +11

      That's very kind, thank you and yes you're right about the fire resistance properties of the iron plating. 👍🏻

    • @littlecharlie4293
      @littlecharlie4293 2 місяці тому

      Yes I was wondering about that. Thanks.

  • @allisonoleary6695
    @allisonoleary6695 2 роки тому +295

    I'd love to have this guy for a history teacher! He's so full of knowledge and enthusiastic!

    • @tiredofthetyranny9874
      @tiredofthetyranny9874 Рік тому +3

      I had a step grandfather with his enthusiasm I appreciated him for everything he showed me.

    • @taylorjensen2787
      @taylorjensen2787 Рік тому +4

      If you learned something.. then he is your history teacher in a way.

    • @zzirSnipzz1
      @zzirSnipzz1 Рік тому +2

      Man is decent with a bow too

    • @stef1lee
      @stef1lee Рік тому +2

      You know how many kids we could get into class if teachers were like him? I would have studied more instead of running home to jump on my bike and head down to the secret lagoon my friends' parents created for us. 😊

  • @georgekelly5338
    @georgekelly5338 2 роки тому +264

    I'm just a simple American living in the middle of the US. But I have always been fascinated by castles in general from all over the world. I used to imagine the battles and everyday life in these buildings when I was a kid.

    • @mickleblade
      @mickleblade 2 роки тому +30

      There's a great saying, in England 100 miles is a long way, while in America 100yrs is a long time.

    • @Sonof_DRN2004
      @Sonof_DRN2004 2 роки тому +3

      The castle of my home town is literally cut in half. The medieval pub next to it is still there though, British priorities innit lol.
      It was ripped apart for stone which was used in the medieval church extension and in the Victorian church as well as the city hall and some buildings I believe.
      The second closest castle to where I live has literally got a laser tag built into it on one side and a Five guys adjacent in the other. That one was bombed by the Germans during WW2, so it wasn’t totally our fault.

    • @theatfshotmydog8224
      @theatfshotmydog8224 2 роки тому +9

      @@mickleblade that’s pretty fair, 100 miles is my daily commute from home to work then back to home here in Texas 😂. I really do envy your countries historical sites, also the views look beautiful.

    • @njdarudedovich6126
      @njdarudedovich6126 2 роки тому +2

      Me too im from Philippines and im 29

    • @KellyBell1
      @KellyBell1 Рік тому

      Same here, southeast Texas. Husband drives 80 mi to work and back.
      Definitely have such admiration for all of these countries that have extremely ancient histories!
      I have been fascinated by anything ancient or old since childhood and still gives me the same excitement at 58.

  • @DoahnKea_Tuber
    @DoahnKea_Tuber 2 роки тому +161

    This gentleman, Kevin Hicks, is a joy to watch as he present his favorite (and now, mine as well) castle, Chepstow. What a wonderful educator!

  • @ninorbit
    @ninorbit Рік тому +226

    I would love to go on a castle tour with this guy! He is a national treasure!

    • @Alleycat___
      @Alleycat___ 9 місяців тому

      He built the castle himself

    • @ltvanburen8555
      @ltvanburen8555 7 місяців тому

      @nicolesheen. I have been thinking the same thing. To heck with the stately homes! This site and his Harrington Hall videos- These are the types of things I want to see! Maybe if enough of us ask him, he will consider it!

    • @deborahborlase7100
      @deborahborlase7100 7 місяців тому +1

      I was thinking the same thing, he'd be the BEST tour guide!!

  • @Bloodspark813
    @Bloodspark813 2 роки тому +63

    "These little bits of history I've learned over the years are a treasure." Sir, You are a treasure. Thanks for the history and stories!

    • @thehistorysquad
      @thehistorysquad  2 роки тому +3

      Cheers Brice 👍

    • @leehayden6281
      @leehayden6281 2 роки тому +2

      The old stone mason you talk about who worked at the castle saying that the roof would leak if they done it like that,
      Would that be Cyril Knapton by any chance ?

    • @thehistorysquad
      @thehistorysquad  2 роки тому +2

      @@leehayden6281 No, this was Martin. Andrew was another stonemason I had contact with, although I do recall the name Cyril.

    • @leehayden6281
      @leehayden6281 2 роки тому +2

      @@thehistorysquad
      Cyril Knapton was my grandfather & he was a stone mason & chief builder at Chepstow castle in the 70s-80s,
      When I was a child my grandparents had a cannonball as a door stop that my grandfather had retrieved from the walls of the castle.

    • @thehistorysquad
      @thehistorysquad  2 роки тому +2

      @@leehayden6281 Wow, that's brilliant, I used to love sitting down for a cup of tea with some of the old masons, they were full of knowledge.

  • @deepg7084
    @deepg7084 2 роки тому +196

    Imagine walking through this castle with VR headsets on, and seeing it as it existed in its heyday through augmented reality. Painted walls with shields and ornaments, fires dancing in the fireplace, weapons stacked up in the guard room. I hope I live to see that day.

    • @teddybear-g4k
      @teddybear-g4k 2 роки тому +20

      That is a great idea! You see what it was like, and the very next moment you take off the gear and you see what it is now. Wow!

    • @Valarie834
      @Valarie834 Рік тому +5

      This is a fantastic idea

    • @Mags1906
      @Mags1906 Рік тому +2

      I love this idea. Bring history alive.

    • @Ya_boi295
      @Ya_boi295 Рік тому +3

      Your comment makes me imagine Kingdom come deliverance but in VR and it sounds epic

    • @nicbobags8241
      @nicbobags8241 Рік тому +2

      They do this at Chinon castle in France - it's great!

  • @idiotsandwich4912
    @idiotsandwich4912 2 роки тому +73

    He is so passionate about this and it makes it so easy and engaging to listen to him. I can almost imagine the castle as it was when he talks about it. It’s like he was there!

  • @brendanmings8457
    @brendanmings8457 Рік тому +11

    I’m dying for more castle tours. You need picked up by television. What passion. I could watch these tirelessly.

    • @brendanmings8457
      @brendanmings8457 Рік тому

      And did they put iron on the door to prevent it from burning as easy?

    • @thehistorysquad
      @thehistorysquad  Рік тому +1

      Thanks, and yes you're right it was to repel fire. I have one more castle tour this year and am now planning another trip back to the UK 👍🏻

    • @marilynmitchell2712
      @marilynmitchell2712 21 день тому

      It is better here without the editing of television.

  • @legus9684
    @legus9684 2 роки тому +153

    You can just tell our host, the one and only Kevin Hicks, is having a blast while showing us around his favorite castle while he gives us insight on many things we wouldn't even imagine. There's a point on the video that you say the knowledge and the stories you gathered about that place along the decades are treasures, and I couldn't agree more. Incredible video, blew my mind.

    • @thehistorysquad
      @thehistorysquad  2 роки тому +19

      Oh my goodness, that's very kind of you, (and insightful 😉). I love that place.

    • @fodderfortynine8706
      @fodderfortynine8706 2 роки тому +7

      @@thehistorysquad Your love, knowledge, experience, and enthusiasm for the castle is incandescent in within this video. Given the sorry state of the internet--just a few short decades after it was supposed to bring better understanding and a time of peace to the world--this video prompted me to think what a shame (a rare thought, indeed) that there wasn't an internet to record similar videos like these for your countless predecessors. So much of what was taken for granted by them is now lost to us.
      Thank you for taking the time to do this.

    • @Skarry
      @Skarry 2 роки тому +6

      This is the first video I've seen from this channel. I love watching anyone who has this much passion for anything. Especially so when it's historic, interesting, and new to me. I appreciate the knowledge this man is sharing and the joy he still has for sharing it.

    • @jetplane10
      @jetplane10 2 роки тому +3

      Yes memories are treasures as is knowledge in old people especially?, as they have amased the most.
      Like the old man (that Kevin mentioned) that knew the ceiling put in, in that one room, would leak because of the way that they had done it. What a shame his know-how couldn't be captured before he passed. That was where apprentices really made a contribution that was never really appreciated eh. Good old days were good indeed.

    • @deborah879
      @deborah879 2 роки тому +1

      @@Skarry I so agree :) love history.

  • @Thwarptide
    @Thwarptide 2 роки тому +90

    It takes a great orator to keep me interested in castles and yet I was glued for the last 30 minutes here. Utterly fascinating! Being a carpenter, I was naturally impressed with all the woodwork. “We think we’re clever?” No, men weren’t exactly stupid back then. They made due with the technology of their days; and they did so brilliantly! Thank you Mr Kevin for a fascinating tour! 👍🇺🇸

  • @thomasmartin7816
    @thomasmartin7816 2 роки тому +260

    I cannot convey how much I enjoyed this. I no longer have the physical ability or means to get to places like this and this was incredible, wonderful and you're a great guide!

    • @thehistorysquad
      @thehistorysquad  2 роки тому +16

      Thanks Thomas, I'm so glad you enjoyed it!

    • @signheart7520
      @signheart7520 2 роки тому +14

      Yes! That is exactly how I feel. I am old and handicapped now and I miss taking tours of castles and great houses. His videos are so enjoyable and informative.

    • @sebione3576
      @sebione3576 2 роки тому +10

      Agreed, and I love how the camera person gets all into the nitty gritty details, as well. It's like being there. Thank you for the effort you put into videos like this!

    • @ld3418
      @ld3418 2 роки тому +8

      Total agreement! My husband's and my mold induced severe asthma cringe at seeing the green mold and we joke we even can smell it from the years before we got worse enjoying historic touring. What a gift Kevin gives us online. Thank you so much.

    • @Russllandia
      @Russllandia 2 роки тому +1

      I am so impressed 👏 🙌 by the architecture, history and knowledge of this great man. I'm American but live in Sweden 🇸🇪. I wish I could be able to visit places like this 😢
      Managed to go to Ireland 🇮🇪 before my body gave up. I love learning history.

  • @finnickrinzler8907
    @finnickrinzler8907 Рік тому +10

    I can almost imagine myself as a child watching Mr. Hicks as host of History Squad on like PBS or something making history fun. Well done sir.

  • @1206chaos
    @1206chaos 2 роки тому +141

    I couldn’t imagine what this castle looked like in its day. When the gentleman said the walls were finished and painted I was amazed because you couldn’t tell this by looking at it. I’d live in it with the rough condition. Cheers to the gentleman who led our tour and narrated the show. Great job.

    • @thehistorysquad
      @thehistorysquad  2 роки тому +9

      You're welcome Matthew 👍🏻

    • @kfl611
      @kfl611 2 роки тому +7

      I wonder how much coal and wood it took to get it even remotely warm? I think they must have only heated a few, most used rooms.

    • @MissGroves
      @MissGroves 2 роки тому +3

      There was a live in custodian until the 60's I believe

    • @thehistorysquad
      @thehistorysquad  2 роки тому +7

      @@MissGroves Yes, there was indeed 👍🏻 His accommodation was fully habitable within the castle, which when he left became a museum but has since been changed so much there's no longer any evidence of it.

    • @promontorium
      @promontorium 2 роки тому +2

      This is one reason I really hope they get on with that castle people have been building in France for decades. I get that it's an educational project, but I would really like to see some finished rooms, it's hard to imagine what things looked like. Hell I know what a finished house looks like and I still find it hard to imagine what a halfway finished house will look like.

  • @Charles-oo8bq
    @Charles-oo8bq Рік тому +55

    Really appreciate this tour. As an American stone Mason now living in Bavaria I'm really amazed at the structural integrity and energy this beautiful castle represents. Thank you.

    • @davidtatum8682
      @davidtatum8682 10 місяців тому +2

      How the hell you end up in Bavaria? I tell you, with all the bullshit going on on the US now, it has me looking to become an ex-pat myself.

    • @davidtatum8682
      @davidtatum8682 10 місяців тому

      How the hell you end up in Bavaria? I tell you, with all the bullshit going on on the US now, it has me looking to become an ex-pat myself.

  • @Falk4J
    @Falk4J 2 роки тому +111

    What's not to enjoy about this man explaining it all so detailed and lovingly. He has a gift of making it interesting for everyone. Usually you see a castle and think that's what it was built in the first place but then you learn you are looking at centuries of developments and repurposing of parts of the building. I really enjoyed your tour, sir! Keep it up for us peasants, will you. God bless you!

    • @thehistorysquad
      @thehistorysquad  2 роки тому +7

      Haha, thanks very much, I will do 👍🏻

    • @j.michaeljefferson60
      @j.michaeljefferson60 2 роки тому +7

      @@thehistorysquad You are of a man from the past and the knowledge is just pouring out to the people who are enjoying every moment of the history lesson with a smile.U R amazing Sir. I thank you

    • @laurieuntersee4229
      @laurieuntersee4229 2 роки тому +1

      And God save the king!!

  • @johnshields6852
    @johnshields6852 Рік тому +36

    We tend to think these people were a bit backwards, but they were very clever, much more hands on than today. Great commentary, well spoken with interesting cadence. Thank you.

  • @marykilgarriff3550
    @marykilgarriff3550 2 роки тому +33

    You are a wonderful historian and I'm sure you were a teacher par excellence. I'm a retired history teacher from Ireland 🇮🇪. I'd loved to have been able to show my students your video. Well done and best wishes from Ireland 🇮🇪

  • @michiganmoto7687
    @michiganmoto7687 2 роки тому +83

    I’ve always dreamed of visiting a castle such as that and getting an in depth tour of the areas the average visitor wouldn’t have access to. I could literally spend an entire day marveling at the construction and recreating it in my mind what it must have looked like in its prime.
    Thanks for the virtual walkthrough. I imagine this is as close as I will ever get to being there.

    • @inyobill
      @inyobill Рік тому +2

      If you make it to Germany, put Berg Eltz at the top of your list. Unlike Neuschwanstein (Noyshvahnshtine), it is an authentic mostly intact castle.

    • @cherihayward350
      @cherihayward350 Рік тому +1

      When I went to Chepstow Castle we didn't get to go in any of these rooms..just the outskirt of it...its really interesting to see the inards of it ❤

  • @SSHitMan
    @SSHitMan 2 роки тому +126

    @4:20 A lesser-known defensive feature of the medieval castle was the ticket booth charging exorbitant prices for entry, this kept all but the wealthiest of enemies from entering the first bailey.

    • @thehistorysquad
      @thehistorysquad  2 роки тому +22

      🤣

    • @hookywookywithmalarkyman704
      @hookywookywithmalarkyman704 2 роки тому +9

      Probably due to paying staff to prevent folks chiping away at the place to take home ey !

    • @solidstateresistor2485
      @solidstateresistor2485 2 роки тому +6

      We were at the 3 tunns pub, just below the castle last week and came back the next day. When we found out it cost £16.60 for both of us to get in, we left.

    • @atomictraveller
      @atomictraveller 2 роки тому +4

      4:20... exorbitant prices.. 4:20... ..exorbitant prices...
      what could it mean
      :)

    • @ShadowlordDio
      @ShadowlordDio 2 роки тому +5

      @@thehistorysquad in fact i bet that to have a simple smithing shop in there would have been expensive in taxes

  • @reserrvoirman
    @reserrvoirman Рік тому +11

    I live in New England and our history is not as old as yours. The beautiful stone work that’s evident in the castle’s of Europe just blows me away. Thanks you for the time you spent showing us the secrets that are built into the building of this beautiful castle. It’s shows you that these stones were not just haphazardly stacked in place but each one had meaning and purpose. The knowledge that these people possessed is just mind boggling. As far as civilization has come they can’t hold a candle to these ancient craftsman. I’m glad I found your channel. I love all the content you film on u tube. Wish you could just go back for a day and see what life was like a thousand years ago. All the best.

    • @scottbradford4130
      @scottbradford4130 Рік тому

      No way. I'm in Massachusetts. You??

    • @reserrvoirman
      @reserrvoirman Рік тому

      @@scottbradford4130 eastern Ct.

    • @scottbradford4130
      @scottbradford4130 Рік тому +1

      @reserrvoirman beautiful out there. Been to a couple skateparks out there. Savin rock(no longer there) Rockwell or Rockford plaza, something like that. It was near Bristol and the new one called Naugatuck. Awesome place

    • @reserrvoirman
      @reserrvoirman Рік тому

      @@scottbradford4130 nice , I’m in eastern ct about ten miles north of Foxwoods

    • @scottbradford4130
      @scottbradford4130 Рік тому

      @@reserrvoirman sweet

  • @mcbreezy1rc226
    @mcbreezy1rc226 Рік тому +30

    I wish I had a history teacher like you when I was younger. I can tell you truly love teaching history and it's much easier to learn from someone that loves what they do.

    • @petergianakopoulos4926
      @petergianakopoulos4926 Рік тому +1

      Your history teacher wishes they had better students that practiced self directed learning.

    • @mcbreezy1rc226
      @mcbreezy1rc226 Рік тому

      @Peter Gianakopoulos that's the best comment you could come up with. You must live a sad life to have searched so hard to comment something and it's negative. Maybe you need a good history lesson.

    • @petergianakopoulos4926
      @petergianakopoulos4926 Рік тому

      @@mcbreezy1rc226 Yup very sad.

    • @mcbreezy1rc226
      @mcbreezy1rc226 Рік тому

      @@petergianakopoulos4926 I'm sorry

    • @petergianakopoulos4926
      @petergianakopoulos4926 Рік тому

      @@mcbreezy1rc226 ty for your condolences. Given that I was right you werent a good student though.

  • @voyaristika5673
    @voyaristika5673 2 роки тому +65

    I'm an American Anglophile. Love British history and really enjoyed this tour. I'll find more Kevin. But I always wish they'd show what these places looked like in their own time. It's hard to just imagine.

    • @thehistorysquad
      @thehistorysquad  2 роки тому +21

      Yeah, sorry copyright and all that, but there's a link in the video description to a blog that has some great illustrations of what it may have looked like.

    • @mehitabel6564
      @mehitabel6564 2 роки тому +4

      Believe me, when you're physically in the castle, it's not difficult to imagine (I visited this weekend). The place has a palpable aura of power, and the way that the defences and buildings are organised gives you a real sense of what went on.

    • @arkangelnorthman
      @arkangelnorthman 2 роки тому +2

      ya!! like the castle footings under the louvre.

    • @janledford3010
      @janledford3010 2 роки тому +1

      @@thehistorysquad I was going to text about this same thing!! Thankyou for your great tour, you are an amazing teacher! I love history, but I’m ashamed to say I don’t know much about medieval times. Wouldn’t it be something, if we could have a glimpse back in time!! Not go back in time( times were to hard then!!), but just to be an on-watcher, to see the castle as it was, and watch the people going about their daily lives. I read and study a lot about Roman times, and all that was going on at the same time as what we read in the Bible. But to learn what was going on at the same time in England, Great Britain, Scotland, and Ireland, would be something. God bless🙏🙏❣️

    • @thehistorysquad
      @thehistorysquad  2 роки тому +2

      @@janledford3010 How lovely Jan, thanks for your comment. Medieval times are one of my favourite periods to study. 👍🏻

  • @Mrcaffinebean
    @Mrcaffinebean 2 роки тому +98

    Kevin was an excellent guide! Clearly an expert and I love how excited he is to share the things he’s learned over the years and I enjoyed learning it!

  • @timburr4453
    @timburr4453 Рік тому +11

    He is AWESOME. I'm a huge history buff and this was such a fun, informative documentary.

  • @Hydraulic67
    @Hydraulic67 2 роки тому +6

    Thank you sir. Being a bloody Yank I don’t get anything more than a guided tour, IF I’m lucky enough to be there early enough to ignore up and pay for said tour. Then it’s limited on what’s known about the castle, depending on the love of history by the guide.
    When we went though the Edinburg castle we had a young (lates 20’s) guide, but thankfully he loved history, especially his own family history, and the tour was 20 times better than what the headphone tour was like. We did rent the headphones but left them off when we got to the main gate as this young man’s family was an instrument part of the masonry. Albeit a few generations back, but the knowledge he had was amazing.
    Not since then have I heard or seen that kind of passion of detail since getting to watch Kevin’s video. Thank you for taking so much time to explain how things really were back then. I’m a huge history buff, and seeing where the majority of about ancestors came from was quite intriguing as one can see where lots of ideas originated from in the colonial East coast of America.
    You did a brilliant job, I now have several other videos to enjoy as I’ve found a new favorite channel.
    P.S. I married a Scouser, now I understand how Great Britain ruled so much of the world for so long. LOL

  • @lesborthwick5566
    @lesborthwick5566 2 роки тому +33

    By far and away the best UK history documentary I have watched, thanks for the tour Kevin

  • @shewho333
    @shewho333 2 роки тому +32

    I’m sitting here saying “Oh! Wow!” Out loud to myself. This is my new favorite channel. All teachers should teach with the enthusiasm that this man has.

    • @thehistorysquad
      @thehistorysquad  2 роки тому +2

      How very kind of you, thank you.

    • @constancemiller3753
      @constancemiller3753 2 роки тому

      Agreed. My Professor was a farm boy who grew up on a peach orchard. He would've asked the old boys "how's it built? Where's your toilets? How'd that work?" Practical issues that would be missed by scholarship unaccustomed to laboring and soldier's work.

  • @raven5087
    @raven5087 9 місяців тому +1

    I love this castle, I took my children there many times. Then my grandchildren. It's amazing how clever the builders of this place were. Thank you for an entertaining and informative video.

  • @jonoatley4757
    @jonoatley4757 2 роки тому +42

    This was really special to me. i am 48 and have lived in Canada for the last 12 years, but i am originally from Bristol in England. My Mum took us to many interesting places, and Chepstow Castle was one we visited on numerous occasions. then in my adult life I carried on my visits. this is a place i will never get tired of and it is also one of my favourite castles. this video brought back many happy memories, thank you😊

  • @MrLeoAtrox
    @MrLeoAtrox 2 роки тому +363

    I reckon the iron on the outside of the door was to prevent it from being burned as easily. Backed by the mass of wood behind them, the iron would have been very resistant to battering and piercing. And, presuming it is fairly thin, the iron would also likely bend a bit but not splinter like wood, whose splintering would provide additional surface area for tools to more effectively gouge and chip away at the door in a siege.

    • @thehistorysquad
      @thehistorysquad  2 роки тому +95

      Spot on 👍🏻

    • @PieterBreda
      @PieterBreda 2 роки тому +19

      The gate seems to be at an incline so it would be hard to use a ram

    • @nancytestani1470
      @nancytestani1470 2 роки тому +8

      I agree..

    • @RobiBue
      @RobiBue 2 роки тому +17

      @@PieterBreda well, the gate by being behind the wall where they had to turn around to enter (explained at the very beginning) would not have been easily accessible by a battering ram anyway. Also, if they would have tried to set fire to the big iron-clad-gate, the defenders atop the “murder holes” (more like murder slots but really akin to machicolations) could have just poured either hot oil down and let the bodies burn as well, rocks, or just shot them with arrows (hot oil would be more than likely my guess)
      Also, not sure if the portcullis were behind or in front of the gate, yet they also could have added to a trap for the invaders… (I’ll have to go back in the vid and check ;)

    • @PieterBreda
      @PieterBreda 2 роки тому +7

      Right. You mentioned that. They were just as smart as we are.

  • @Lylo-mj8ek
    @Lylo-mj8ek 2 роки тому +31

    Such a joy to see the glint in his eyes as he weaves us through such a stunning piece of history. Thank You, Mr.Hicks, Outstanding presentation. Peace.

  • @jeffashley5512
    @jeffashley5512 Рік тому +59

    The construction method you mentioned for arches in the cellar with earthen mounds reminds one of the legend of the construction of the Pantheon's Dome. Hadrian had a earthen mound formed to raise the dome and mixed in the earth were gold coins. When the peasants were asked to remove the dirt after construction they were allowed to keep all the coins they found as the legend goes.
    Greetings from Tennessee.

    • @thehistorysquad
      @thehistorysquad  Рік тому +9

      Wow, I've never heard that legend but it's a nice one, thanks.

  • @JMc.D
    @JMc.D 2 роки тому +9

    Really enjoying this. He doesn’t waste a load of time gagging about. He knows so much he can talk endlessly without wasting time. Great video.

    • @danajoyner9266
      @danajoyner9266 2 роки тому +1

      Yes.. He's so passionate but not dramatic. I love this..

  • @serenity6415
    @serenity6415 2 роки тому +66

    I just discovered your channel and it's delightful. I'm unwell, and heartsick, today but this swept me away and I was able to have a brief vacation from life. Your passion for the castle is so obvious and makes your storytelling come alive. You're a born guide and storyteller.

    • @thehistorysquad
      @thehistorysquad  2 роки тому +6

      How lovely, thanks Tina, I'm glad I was able to brighten your day. All the best 👍🏻

  • @Moraren
    @Moraren 2 роки тому +110

    Filling the room with soil to hold up the stones during construction seems like such an obvious solution now that you mention it. Exactly the kind of problem I would have really over complicated! I seem to remember someone mentioning concrete hangars being made in a similar way at some point. With a long mound of gravel that was then dug out after the concrete had been poured on top.
    Really interesting video, with lots of neat little things pointed out that would otherwise be overlooked. Imagine all the people that has walked through those doors. With everyone of them having just as full of a life as ourselves, with friends and family, with good times and bad, with loss and with love. So much history in one place the mind boggles. Subscribed!

    • @ua2381
      @ua2381 2 роки тому +4

      But they actually had scaffolding back then, too.

    • @kathrynbourgeois9016
      @kathrynbourgeois9016 2 роки тому +2

      @@ua2381 I know that's what I was thinking as well, could have just as easily used scaffolding and wood support beams

    • @flyingtwindragon
      @flyingtwindragon 2 роки тому +5

      In ancient Egypt this method was already used to put roofs on temples. It's the easiest solution for an otherwise huge problem. Simple, but most clever. It's easy to over complicate!

    • @DaveJudd
      @DaveJudd 2 роки тому +3

      The force on the walls with all that weight must have been amazing.

    • @Gahmuret
      @Gahmuret 2 роки тому +1

      @@flyingtwindragon Yes, but the Egyptians had very few trees. In Wales, scaffolding would have been far easier.

  • @XxMidnightToker420xX
    @XxMidnightToker420xX Рік тому +5

    God that door is an absolute work of art an absolute treasure when you showed the otherside of that door my jaw dropped the detail and beauty was just absolutely stunning. Im so jealous i cant be there. Im originally from Ukraine in Kiev but live in NYC and sometimes it sucks being such a history buff and living in such a young country with not much as old history like europe and Great Britain. I wish my grandma was alive to see that you can pretty much stay home and travel the world from your living room couch. If someone told her in the 1930's that there would be technology like this she would say your crazy.
    My grandma loved to travel and was the reason i have become such a huge history nut.

  • @yannschonfeld5847
    @yannschonfeld5847 2 роки тому +22

    I took my Breton students (from Bourbriac) to visit Cardiff Castle in 2014. What a disinterested bunch of blighters. This has to be my favourite castle too, Kevin. My earlier knowledge of castles went with Castle Tonkedeg or Coatfriec near Lannuon (Lannion) in Brittany knocked down a bit by Richelieu in the 17th century. Yes, castle building back then owed a lot to Roman ruins. Even if I don't get back to the part of Britain again, I feel like I've now been there. Now I know how to say "meutrière " in English: Murder hole. You are great and wonderful flowing fountain of knowledge. Merci Kevin.

  • @Slytherin88
    @Slytherin88 2 роки тому +111

    I would have loved school a whole lot more if I'd had a history teacher like you ☺️ Great video!

    • @scrappydoo7887
      @scrappydoo7887 2 роки тому +3

      Definitely

    • @rayduke7433
      @rayduke7433 2 роки тому +1

      Amen

    • @kfl611
      @kfl611 2 роки тому +1

      Me too !

    • @Jamesandthehooligans
      @Jamesandthehooligans Рік тому +1

      Ditto! Such great enthusiasm 🤓

    • @tonybiddle6668
      @tonybiddle6668 Рік тому

      All we got was the most incredibly boring and irrelevant list of kings and wars; And that was at the Grammar School! The junk they must have got at the Secondary Modern doesn't bear thinking about. But not to appear snobbish, at the Secondary Modern they taught the girls to cook, at the High School they taught them Greek. I mean, what better preparation for becoming a housewife and mother could anyone ask for?

  • @goddessofgreen1
    @goddessofgreen1 Рік тому +20

    I absolutely love this man and the way he story tells. You can almost imagine being at that castle and what it originally looked like back in its day. Just wonderful 😊

  • @cliffords2315
    @cliffords2315 5 днів тому

    Most amazing tour i have ever had, and im loving it, its our History as well as Englands, since most of us
    came from the England, Wales, Scotland, And from One Veteran to another "Thank you for your Service"

  • @mauriciopinto914
    @mauriciopinto914 2 роки тому +11

    From armour, longbows, and now this...medieval engenuity amazes me and Kevin makes it so entertaining ! Minutes well spent !

  • @MrFeuerzauber
    @MrFeuerzauber Рік тому +7

    It is lovely to hear you talk about the castle. One can really feel and hear the enthusiasm of yours for history that I do share.
    I can imagine the children clinging to every word of you 😊 thank you very much for sharing!

  • @rolandropnack4370
    @rolandropnack4370 2 роки тому +31

    That was a wonderful tour, waking interest, packed with information and giving life to old stones. Your joy of teaching was overwhelming. Pupils need people like you, sparking their imagination and igniting their thirst for getting to know the world. Thank you sir!

  • @aaroncobb9930
    @aaroncobb9930 Місяць тому

    This bloke's energy is impeccable. What a lad!
    I could listen for ages.

  • @barongreenstash
    @barongreenstash 2 роки тому +19

    When I saw Kevin shooting his longbow at Warwick, it was the only time I've ever seen a reenactor and thought that the level of skill I was witnessing matched how good they possibly were back yonder, his level of archery took you back in time by itself, a truly awesome sight

  • @PeterMaddison2483
    @PeterMaddison2483 Рік тому +29

    The British Isles must have been a wonderful sight to see, with all the castles at full height and painted, with all their wooden houses inside...

  • @peterlarsen7779
    @peterlarsen7779 2 роки тому +235

    You mentioned that the original doors were inside the castle, and showed us the replicated ones were clad with iron. I would imagine there were two reasons... a) so a beseiger couldn't use a battering ram to get in, and b) to avoid the doors being set on fire to gain access.

    • @turbowankel1264
      @turbowankel1264 2 роки тому +22

      I don't think the original door bolts are worn from thumbs, mor like from running on the iron hoops that hold them

    • @Tommy-xq5jw
      @Tommy-xq5jw 2 роки тому +11

      Those doors were built like an ironclad, so cannon balls could not penetrate.

    • @ua2381
      @ua2381 2 роки тому +24

      I was thinking fire, too.

    • @mimiporter8610
      @mimiporter8610 2 роки тому +3

      Brilliant

    • @mimiporter8610
      @mimiporter8610 2 роки тому +13

      Your enthusiasm of history makes the tour great. The students you had were quite lucky. I am sure you made them better students of life.

  • @questionablecontent563
    @questionablecontent563 25 днів тому +1

    My direct ancestor, Colonel Lewis Morris, is said to have been the officer second in command during the short siege of Chepstow Castle in 1648. My family lived in Wales and were minor nobles, but were disinherited from our titles and fiefs by King Charles I for supporting Parliamentarian ideals. Following the English Civil War, he and my other ancestors left Wales and England for the Caribbean to fight the Spanish under Cromwell's orders, but eventually settled in America, where we still live today. The fight at Chepstow was such a big deal for him, that eventually either he or a close family member after his death changed the crest atop our family arms to a burning castle tower. I have loved watching your channel for a few years now Mr. Hicks!

    • @marilynmitchell2712
      @marilynmitchell2712 21 день тому

      Some of my ancestors were banished in the Covenantors Rebellion in Ulster.

  • @passiveaggressiveflamingo6851
    @passiveaggressiveflamingo6851 Рік тому +5

    What an unbridled absolute joy of a legacy, Sir! You are part of so many lives and childhoods and I see no difference between you and the great scholars of Greece, Rome, China and the Middle East. You have found your purpose in life and it is true. I hope to return your generosity of knowledge someday, perhaps in a little cafe or pub discussing ancient architecture, which is my personal passion. Many blessings to you and those you hold dear!

    • @thehistorysquad
      @thehistorysquad  Рік тому +2

      Wow, that's very kind of you thanks. I'm about to visit my roots shortly and take a look at Lichfield Cathedral 👍🏻

    • @NatureNymph46
      @NatureNymph46 Рік тому

      I hope to visit that little café or pub someday and listen raptly to all the information you'd like to share on ancient architecture. My wishes for all the luck in the world to achieve your personal passion.

    • @passiveaggressiveflamingo6851
      @passiveaggressiveflamingo6851 Рік тому +1

      @@NatureNymph46 Then, so it will be! Thank you! I’m returning your positive energy and speaking our wish into the universe. 😌✌️ I’m also sending you a blackbird as a messenger of confirmation. Someday, my friend!

    • @passiveaggressiveflamingo6851
      @passiveaggressiveflamingo6851 Рік тому

      @@thehistorysquad Oh how WONDERFUL! I’ll look it up! Safe travels to you, my friend!

  • @mongolikecandy1660
    @mongolikecandy1660 2 роки тому +5

    Hats off to this gentleman!!! You can truly hear the enthusiasm in his voice when talking about the castle. I could listen to him talk for five hours and enjoy every minute of it!!! We need people like this to preserve history and make sure the next generation gets to experience the magic of a time long gone!

  • @nickmonroe8161
    @nickmonroe8161 2 роки тому +22

    I recently found Kevin, and I can tell you he is a better history teacher than any I’ve ever had in school. The story telling is just so grabbing, thank you Kevin and everyone on your team!

    • @thehistorysquad
      @thehistorysquad  2 роки тому +1

      Cheers Nick, we appreciate that 👍

    • @kimberlycockram1894
      @kimberlycockram1894 2 роки тому +1

      I have lots of questions. I bet he could answer every one.

    • @nickmonroe8161
      @nickmonroe8161 2 роки тому +1

      @@kimberlycockram1894 he manages to find every detail. Absolutely brilliant.

  • @BarbarosaAlexander
    @BarbarosaAlexander 5 місяців тому

    The best thing about this video for me is your clear joy and enthusiasm for the subject. It's infectious. I get the same way running around Japanese castles, to the eye-rolling boredom of my wife and kid.

  • @Cymry-Am-Byth
    @Cymry-Am-Byth 2 роки тому +37

    Amazing to think that Cheptow castle is the oldest stone built castle in Britain being erected in the year 1067, literally one year after the Norman invasion in 1066.

  • @voter5281
    @voter5281 2 роки тому +30

    I’ve lived in Chepstow most of my life and visited this castle many many times, all those years and I learnt more in this 30 min video. I’ll visit there again with a whole new outlook…..thank you.

    • @thehistorysquad
      @thehistorysquad  2 роки тому +2

      Haha, that's great, it's a super castle 👍🏻

  • @spurgeonwoods
    @spurgeonwoods Рік тому +50

    Excellent work and entertaining to watch. As a Yank, I don't get to tour such amazing historical sites such as this castle. Your insights and colorful explanations are much appreciated!

    • @thehistorysquad
      @thehistorysquad  Рік тому +8

      Glad you enjoyed it, I hope to do more when I return to the UK in the spring. 👍🏻

  • @zackdiazabiblio9592
    @zackdiazabiblio9592 Рік тому +4

    You remind me of when I went to Greece I had a tour guide named Kostas. He was so incredibly knowledgeable about every site we visited and his presentation of the information along with physically being there really brought history to life for me. Thank you so much for not just teaching us but for truly breathing life into the history of the places you show us.

  • @paulf2529
    @paulf2529 2 роки тому +7

    I'm actually local to Chepstow Castle and haven't visited it since childhood. This video is brilliant and has inspired me to visit it again.

  • @richardlarson2746
    @richardlarson2746 2 роки тому +26

    In the early 90's I was stationed in Germany and fell in love with the castles. It was fascinating to look at the work that went into those huge structures. I love how this video explains where parts were changed or are missing. Thank you for such a great video.

    • @linkedinlove106
      @linkedinlove106 2 роки тому

      Richard, if we had no internet or tv, we'd probably be out there building something massive too! Liked your comment:)

  • @benjaminromberg2091
    @benjaminromberg2091 2 роки тому +9

    Kevin is truly a wealth of information and keeps your interest, this castle was amazing in its day, to go back in time and see this wonderful place as it really was, and Kevin explaining the changes and additions through hundreds of years, simply amazing!!

    • @thehistorysquad
      @thehistorysquad  2 роки тому +2

      Glad you enjoyed it, thanks Benjamin 👍🏻

  • @ALT-vz3jn
    @ALT-vz3jn 8 місяців тому

    My late father was a historian specialized in military history. I remember spending summers in Europe with him visiting so many castles, but not completely realizing all the stories behind what I was looking at. I remember visiting Chepstow, thank you so much for taking me back with lots of detail and enthusiasm. ❤

  • @chriscrawford1231
    @chriscrawford1231 2 роки тому +6

    My Godparents were from Wales and I’ve loved castles since I was quite young. I’m so thankful that I happened upon this Chepstow Castle treasure! Your style was utterly enjoyable…you are also a treasure! Thank you!

  • @tankgirl2074
    @tankgirl2074 2 роки тому +28

    It's been almost 40 years since I was in Chepstow Castle on our first trip to England from Canada. I saw many different castles in the time we had but Chepstow has always remained my favorite. There is a certain ancient majesty and mystique to it which others just don't share. Thanks for the guided tour. Great fun and brought back lots of wonderful memories!

    • @dellyboot2703
      @dellyboot2703 2 роки тому +2

      Hey Tank Girl, did you get to see it from the other side of the river ? I hope so as there just isn't a better place to see it. Been in love with the castle for decades, 61 now and not that far from it! x

    • @tankgirl2074
      @tankgirl2074 2 роки тому

      @@dellyboot2703 I wish I had! I hope to someday get back and spend a few days enjoying the castle and area. :)

    • @Martyn2473
      @Martyn2473 2 роки тому

      Chepstow castle is in Wales not England

    • @tankgirl2074
      @tankgirl2074 2 роки тому

      @@Martyn2473 Pam mae'n rhaid i chi fod yn jerk am y peth? I didn't say it was! If you want... we traveled to England... then Wales... then Scotland! A bheil thu riaraichte a-nis ???

    • @Ionabrodie69
      @Ionabrodie69 2 роки тому

      @@tankgirl2074 He wasn’t being a “ jerk “ he was making an observation… your comment said you visited England.. 🤷‍♀️🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🇬🇧

  • @TruthHurts2u
    @TruthHurts2u 2 роки тому +24

    Love the video. I've always been interested in castles and your knowledge has answered many questions I've had for years. I do however have a couple nitpicks.
    I think it's more likely, than filling the room with soil, that they built timber frames to hold up the arches during construction. It's always been done with wood frames. The Romans did it that way and we still do it that way today. Soil with that much weight on top would just shift, settle and compact causing the whole thing to be unstable. Trying to compact the soil could cause unfinished masonry to shift out of position.
    The bolt on the original door is worn and mushroomed from hitting and rubbing against the metal bracket at either end, not from people's thumbs touching it. When you pushed it to the end you can see the "thumb groove" fits the side of the metal bracket perfectly. I imagine not as many people were as gentle as you throughout the centuries. Most people would just grab it and slide it until it hits the bracket then they let go and it rubs the side as it falls.

  • @janetbowersox83
    @janetbowersox83 Рік тому +12

    What an amazing castle! Your history of the castle, knowledge of the architecture, and personal stories really bring it to life!
    I love all the little things you point out that are probably missed by most visitors.
    Thanks again for your enthusiastic videos and tour of the castle!

  • @tonyadams6375
    @tonyadams6375 Рік тому +6

    I absolutely enjoyed this video. The Gentleman’s enthusiasm was quite contagious! His knowledge was spot on.
    Thank you!

  • @AbbyV1820
    @AbbyV1820 Рік тому +24

    I love listening to you give history lessons. You are far more enjoyable than any history teacher. Thank you for the videos and bringing history to life.

  • @David-xv5jd
    @David-xv5jd 2 роки тому +8

    Truely one of my favorite videos on this channel so far. I'd love to see more of these ''castle tours''. Kevin Hicks has a real talent for sharing knowledge and facts, also props to the woman behind the camera!

    • @thehistorysquad
      @thehistorysquad  2 роки тому +1

      Haha, cheers David!!. As soon as I can get back to the UK, I'll do some more 👍🏻

  • @brendastajkowski502
    @brendastajkowski502 Місяць тому

    It is hard to believe that this amazing structure was built long before any engineering tools existed and yet it still stands today a testament to the skills of the builders of old. Thanks for all the details you provided.

  • @claiborneeastjr4129
    @claiborneeastjr4129 Рік тому +17

    Such an interesting and fascinating video. I am amazed at the skills and craftsmanship of Medieval architects, carpenters, stone masons, and other crafts required to erect such wonderful monuments. Mr. Hicks is a wonderful and extremely knowledgeable guide!

  • @pamsmith332
    @pamsmith332 Рік тому +16

    Ah those UK castles have fascinated me for 50 years. I've seen more documentaries about them than I care to count but this gent gives a wonderful tour. He clearly loves the subject & that only adds to the experience. Well done Sir!

  • @Retro_GP
    @Retro_GP Рік тому +7

    I have to say..this was more enjoyable than any bigger budget, mainstream 'behind the scenes' films of our wonderful history. Well done.

  • @lauralaladarling3775
    @lauralaladarling3775 11 місяців тому +14

    Hello, I cant believe how fabulous, intriguing and informative your historical films are; so many tiny details, battles and scandalous stories, it's so exciting and just mind-blowing to watch. Thank you oodles. I have just found you, subscribed and are catching up. To say I love your work, educational knowledge, presentation and overall historical expertise can't express how thrilled I am to have found your channel, it's a joy. Thank you. Xxx ❤ 😊

    • @thehistorysquad
      @thehistorysquad  11 місяців тому +3

      Hey @lauralaladarling3775 thanks so much & welcome to the channel. I'm glad you found us too 👍🏻

  • @nooneimportant460
    @nooneimportant460 2 роки тому +4

    Sorry for all the separate comments.
    But you mentioned the old custodian that was a stone mason. When he mentioned the roof would leak. You said he was dead and gone now and so much information went with him.
    This is why we love you and your channel. Cause you have way to much knowledge to just let pass when one day you will too.
    This is why I do love UA-cam. I feel like this will be the “archives” for which future generations will come to. And in 100 years from now, they will see you and all the knowledge on your channel. Warms my heart really

    • @patriciaeddy7629
      @patriciaeddy7629 2 роки тому +1

      I love stone masonry and the incredible designs a stone mason is able to created with a few twists and turns.
      Stone carving is even more incredible!

    • @thehistorysquad
      @thehistorysquad  2 роки тому +3

      He was such a lovely guy and I learned most of the castle's secrets from him 👍🏻

    • @thehistorysquad
      @thehistorysquad  2 роки тому +3

      Hi Patricia, interestingly, my very first job was as a stonemason's apprentice on Lichfield Cathedral. The trouble was that you need a very focused (respectfully, I say 'empty' mind) to concentrate on carving that stone it was mind numbing for me as I was just so much more interested in the history. I'd be up there in the roof, climbing all over the place learning about it. 😃

    • @patriciaeddy7629
      @patriciaeddy7629 2 роки тому

      @@thehistorysquad yeah, me,too! 👍

  • @Cormano980
    @Cormano980 2 роки тому +9

    It's mind boggling to see the architecture still standing after all these years, truly incredible

  • @thehistoadian
    @thehistoadian 2 роки тому +53

    Never really thought much about castle doors before, they look incredible!

  • @panzerdog236
    @panzerdog236 Рік тому +1

    These castle tours that you do are great! My three-year old daughter has watched this one over and over again and loves it!

  • @IratePuffin
    @IratePuffin 2 роки тому +18

    If this guy had been my history teacher I would’ve actually learned a lot.

  • @embreeja
    @embreeja 2 роки тому +5

    Once again, thanks to Mr Kevin Hicks, we are taken back in time. Back to when peasants, horses and oxcarts went in and out of these gates. Watched over by archers on the wall and the nobility up in their satin filled rooms. Ships and boats out in the harbor, bringing in supplies, goods from other places in Europe. Rope, grain, minstrels, travelers, they all came in to 'the castle'. Talking in 'old English' or other languages of the time. Women bringing in their children (or perhaps 'some' women bringing 'other things' to the waiting men). The roosters crowing in the morning as everyone got up and had a little bowl of food before starting another day. It is hard to vividly imagine how they actually lived, to walk in their shoes; but thank you so much Kevin, for taking us a little closer and painting that scene, back in time.

    • @thehistorysquad
      @thehistorysquad  2 роки тому

      You're most welcome, it was a pleasure 👍🏻

  • @CONCEPTUALMAN
    @CONCEPTUALMAN 2 роки тому +10

    I appreciate his enthusiasm. Incredible that what was once a four story building is now just some walls. Must have been amazing at one time.

  • @PochemuPochemu
    @PochemuPochemu Рік тому +11

    I absolutely love history but moreso medieval history! Kevin made this little episode so entertaining and engaging and i genuinely feel i have learnt so much from him. Great video! Love the passion!

  • @petergustavsson2951
    @petergustavsson2951 Рік тому +46

    Covering the outside of the doors with metal made the doors more resistant to fire and it also improved their durability

    • @leonardbosinski540
      @leonardbosinski540 Рік тому +4

      Yes, that would have been my answer, as well. Then I thought it might be too obvious? What's the answer, Kevin?
      PS, I thoroughly enjoy these videos, spending hours and several days, "yeah?"

    • @whiskeymonk4085
      @whiskeymonk4085 Рік тому

      Duh

    • @tobitobsen7826
      @tobitobsen7826 Рік тому +2

      Because metal bends in contrary to wood, when using a battering ram....

  • @PinnedonPlaces
    @PinnedonPlaces 2 роки тому +22

    This is actually a masterpiece. Loved visiting Chepstow Castle. So iconic and beautiful. Loved hearing and walking along on Your tour with you, thank you Kevin!!!! 🥰

  • @Andrew-pm5bg
    @Andrew-pm5bg Рік тому +4

    Fantastic. He ought to have his own television series.

  • @Oldenburg93
    @Oldenburg93 Рік тому +1

    I remember going to Chepstow at the start of year 7 about 10 years ago. This just made me remember so many locked memories thank you!

  • @alephnole7009
    @alephnole7009 Рік тому +86

    Being made of wood the iron might have made the doors more resistant to fire.
    It would have been a lot easier to burn the doors down than to bust through them normally without the metal shielding

  • @micaelasuchil4869
    @micaelasuchil4869 Рік тому +14

    Que hermosura!!! Cuánta historia...... felicitaciones desde la Ciudad de México 🇲🇽

  • @onecatz9148
    @onecatz9148 Рік тому +15

    Honestly this is absolutely amazing to watch and the amount we could learn from this is incredible!

  • @jeffdonnelly7428
    @jeffdonnelly7428 11 місяців тому

    Less than a minute in and I’m hooked just by his excitement and enthusiasm alone. Genuinely inspiring personality. I wish everyone was a little more like this fellow.