Sieges accounted for a high proportion of actions during the Civil Wars, causing large numbers of casualties amongst combatants and civilians alike. Some places were protected by quite sophisticated fortifications, based on the principles laid out in contemporary military textbooks, others had to make do with extemporised defences. Many a country house found itself suddenly in the front line, often with tragic consequences. At the end of the Wars, many of our famous castles were slighted to become the picturesque ruins we can still see and visit.

This book sets out to explain the basis of seventeenth century fortification, and the techniques of siege warfare, illustrated with examples. A gazetteer, containing over 450 grid-referenced sites, then lists many of those towns, castles and great houses which were defended against attack, actions ranging from lightning strikes, to formal sieges lasting months, or even years. Sketch plans, photographs and a bibliography complete this volume.