This work investigates the architectural evolution and functional purpose of British fortifications from the Iron Age through the late Middle Ages. Sheila Sancha utilizes her background in historical illustration and research to synthesize complex structural developments into an accessible format. The text argues that the design of a castle is inextricably linked to the social, military, and domestic requirements of its inhabitants throughout different historical eras.

Experts and educators frequently cite this text as a foundational resource for students interested in medieval military architecture. Readers often note the clarity of the illustrations, which effectively bridge the gap between technical structural analysis and historical narrative.