Castles and palaces in the early modern period

Medieval castles are the symbol of a noble, feudal world. As political circumstances changed and the nobility lost its influence, the architectural style also evolved. Country estates were built, incorporating forms and influences from Italy and France. However, the old castles did not disappear. Rather, they continued to be used as the residences of bailiffs or magistrates and were adapted to meet new residential requirements. This lecture explores the evolution of architecture, whilst also highlighting the preservation of old traditions, as the aristocratic element can be traced right through to modern times.