With a documented history stretching back a thousand years, Dunster Castle in Somerset is one of Britain?s oldest and most intriguing great buildings, its turrets evoking centuries of warfare, dark deeds, bloodshed and treachery. What makes it particularly unusual is the prominent role women have played in its fortunes, from the indomitable Joan de Mohun in the 14th century, who promised as much land to the villagers as she could walk around barefoot in a day, to Lady Jane Luttrell, who saw off a Royalist attack during the English Civil War by personally commanding the cannons. Jim Lee worked for many years at the castle and knows more about it than just about anyone. Here he presents an entertaining history of the roles, from the heroic to the self-indulgent, its women have played over the centuries.ÿ

With a documented history stretching back a thousand years, Dunster Castle on the Somerset coast is one of Britain’s oldest and most intriguing great buildings, its turrets evoking centuries of siege warfare, dark deeds, bloodshed and treachery. Dunster’s rich and colourful story covers more than nine hundred years of intermittent warfare. Only two families have owned and occupied the castle, from the Norman Conquest in 1066 which led to its construction right through to the 20th century; the second of these remained in charge for 21 generations and six hundred years. These families and their knights, some worthy of their shining armour, others less honourable, brought peace and warfare, treachery and glory to the castle in equal measure down the years. Author Jim Lee worked full time for the National Trust at Dunster Castle for 20 years. Few people are better qualified to tell its extraordinary story.

Reprint of the original, first published in 1872. The publishing house Anatiposi publishes historical books as reprints. Due to their age, these books may have missing pages or inferior quality. Our aim is to preserve these books and make them available to the public so that they do not get lost.