In the 16th century, a new chapter was entered in the construction of forts in England. The artillery fortresses that stood on the borders of the country were no longer simply to suppress internal rebellions, but to counter external threats. When continental politics in Europe were in turmoil and the Holy Roman Emperor Charles V was allied with King Francis I of France, Britain also felt threatened from the continent. Against this background, Henry VIII decided to act. Referring to the design of the Roman fortress of the "Saxon coast", he launched an ambitious program of fortification construction on the southern coast of England in the 40s of the 16th century. Castle Camber, Castle Dill and Castle Walmer have sprung up like mushrooms, and they are tasked with guarding ***.
Not only were these forts armed with artillery to deal with possible shelling and attacks by invading troops, but more importantly, they guarded important anchorages on the southern coast of England to ensure the country's coastal security. The Berwick Fortress on the River Tweed is undoubtedly a masterpiece of fortification construction from this period. This massive fortress not only protected the north of England from invasion, but also became an important base for attacks on Scotland, especially posing a serious threat to the Scottish capital Edinburgh. At the same time, the anchorage at the mouth of the Tweed River was also under its protection, ensuring the safety of Britain's sea lines of communication.
Compared to the medieval castle fortifications, these new fortifications show a completely new concept and design style. They are more focused on practicality and defense than on the opulence and extravagance of the past. In Wales, some castles have been abandoned or in disrepair, but others have been upgraded. These castles are no longer purely defensive, but incorporate comfortable and ornate interior design elements, especially those with art deco promenades, which provide a high quality of living environment for the occupants. The castles of La Grand, Powys and Careoo became representatives of this trend. Of course, castles are in ruins not just in the UK. In the Dutch Republic, newly built defensive positions are also concentrated mainly in the border areas, especially in the Breda region. The most famous example of the destroyed castles attracted the attention of the artist, the most famous example of which is Jacob van der Krauss's Landscape of the Destroyed Bled Castle and the Vista of Haarlem. The painting is a true record of those castles destroyed by the war, as well as the beauty of Haarlem in the distance, forming a unique artistic style.
Over time, these former fortresses and castles have gradually disappeared into the long river of history and become legends. However, the historical imprint and cultural heritage they left behind are forever engraved in people's hearts. Whether it's the coastal fortifications of the United Kingdom, the border defenses of the Netherlands, or the Welsh castles that have been blended with comfort and opulence, they are all witnesses of that era, telling us stories of the past.
In 1573, a raging fire swept away a castle to ashes. The castle was once a stronghold of the Spanish army, but the wheels of history rolled forward, and in the 16th century and beyond, the role of the fortifications gradually changed. They are no longer just to protect the glory and territorial integrity of the family, but have become a symbol of national strength, stationed in the army, and defending the security of the country. These fortifications, like fortresses in Roman times, became an important tool of the state. During this period, the European continent was turbulent and civil wars were frequent. Large-scale conflicts such as the German Peasants' Revolt, the Dutch Revolt, and the French Wars of Religion brought the old fortifications – castles and city walls – back to prominence. These fortifications played a pivotal role in warfare, as they were able to hold off enemy attacks and buy valuable time for battles and even strategic layouts.
Take, for example, the French Protestant-royalist feud of 1572-1573, in which the Protestants successfully withstood a royalist siege thanks to the strong fortifications of the town of La Rochelle. However, just a few decades later, in 1628, the city fell after a 14-month siege. The change in the fortunes of the castle is a testament to the interweaving of wars and fortifications in that era.