| Castle building played a fundamental role in the consolidation of Anglo-Norman domination of Northern Ireland in the late twelfth and early thirteenth centuries. A castle can be viewed as a protective measure, as an indicator of power and status, and as a display monument. It constituted a meaningful modification of the geographical environment and a fundamental instrument in the creation of power. The present thesis explores the evolution of the Anglo-Norman castles in North-eastern Ireland in the areas dominated by the de Lacy and de Courcy families, examining their combined function as a power tool and power symbol. It focuses on two key and archaeologically well-explored castles: Trim and Carrickfergus, and their supporting fortification networks. The research draws on a rich combination of narrative sources, visual and archaeological materials, extensive secondary literature, and the theoretical framework established by Ledyaev (1997) and Wagner (1996). It argues that, in addition to their practical military function, the two castles played a key role as physical and visual signifiers of dominative power, status and prestige.;Anglo-Norman, Medieval Ireland, Castle, Power, Status, Trim, Carrcikfergus, Display. |
