Secrets of a Medieval Castle | Goodrich Castle

In this video, Secrets of a Medieval Castle | Goodrich Castle, Kevin Hicks takes you on a tour of Goodrich Castle in England and reveals some of the secrets that visitors often miss when they visit the castle. Having toured countless school groups over the years, Kevin has a great knowledge of this beautiful medieval fortress.

Located in Herefordshire, England, Goodrich Castle sits high on a hill overlooking the scenic River Wye and the surrounding countryside. The castle was originally constructed in the 11th century and it expanded over the years. During the English Civil War the castle was besieged by Parliamentarian forces, and it was the use of artillery, including "Roaring Meg", which ultimately broke the castle's defences and began its decent into ruin.

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CREDITS:
IMAGE CREDITS:
Aerial footage by Arthur Cauty via Motion Array
Goodrich Castle & Barbican, c12th century: ©Historic England/Alamy
Goodrich Castle Gatehouse workings ©Historic England/Alamy
Goodrich on River Wye painting: Thomas Hearne, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

[HickoryBill]

Every time you do a castle tour, my girlfriend and I immediately put it on the living room tv. We can't express how much we look forward to your little documentaries!

[peakyyyp]

This man is a national treasure. Deserves so much more recognition. Imagine being a child with him as your history teacher, absolutely inspirational.

[michinomiya]

To me, Kevin can be the coolest granpa one can possibly have.

[Presence_o_Mind]

His excitement is infectious. You can't help but smile and be in awe of this man's passion for the history of this period. What an amazing guide! Imagine having him in the family. I'd be here all the time with him.

[j.pappas]

If school had taught us history the way Kevin tells it I would have loved it back then. Instead it was doled out to us in huge, dry chunks and the only expectation was that we remember the dates. These videos are gems.

[sebuls]

Props to the cameraperson for being dynamic and showing all the things talked in great detail. Camerawork easily gets overlooked, and maybe that is the point in a way, to make it feel as seamless and well flowing as possible.
Same goes to everyone behind the scenes, great work as usual.

[Barbara.Barany]

If I had a ticket to a time machine to give away I’d definitely offer it to Kevin. His enthusiasm and knowledge of earlier times is radiant he would so much deserve to see all he speaks to us about real time!

[Daveed]

As a young man in the seventies I wandered many English castles, always felt at home in cold quiet stone, thank you for your manner of bringing the stone to life.

[snake_ize]

If those walls could speak, the stories they would tell. The tour was spectacular. Your passion for history is much appreciated. Cheers from across the pond! 👍🇬🇧🇺🇸

[DestroySteve]

I grew up in Texas, the closest thing to a castle I have been around is a 1600’s lookout tower the Spaniards built. It has battlements and little murder holes but calling it a castle is generous. Always amazing to see the real thing, all that old stone with so many memories and so much history is amazing.

[paulkopacz]

Can you imagine how these beautiful castles would look when they were first built?

[bobbypugh]

The truly fascinating parts are the day to day living that these people had to figure out living inside the fortress. The cooking and water storage and of course what to do with the poop. Hats off to you Kevin, for actually explaining it. Not a job you would have wanted to be born into. "Cmon kids we gotta go spread out the poop to dry"
Another great job and the channel is growing so much!! Cheers!!

[freeholdtacticalmed]

It’s always good to see you posting new material. History is life…good seeing you Kevin. Keep your bowstring waved mate.

[marybaker]

As extraordinary as these castles are already, you’re enthusiasm makes them even more so! Thank you for yet another amazing tour…

[ChuntyCops]

These castle tours are amazing. Really appreciate you both taking the time to do these. It’s sad in its own little way that we will never know truly how beautiful these rooms and buildings were, but like you say, use your imagination and knowledge and you’re not far off. It blows my mind how it was all just normal for them, but people will likely be saying the same about us in 500 years. Big thanks Kevin, looking forward to the next one

[calamityjenn]

Sometimes, I have difficulty imagining the missing parts, but you paint a fantastic picture with your stories and knowledge that really brings the castle to life. Thanks for another great tour!

[paulredinger]

That was the quickest 40 minutes ever! I’m still wanting more. Such a great teacher and story teller! Brilliant brother!

[gregggeeslin]

Thank you very much for this. Although I'm very proud to be a Texan, my family came to the colonies from England in 1750. I consider this kind of History to be very much part of the history of my family.

[julesforsyth]

I can't get over how well designed this place is plumbing, fire places, built in sinks, built in ovens etc etc. I think this place would have been quite magnificent in it's day. How sad things have to be destroyed.

[robinstevenson]

What a wonderful tour! It feels like being there in person - thanks to the immensely personable guide. Thank you for making this possible for millions of people who can't make their way to the castle!