Geography Reference
In-Depth Information
This is one of eight castle drawings extant, and shows Knaresborough Castle in Yorkshire
and the area around it. The castle is drawn in elevation as if approached from below the im-
pressive gatehouse, with its portcullis raised. The curtain walls go off into the distance, not
drawn in correct perspective, with the height of the far curtain wall exaggerated so it appears
more imposing and suggests a large space. The roofs of buildings inside the castle walls are
visible, indicating the living quarters. Outside the dry ditch are drawn a watermill, sluice,
river, bridge and trees. These represent the Forest of Knaresborough, which stretched around
the castle for 30 miles and afforded such good hunting that it had been a favourite of King
John in the 13th century.
Cave returned to London and laid his report and drawings before a number of the Queen's
Privy Councillors. They used this information to inform their decision to maintain or dis-
mantle the castles, taking into account factors such as the cost of repairs and the likelihood
of rebellion in their region. Most were kept, where they provided an occasional royal resid-
ence or a gaol, were strongpoints against rebellion, or administrative centres for Duchy es-
tates. Knaresborough was to be 'contynued and kept' for the value of its forests, parks and
chases, which supplied deer for the Queen to give her servants in lieu of money or more
costly presents. Thus this apparently simple, even naïve, drawing, is evidence for the grow-
ing influence of visual material in matters of state.
