“I slept in castles and fell in love because I was taught to dream” – Taylor Swift

Today, to kick off the Easter weekend, The Book Fairies visited castles in England, Scotland and Wales to hide copies of John Goodall’s new book! We love these pics – and you can see more at #TBFCastle 🏰

About the book:

A vibrant history of the castle in Britain, from the early Middle Ages to the present day.

The castle has long had a pivotal place in British life, associated with lordship, landholding, and military might, and today it remains a powerful symbol of history. But castles have never been merely impressive fortresses—they were hubs of life, activity, and imagination.

John Goodall weaves together the history of the British castle across the span of a millennium, from the eleventh to the twenty-first century, through the voices of those who witnessed it. Drawing on chronicles, poems, letters, and novels, including the work of figures like Gawain Poet, Walter Scott, Evelyn Waugh, and P. G. Wodehouse, Goodall explores the importance of the castle in our culture and society.

From the medieval period to Civil War engagements, right up to modern manifestations in Harry Potter, Goodall reveals that the castle has always been put to different uses, and to this day continues to serve as a source of inspiration.

Lucky finders!

We love nothing more but to hear from lucky finders who discover the treats we leave behind! The castles were heaving over the bank holiday Easter weekend and so many books were snapped up in seconds! Here are some of the lovely messages and pictures we received.

Not lucky enough to find one?

Do not worry – this lovely book about castles is available at all good book shops (and did you know, you can ask them to order a copy in?). If you’d rather shop online, you can order your copy of The Castle from Bookshop.org – and you’ll still be supporting amazing independents!

Would you like to join The Book Fairies?

We love it when people get started as book fairies! All you need are some books you’ve read (or haven’t finished haha!) and a set of official book fairy stickers – and off you go, hiding copies where you live, travel and work!