'The Castle of Ontranto' written in 1764 by Horace Walpole is credited as the first of the Gothic novels. This genre grew in popularity during the later part of the 18th century and early 19th century. Walpole the architect of his very own Gothic Castle, Strawberry Hill, triumphs in his depiction of the sinister goings on behind the gargantuan walls of Manfred's medieval Kingdom. The reader is taken into a ghostly world inside the Castle of Otranto. Set at the time of the crusades when religious beliefs and superstitions ruled hearts and minds, the Christian Church controlled every aspect of life and went completely unchallenged, even by the mightiest warlord. At the heart of the tale the usual themes of greed, power, love and lust motivate the main players. The story is apparently based on a dream Walpole had whilst sleeping in his newly built Gothic Castle. After putting pen to paper the prominent aristocrat used a pseudonym to publish his work, claiming it was a story from a bygone age. When he realised it was a hit with the public he claimed it as his own work explaining that he was combining two kinds of romance, the ancient and the modern.
A very well written literary gem. Tight plotting, well drawn characters, no wiffle waffle! Gruesome action throughout ignited by the dramatic opening scene, guaranteed a truly exciting read. The intrigue intensified with each twist and turn highlighting the deferential class bound society in Europe during the Crusades. Religion and or military strength determined and controlled the fate of the down trodden people. The characters in the book were strongly influenced by superstition and a strong belief in the after life. The place of women in medieval Europe was subservient and dependent on the largesse of men. Another literary reminder of the slow but steady progress towards an equal society.
A very well written literary gem. Tight plotting, well drawn characters, no wiffle waffle! Gruesome action throughout ignited by the dramatic opening scene, guaranteed a truly exciting read. The intrigue intensified with each twist and turn highlighting the deferential class bound society in Europe during the Crusades. Religion and or military strength determined and controlled the fate of the down trodden people. The characters in the book were strongly influenced by superstition and a strong belief in the after life. The place of women in medieval Europe was subservient and dependent on the largesse of men. Another literary reminder of the slow but steady progress towards an equal society.
Lurking in the dark corners of the corridor, a knight in shining armour, thankfully no plumes adorn his helmet so not the giant of Walpole's dreams. Disappointingly the author never reveals the true identity of the giant knight. Real or imagined the ghoule brought terror to the inhabitants of the Castle of Otranto, setting in motion a train of events which led to death, destruction and the ultimate reinstatement of a young man's rightful inheritance.
' Gothic ' has many meanings, including a German language, a type of architecture and a style of fashion. It is often used in reference to the Middle Ages, referring to all things old fashioned and unenlightened. The term evokes an atmosphere of brooding gloom, mystery and all things grotesque. Whilst certainly not grotesque, Langley Castle is steeped in its own history, beautifully restored and decorated in keeping with its proud past, offering its diners an evening of medieval splendour. On the whole service was good but surprisingly no offer was made to take coats. Just as well as the temperature dropped rapidly with no roaring log fire to stave off the cold night air. The food was of a high standard, the three course set menu at £40 per head was good value and included canapés and an amuse-bouche.
Coffee and petit fours came at an extra cost but at £50 per head including drinks and tips all agreed it was good value.
An excellent night steeped in Gothic grandeur.
A return to the present this month as we endeavour to make sense of Ali Smiths 'How to be Both'
