High medieval fortifications in villages near Hradec Králové. Manorial residences of lower nobility in East Bohemia

Abstract

This study discusses high medieval fortifications located in villages in the central part of East Bohemia. A typical feature of this area was its division into small aristocratic demesnes and, consequently, the existence of many fortified manor houses, the residences of lower nobility. This paper summarises the results of a non-destructive survey, detailing the appearance, connection to the existing settlement network, and relationship to the surrounding landscape of individual fortified manor houses.