Dr Marc Morris

A historian, author and broadcaster specialising in the Middle Ages, Marc has particular expertise in medieval monarchy, aristocracy and castles. He studied and taught at the universities of London and Oxford and is a Fellow of the Royal Historical Society.

Marc is especially well placed to lead Travel Editions’ exploration of Edward I’s castles in Wales. His acclaimed biography A Great and Terrible King: Edward I and the Forging of Britain examines one of the most formidable and controversial rulers of medieval England, considering Edward’s ambitions, military campaigns and determination to extend his authority across Britain, while also confronting the lasting consequences of his actions in Wales, Scotland and England.

Following his conquest of Wales, Edward created an extraordinary network of castles and fortified towns intended to secure English control. On tour, Marc places these monumental buildings within their wider political and human context, explaining not only how they were designed and constructed, but also what they communicated about royal power and how they affected the Welsh communities around them.

In 2003, Marc presented the six-part Channel 4 television series Castle and wrote its accompanying book. His other publications include The Norman Conquest, King John: Treachery, Tyranny and the Road to Magna Carta and the Sunday Times bestseller The Anglo-Saxons: A History of the Beginnings of England.

Combining detailed scholarship with clear and engaging storytelling, Marc brings medieval history vividly to life. His insight helps travellers look beyond the dramatic walls, towers and gatehouses to understand the personalities, conflicts and ambitions that created them — offering a rare opportunity to explore Edward I’s Welsh castles in the company of the historian who has written so extensively about both the king and his medieval world.