Medieval Castle Design

Medieval times were brutal and Nobility needed to protect their families and wealth from enemies at home and abroad.

The medieval castle provided this protection and gave Nobility a base to launch attacks on other wealthy rivals and to maintain their power and wealth.

In the earliest of medieval times Castles were built in strategic positions and their main purpose was to protect supplies from any threat.

In the medieval period that followed, invasions by foreign enemies against England and Wales resulted in several variations of Medieval Castles being built with the goal of improving castle Defenses!

The most popular design was the Motte and Bailey Castle, which was a simple design that consisted of a dirt pile called a Motte poured on one location – this would then support a wooden tower and a large enclosed area built alongside it which was called a Bailey.

After England was invaded by the Normans only two castles were built using stone, in Romanesque style and their purpose was military defense , as well as looking good.

The ring works design was easier and faster to make which consisted of earth being built up in a circular or oval shape and then topped off with a wooden rampart.

Medieval Castles – Medieval Castle Siege weapons and Armies

Medieval Castle Attack and Defense

In early medieval times, Castles could simply be avoided.

During times of peace castles that did not have any significant importance to an area and were less manned than those with higher importance.

Usually the guard would consists of a few watchmen and gate guards.

During times of war, too many soldiers defending a castle could put a strain on supplies and impair the castle’s ability to withstand a long siege.

Medieval Castle History

The idea to build fortified structures first came up when the accumulation of wealth and resources was increasing and nobles started to lack safe places to store them.

Construction of castles used the early forms of architecture and all castles were built according to the surrounding region and country which they were protecting. The castles were built to house military units and nobility.

Early medieval Castles such as Portchester Castle in England

Early Medieval Castles

The oldest types of castles were used as a defense against invading tribes who only had one idea in their mind, to steal everything you had.

The first basic forms of castle defenses originated from fortifications that were for the benefit of noble families.

The castles which survived the attacks and raids provided the castle’s lord further chances for improvement of the castle and more control of the surrounding lands. It allowed room for expansion, not just for lands but even administrative functions and unit garrisons.

Castle Siege – Medieval Castle Attack

If taking a castle was the mission, most of the time a siege would be laid upon it.

A direct attack could be ordered but it was better and more tactically astute to place a siege upon a castle, which would penalize the castles guards morale, food supplies and will to fight.

Without relief from an external source, the defenders of the castle would eventually submit.

A Siege could last weeks, months and in rare occasions the siege could last for a year, if the castles supplies permitted it so.

The English Medieval Castle Windsor castle is a famous medieval castle

English Medieval Castles

England is one of the best places in the world to see good examples of medieval castles, England has always been a country involved in warfare and and you can see medieval castles in great condition all over the country.

Warwick Castle in Warwickshire is a fine example of a medieval castle, it was built by William the conqueror in 1068 and is a grand highly fortified castle that was very advanced in medieval times.

The tower of London is also classed as a medieval castle and it is located right in the middle of London on the north bank of the river Thames.

A lesser know medieval castle is Bodiam in East Sussex, this is an almost perfect example of a late medieval castle was built with a moat.

It was built as a compact but well defended medieval castle.

European Medieval Castles

The medieval castles of Europe first appeared in Normandy France and were usually a Motte and Bailey design, which was basically where dirt was removed to make a large mound in the middle and a ditch around the structure, they began to appear around the 900’s in Europe.

The Bayeux Tapestry in France actually shows images of the first European castles, there was usually a wall that enclosed the Bailey.

A tower was built at the top of the mound and wooden palisade that ran around it.

There are many stunning castles scattered around Europe that were built during the medieval period

Medieval Castles Parts Harlech Castle with castle parts indicated

Medieval Castle Parts

Although castle design varied widely throughout Europe, there were some similar features that many castles incorporated.

Medieval castles design and features differed across Europe, however there were some similarities and Castle Parts, that many castles shared.

Arrow slits

As the name suggests Arrow slits were narrow gaps at the castle walls to protect the castle and allowed archers to shoot arrows at Castle attackers in relative safety from height.

• The narrowness of the Arrow slits in the walls protected the archers from incoming fire from the castles attackers.

Castle battlements

Battlements were basically gaps that allowed soldiers within the castles to fire upon attackers in defense of the castle whilst still having a wall to hide behind for protection.

Curtain wall

A castles curtain wall stretched around the castle as a walkway so that people could patrol around the castle easily looking for any dangers and potential attacks.

The castle wall also helped soldiers use different parts of the castle quickly and helped them move weapons to defend the castle to the areas where attacks were taking place.

The Castle keep

The Castle keep was a kind of safe room, a place where soldiers, royalty and others could seek refuge if the rest of the castle had fallen into enemy hands, the keep was a large tower structure and usually a place where a last stand was made by medieval soldiers defending a castle.

Castle Gatehouse

This was built at the entrance of the castle at the castle gate because the gate was the weakest point of the castle’s defences, the castle gatehouse helped to reinforce this area against enemy attack.

Castle Moat

This is effectively a deep ditch which was dug out around the castle and was commonly filled with water, this extra obstacle against attackers gave the soldiers inside a castle more time to injure and kill people attacking the castle.

Usually there was a drawbridge at the entrance of the castle to allow supplies, weapons, military and other personnel into the castle across the castle moat

Medieval Castles French Castle Carcassonne

Famous Medieval Castles

Chateau Gaillard in France – a beautiful medieval castle was built in France by the famous Richard the Lion-heart.

Cite de Carcassonne – Another beautiful medieval castle built in France it was started by the Romans but is still a medieval castle.

Leeds Castle – was the residence of King Edward and is a well built medieval castle it is believe it was built in 1119 in the early part of the medieval period

Windsor Castle – Windsor Castle is home to Queen Elizabeth the Queen of England, it is a beautiful medieval castle that was built by William the Conqueror after he had conquered England and become its ruler in 1066.

Tower of London – This is another castle that was built by William the Conqueror in 1078 he started building the large white tower, this was the place that many traitors were executed and where torture took place, it has served as a armory prison, royal palace and Treasury amongst other things during its great history

Medieval Castles of Today

The great country houses, built from stone or wood in the seventeenth to twentieth century were, and always will be, castles of their day.

These famous structures have very little military use in the 21st century and almost all of the remaining castles and their features are used as tourist attractions with guided tours and detailed historical activity about their medieval pasts.

Restoration of the castles was usually required if the castles were badly damaged during wars or conflicts and some were fitted with new staircases, walking path and restored towers.

This is a Great Medieval Castle Book for Young Kids By Haynes Books!

This Book Gives a Serious Look at Medieval Castles for Older Learners!

This is a Nice Activity Book for Younger Children on Medieval Castles!

There are Some lovely Illustrations in this book for Children!

Medieval Castle Leeds Castle is set in a stunning location

Medieval Castles Tower of London White tower london has a history of Be-headings