what were castles made of in medieval times

What did they build castles out of?

The keep, which was the main residence for the lord or king of the castle and their family. It was usually made of stone and was either a round or square structure. The first castles were made out of wood. Later, they realized that using stone for the walls would make the castle stronger and better able to stand up against an attack.

What are the most famous castles in the world?

World's most beautiful castles

• Himeji Castle, Japan. Himeji Castle is a World Heritage Site. ...
• Palace of the Grand Master of the Knights of Rhodes, Greece. ...
• Neuschwanstein, Germany. ...
• Alcázar of Segovia, Spain. ...
• Pena Palace, Portugal. ...
• Amber Fortress, India. ...
• Ksar of Aït-Ben-Haddou, Morocco. ...
• Kalmar Castle, Sweden. ...
• Castillo San Felipe del Morro, Puerto Rico. ...
• Topkapi Sarayi, Turkey. ...

More items...

What were castles originally used for?

Castles were built because they were needed to keep peace in the area and to protect the barons and lords of rebellion. Norman Barons and their soldiers also used castles as a base in wich they could control the local area. The Castles became the focus for local trade in the area which the barons…

When were castles first built a why?

Castle History. Castle, a strongly fortified residence. Castles developed in western Europe in the late 10th century as the private strongholds of kings and noblemen and played an important role in the feudal system. Castles were built not only in Europe, but also in the Middle East (during the Crusades) and in parts of the Far East.

What material are medieval castles made of?

Until the 12th century, the fortifications of most castles were comprised of earth and timber. While stone buildings predominated thereafter, wood remained a very important material in medieval warfare and fortification.

What materials were used for castles?

Castles in England have been constructed from a number of materials including stone, brick, timber, lead, iron and tin. To a large degree the choice of material for the main walls was driven by the availability of local supplies and, in later years where defensive strength was less important, fashion.

What type of material were the first castles made from?

The earliest form of castle was a simple wooden palisade, perhaps with earthworks, surrounding a camp, sometimes with a permanent wooden tower in the centre.

Why were medieval castles made of stone?

They were very vulnerable to attacks using fire and the wood would eventually start to rot. Due to these disadvantages, King William ordered that castles should be built in stone. Many of the original timber castles were replaced with stone castles.

How were old castles built?

Initially, castles were built out of wood, but eventually, people made castles from stone because they were stronger and lasted longer. Castles usually consisted of a group of buildings that were surrounded by a huge wall and a moat designed to keep attackers out.

How long did medieval castles take to build?

Stone castles were extremely expensive and took a great deal of time to build. If some motte-and-bailey castles could be constructed in less than a month, a medium size stone castle would have taken a minimum of five years to build, while a large size stone castle could take more than a decade.

How were castles heated in medieval times?

Castles weren't always cold and dark places to live. But, in reality, the great hall of castle had a large open hearth to provide heat and light (at least until the late 12th century) and later it had wall fireplace. The hall would also have had tapestries which would have insulated the room against too much cold.

What were medieval walls made of?

Half-timber - The common form of medieval construction in which walls were made of a wooden frame structure filled with wattle and daub.

Why did they stop building stone keep castles?

After the 16th century, castles declined as a mode of defense, mostly because of the invention and improvement of heavy cannons and mortars. This artillery could throw heavy cannonballs with so much force that even strong curtain walls could not hold up.

What are the 3 types of castles?

The three main types of castles are the motte and bailey castle, the stone keep castle, and the concentric castle.

Did castles have stone floors?

In a ground-floor hall the floor was beaten earth, stone or plaster; when the hall was elevated to the upper story the floor was nearly always timber, supported either by a row of wooden pillars in the basement below, as in Chepstow's Great Hall (shown left), or by stone vaulting.

How long can a castle last?

A very well built castle will last "indefinitely". Older "castles" may last longer than more recent ones. The Romans learned to build in real concrete maybe around 100 BC.

What type of rock were castles made of?

Generally, they were built of sandstone or limestone, but the whole castle wouldn't have been made of stone – it was expensive and unwieldy. Costs would have been cut by using wooden roofs, partitions, and supports.

What rock is used for castles?

Limestone, Sandstone, and Granite are still sourced and used today for modern buildings just as they were for the Medieval structures that still linger in the landscape today. settle, which might explain why many sandstone castles have needed reinforcement and constant upkeep over the centuries.

How were English castles built?

The first Norman castles were motte-and-bailey castles, a wooden or stone keep set on an artificial mound called a motte, surrounded by an enclosed courtyard or bailey. This in turn was surrounded by a protective ditch and palisade. These fortifications were relatively easy and fast to construct.

What were medieval walls made of?

Half-timber - The common form of medieval construction in which walls were made of a wooden frame structure filled with wattle and daub.

What was the purpose of a castle in the Middle Ages?

Because of this, the purpose of a castle was primarily for protection. Emphasis was given to impenetrability and indestructibility over luxury and comfort.

What is the importance of visiting castles in the Middle Ages?

Visiting castles from the Middle Ages offers great insight into the lives of the people who once lived within. History comes alive when paired with the actual walls defended and artifacts of the former residents. Despite the strength of the buildings in times of medieval warfare, time has not been quite as kind and many surviving examples require significant care to maintain the structure.

What was the impact of the arch technology on medieval architecture?

The arch technology discussed above allowed architects and builders to expand the width and height of vaults creating an airier and less claustrophobic space.

Why was wood less expensive than stone?

With the Norman invasion of 1066 and the destruction of numerable castles by fire , stone became a more common building material.

What is the reputation of medieval times as a “middle age” between two great, productive eras?

It is evident through castle architecture, as one example, that despite the reputation of medieval times being simple a “middle age” between two great, productive eras, that highly intelligent and inventive men were able to construct monumental buildings with limited technology.

Why are chapels important in castles?

Chapels are essential in many castles because of limited transportation means . The Middle Ages were an extremely devout time, and the ability to worship from home was convenient and demonstrated to the church their devotion to religion.

What was the impact of the Gothic style on England?

The introduction of the Gothic style in England around 1200 resulted in drastic changes to stone architecture in both churches and castles. Previously stones were cut rather coarsely, but the Gothic style required carefully cut and shaped stones to realize the shapes and heights desired. Another significant advantage of using stone is the ability to re-use the material. Should a castle by attacked and damaged, a large portion of the raw materials are still available to use in the rebuilding.

What were the first castles built by the Normans?

The earliest medieval castles built by the Normans were either constructed within an existing Roman Fort or were Motte and Bailey castles. These were soon replaced by Stone Keep castles as they offered better protection from attack. Concentric castles developed during the 12th and 13th Centuries and were virtually impossible to conquer.

What is the main feature of a concentric medieval castle?

The main feature of the concentric medieval castle is its walls. An inner wall built of thick stone with turrets positioned at intervals is then surrounded by an equally thick but lower stone wall. The walls are built at different levels so that archers on the inner walls can fire over the archers on the outer walls.

Why were the Motte and Bailey surrounded by a ditch?

To give added protection to the castle, both the Motte and Bailey would be surrounded by a ditch, sometimes filled with water. A drawbridge was used for access to the castle.

What are the two parts of the Motte?

As their name suggests they had two parts the Motte and the Bailey. The Motte was a large hill made of earth on which was built a wooden keep or lookout. The outer edge was then surrounded with a large wooden fence called a palisade.

What is the space between the walls of the castle called?

The space between the two walls was known as the ‘death hole ’ for being trapped within the walls would almost certainly result in death for the attacker. The entire castle was then often surrounded with a moat and entry would be across a drawbridge.

What was the castle of Bodiam?

Medieval castle of Bodiam; East Sussex England UK, by WyrdLight.com. The medieval castle was the foundation of military defense for nearly a millennium. Kingdoms were caught up in an arms race to build wood and stone structures that were most effective in halting armies on campaign.

What is a stone keep?

A stone keep was the central feature, with thick walls and few windows. Entrance to the keep was by stone steps leading to the first floor. The kitchens were situated on the ground floor while living quarters were on the upper floors. The first keeps were rectangular in shape but later ones were often circular.

Why were castles built?

Castles built primarily to be military fortifications were powerful structures, engineered with thick walls and narrow entrances to repel enemies, whereas castles intended to be used as domestic or symbolic spaces tended to be more spacious and more highly decorated, with less attention paid to actual military effectiveness. ...

Where did castles originate?

Origins of Castle Design. The earliest fortifications in Europe were hillforts built during the Bronze Age, simple but effective earthworks. The Romans later built fortifications of various types and sizes, from Roman forts to stone walls and towers such as the kind that can be found at Hadrian’s wall in Britain.

Why did they use shells in Motte and Bailey?

In any case, many existing wooden motte-and-bailey castles were replaced by shell keeps. The shell keep design seems to have been primarily chosen because of the issue of weight. Many mottes could simply not support the enormous weight of a free-standing stone keep, and so a shell keep represented an excellent solution.

What is a motte and bailey castle?

Motte-and-bailey castles, as the earliest incarnation of the medieval castle, were relatively simple structures, consisting of an earthwork known as a motte (atop which would stand a tower) and a bailey, a compound positioned at the base of or next to the motte, usually enclosed by a wall or fence.

How long did it take to make a mottle?

Artificial mottes probably took somewhere between four to nine months to construct, and on top of it a simple wooden tower or ‘keep’ was added. These keeps varied greatly in size, some being little more than watch towers with room for a few guards, some being great towers with room to house the lord and his entourage.

Why were curtain walls important?

Multiple layers of curtain walls, punctuated by towers, were crucial to the concentric design. The walls varied in height (the outer was lower than the inner), allowing defenders to fire over both walls and support soldiers on the outer wall. If one layer was captured, the garrison could retreat to the inner wall to fight again.

How big are mottes?

Mottes could be up to 90 meters wide and a staggering 30 meters tall, although the vast majority in England (69%) were between two and five meters tall.

What was the main room of a medieval castle?

Great Hall – The great hall was the main room of a Medieval Castle. It was generally a meeting place that could hold many people at once and was the main dining quarters for the noble lord of the castle. It usually contained a large fireplace and was used for gatherings and special occasions.

Why were medieval castles built on established roads?

As well, being built on a near a body of water allowed for easier transport to and from the castle. This is also why many European castles were constructed on already established roads. Besides location, Medieval castles were constructed with many different features.

How thick is a medieval castle curtain wall?

For example, a curtain wall of a typical Medieval castle could be as high as 12 meters (39 feet) and as thick as 3 meters (10 feet).

What were the arrow loopholes in the castle walls called?

Arrows Loopholes – Arrow loopholes (also sometimes called arrow slits) were narrow cut-outs in the castle walls which allowed archers to shoot arrows at assaulting armies. While they varied in shape and size through the Medieval period they were often in the shape of a cross, which allowed a defending archer the ability to better aim at his target.

Why was the location of the castle important?

The location of the castle was also incredibly important. Since castles were protecting both wealth and people they were often the site of warfare. As a result, constructing the castle in a location that was easier to defend was one of the first priorities of the builders.

What are the structures at the top of a castle called?

Battlements – Battlements are the structures at the top of a castle wall. The tooth-like structures that stick up on the battlements are called merlons. The battlements on the castle walls helped protect lookouts and archers at the top while they defended the castle against advancing armies.

What is the main entrance of a castle?

Gatehouse – The gatehouse was the main entrance of a castle. It generally included a small gate opening in-between two high towers that were connected to the curtain walls. This allowed the defending forced of the castle the ability to control who could enter and leave the castle. However, the gatehouse also usually included several different defensive features. For instance, the main gate of the gatehouse was a portcullis, which was a metal or wooden gate that could be lowered from above. As well, above the gatehouse was the ‘murder holes’. These were holes in the ceiling of the main gate passage which allowed the defending forces the ability to drop rocks or burning oil onto people trapped in the passage of the gatehouse .

What were castles made of?

In the middle ages the castles were built with: Wood. Any type of stone, including flint, sea pebbles, and chalk. The walls of a castle needed to be very strong and sturdy because they were made of stone they were also extremely heavy. The walls were often made of something called Ashlar.

Why were medieval castles not built?

Medieval castles were not built for comfort, they were built for safety . Castles were built to protect the lord. The castle wasn't the most comfortable place to live in, there was no heat in the castles, only the lord and his family would have heat.

What tool was used to design stone blocks into the shape and size necessary for the construction of walls, columns, and tower?

Hammers and Chisels : used to design the stone blocks into the shape and size necessary for the construction of walls, columns, and towers. Chisels were also used to create detailed designs in the stone for decorative or religious purposes.

What was the name of the wall that allowed the castle defenders to shoot arrows?

When the ashlar wall was completed it would often be coated over with plaster and whitewash. Another name for castle walls were called curtain wall. Arrow Loops: S lits in the wall that allowed the castle defenders to shoot arrows. Batter: An angled section at the bottom of the wall.

What is a scaffold made of?

Scaffolding: This is a temporary structure on the outside of a building. It is usually made of wood and rope, in the medieval time. Now they have metal poles.

What is the name of the stone that is cut into shapes with square edges?

The walls were often made of something called Ashlar. Ashlar is a name for stones cut into shapes with square edges. The space between the ashlar stones are filled with mortar. Mortar would bring the ashlar stones together to make cement. Mortar is a mixture of water, sand and lime.

What type of castle was used in medieval Europe?

as secure bases from which raids could be launched on the territory of rival nobles. The earliest type of castle in medieval Europe is the motte-and-bailey castle.

What is the history of medieval castles?

The Fascinating History of Medieval Castles: From Emergence to Obsoletion. Medieval castles are one of the most iconic buildings of the Middle Ages , especially in Western Europe. During this period, the castle served generally as the residence of a king, or the lord of the territory in which it was built. Therefore, the castle was the center of ...

How did the Normans conquer England?

The Normans had conquered England following their victory at the Battle of Hastings in 1066. Nevertheless, in the early days of Norman rule, there were still pockets of resistance around the country, which caused the Normans to send their troops around the country. They brought the motte-and-bailey castle from their homeland to England, and these, which were built of timber, could be erected in a matter of weeks, thus allowing them to quickly assert control over the land. It is estimated that the Normans constructed over 1000 wooden motte-and-bailey castles throughout England.

How big is Krak des Chevaliers?

The stone inner wall, for instance, is over 3 m (9.8 ft) thick, and is studded with seven towers, each having a diameter of 10 m (32.8 ft). The castle could accommodate a garrison of up to 2000 men, and had a stable for up to 1000 horses.

Why was Beaumaris Castle never completed?

The castle was never completed due to the lack of funds, and troubles brewing in Scotland. Still, it is a sight to behold, both for its scale and ambition. One of the most remarkable aspects of the unfinished castle is its regular, almost square layout. Unlike Krak des Chevaliers, Beaumaris Castle was constructed on a plain, and therefore required walls and towers facing in all directions, hence its layout.

Why are castles considered tourist attractions?

Castles, including their ruins, have also become tourist attractions, thanks to public fascination with castles, and the Middle Ages in general. Furthermore, the cultural and historical significance of many medieval castles have been recognized, resulting in their inscription on UNESCO’s World Heritage List.

Why were castles built?

Incidentally, the cathedral may be considered to be the castle’s spiritual counterpart. In order to adequately protect the secular rulers living in them, castles were built as defensive structures. Over the course of the medieval period, castles had to make adaptations that allowed them to deal more effectively with changes in siege warfare. True castles became obsolete during the 15 th century, when artillery became powerful enough to breach the stone walls of castles.

What material was used in medieval houses?

Straw. Straw might seem like a very lightweight material and we hardly come across it when it comes to archeological digs of medieval settlements. The truth is that Straw, by itself or as a major component was used across most houses during the middle ages.

What was the most important material in medieval times?

Stone . Stone was used during the medieval times for a variety of purposes. Due to it’s sturdy nature, stone was an excellent building material for structures that were meant to inspire awe and last in time, in some instances, their capability of take a significant pounding was also quite important.

How is cob made?

Cob, like wattle and daub is also a compound material Traditionally, English cob was made by mixing the clay-based subsoil with sand, straw and water using oxen to trample it. The earthen mixture was then ladled onto a stone foundation in courses and trodden onto the wall by workers in a process known as cobbing. The construction would progress according to the time required for the prior course to dry. After drying, the walls would be trimmed and the next course built, with lintels for later openings such as doors and windows being placed as the wall takes shape.

Why do cob buildings use stone?

The main reason for it being that cob, as a very heavy in clay compound needs to have a better footing in order to support the superstructure of the building.

Why don't we find houses in archeological digs?

The reason we don’t find these houses in archeological digs is that due to the fact that Straw is a biodegradable material, building constructed with it have quite a short lifespan once they are abandoned.

Why are cob houses so popular?

Due to the plasticity of the material cob-made houses are easily distinguishable by their curvy walls, an architectural style that was used a lot due to its uniqueness.

Why were oyster shells used in kilns?

In locations that Lime stone could not be found, oyster shells were used in kilns in order to produce a very similar material (both are calcium carbonate)

Why were castles built in the Middle Ages?

Medieval castles were built during the Middle Ages in Europe and the Middle East as a structure to provide protection for nobility from invaders. Not to be confused with palaces, castles were fortified structures that began to be built in the 9 th and 10 th centuries, and continued to be built for roughly 900 years.

How many medieval castles are there?

The tower of a castle was referred to as a 'donjon'. There are more than 10,000 medieval castles still in existence today in Europe and in Asia.

Why did medieval castles have gatehouses?

Medieval castles often had gatehouses that provided access to the castle for its inhabitants but also provided protection against invaders . These gatehouses made it possible to stop unwanted visitors from gaining entry. The drawbridge was invented late in the Medieval-castle era.

What were the obstacles put in place to defend the medieval castles from potential invaders?

These obstacles could include moats, spikes, curtain walls, and lookouts were placed in strategic positions so that invaders could be spotted and the castle occupants warned.

Why did the castle have sharp spikes?

Sometimes sharp spikes were set in place in the moats so that invaders that were not turned away by the sewage would still be fought off (or killed) by the spikes.

What were the quarters of a medieval castle called?

The Lord and Lady of a Medieval castle lived in quarters referred to as 'solar chambers' . Early Medieval castles often had small windows which made the interior dark. In the 1200s larger windows began to be included to allow for more light. It wasn't until the middle of the Medieval times that fireplaces were invented.

Why were castles less desirable?

Castles began to be less desirable as they were no longer desired for use a residences. Despite their use for military purposes disappearing there are many castles around the world that are in use today for a variety of purposes. Interesting Medieval Castles Facts:

Origins of Castle Design

Early Medieval Castles

High Medieval Castles

Late Medieval Castles

• Gothic Castles
  Stone keeps and concentric castles continued to be built into the late medieval period, but there was also a new development – gothic castles. Gothic architecture, which developed out of the earlier Romanesque, was a style characterized by tall, thin arches with pointed peaks, used in d…

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