What are the advantages of a square keep castle?
Square keep castles: made of stone so they lasted longer. Stone would not rot so the castles were a lot stronger than wooden ones. because stone is strong, it is possible to build up so that you have a height advantage and can see for miles.
What was the purpose of a keep in a castle?
Keep's were built within castles during the Middle Ages and they were used as a refuge or last resort should the rest of the castle fall to enemies. Today keeps are scattered across Europe and form an important part of the architectural heritage.
Why were stone keep castles built?
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.
What were 2 reasons for castles being built?
Medieval castles were built from the 11th century CE for rulers to demonstrate their wealth and power to the local populace, to provide a place of defence and safe retreat in the case of attack, defend strategically important sites like river crossings, passages through hills, mountains and frontiers, and as a place of ...
Whats the difference between a castle and a keep?
Scholars have debated the scope of the word keep, but usually consider it to refer to large towers in castles that were fortified residences, used as a refuge of last resort should the rest of the castle fall to an adversary.
Why is a keep called a keep?
A castle's Keep is the strongest portion of a medieval fortification and the last resort in case of a siege or attack. It was usually a fortified tower built within the walls and used as a last refuge in case of an attack. The name keep derives from the Middle English kype, meaning basket or cask.
How thick were stone keep castle walls?
10-12 ftThe new stone wall of a shell keep, either circular or polygonal, could be 3-3.5 metres (10-12 ft) thick and 4.5-9 metres (15-30 ft) high. Inside were such buildings as a hall, barracks, chapel, accommodation, and storehouses.
How long can a stone castle last?
Stone walls offered greater protection against catapults and siege engines that were increasingly used in sieges from the 11th century onwards, although they certainly weren't undefeatable. Secondly, stone castles would last for centuries (many of them survive to this day) whereas wood lasted a decade or two at best.
When did castles stop being used?
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.
How much would a castle cost?
A small castle can cost anywhere between half a million USD to 3 million USD. A medium-sized castle can cost anywhere between 3 million USD to 10 million USD. Essentially there is no limit on how large the castle can be. A large castle can cost 10 million USD and up.
Who built first castles?
The first castles were built by the Normans The great age of castles began almost 1,000 years ago and lasted for nearly 500 years. The Normans introduced the first proper castles, starting with the wooden Motte and Bailey castles, to England following their victory at the Battle of Hastings in 1066.
What's the oldest castle in the world?
The Citadel of Aleppo is the oldest castle in the world, with some parts of the structure dating back to 3000 BC. Built in 1070 AD, Windsor Castle is the oldest castle that is still actively used today. Prague Castle is the largest castle in the world at 70,000 square meters.
What is the keep in a medieval castle?
keep, English term corresponding to the French donjon for the strongest portion of the fortification of a castle, the place of last resort in case of siege or attack.
What is the difference between a keep and a tower?
The tower is a circular or square building, which was used as a lookout and for defence. The central tower in a motte and bailey castle was known as the keep. The height of the keep depends on how big the castle is, or how wealthy its owner is! Some towers are extremely tall, like the tower at Chateau de Coucy.
What is inside a keep?
The new stone wall of a shell keep, either circular or polygonal, could be 3-3.5 metres (10-12 ft) thick and 4.5-9 metres (15-30 ft) high. Inside were such buildings as a hall, barracks, chapel, accommodation, and storehouses. An excellent example of a surviving shell keep is at the c. 1150 CE Cardiff Castle, Wales.
What is the purpose of a bailey in a castle?
The bailey was the center of domestic life within the castle and could contain a variety of buildings, including halls, kitchens, stores, stables, a chapel, barracks, and workshops.