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Great Hall
Definition by Mark Cartwright

Great Hall

The Great Hall was the architectural centrepiece of a medieval castle's interior and functioned as the social and administrative hub of the castle and its estates. With everyone dining and sleeping in the hall in its early days, the room...
Castle Keep
Definition by Mark Cartwright

Castle Keep

The keep, located within a courtyard and surrounded by a curtain wall, was the heart of a medieval castle. The hall keep was a low building while the tower keep or donjon could have three or more floors and be topped by turrets and battlements...
Medieval Castle
Definition by Mark Cartwright

Medieval Castle

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...
An Illustrated Glossary of Castle Architecture
Article by Mark Cartwright

An Illustrated Glossary of Castle Architecture

Alure (Wall Walk) The walkway along the higher and interior part of a wall which often gives access to the higher floors of towers within the wall. Typically protected by battlements. Apse A semicircular projecting part of a...
Toilets in a Medieval Castle
Article by Mark Cartwright

Toilets in a Medieval Castle

The medieval toilet or latrine, then called a privy or garderobe, was a primitive affair, but in a castle, one might find a little more comfort and certainly a great deal more design effort than had been invested elsewhere. Practicality...
Great Hall & Lesser Hall, Chepstow Castle
Image by Nessy

Great Hall & Lesser Hall, Chepstow Castle

The Great Hall and Lesser Hall at Chepstow Castle in Wales. The halls contained the domestic facilities of the castle. The castle was first built c. 1067 CE by Earl William FitzOsbern, and then extended from c. 1190 CE by Sir William Marshal...
Siege Warfare in Medieval Europe
Article by Mark Cartwright

Siege Warfare in Medieval Europe

Siege tactics were a crucial part of medieval warfare, especially from the 11th century CE when castles became more widespread in Europe and sieges outnumbered pitched battles. Castles and fortified cities offered protection to both the local...
Life in a Medieval Castle
Collection by Mark Cartwright

Life in a Medieval Castle

Protecting strategically important coastlines, passes, and roadways, castles were an essential part of medieval warfare. With such key features as a tower keep, fortified gatehouses, curtain walls with crenellations and a surrounding moat...
Food in an English Medieval Castle
Article by Mark Cartwright

Food in an English Medieval Castle

If one was looking to enjoy a fine meal in the medieval world then the best place to find a handsomely laid dinner table was in the local castle. There, in the magnificent Great Hall, feasts were regularly served for the local lord and his...
Motte and Bailey Castle
Definition by Mark Cartwright

Motte and Bailey Castle

The motte and bailey castle was an early form of medieval fortification especially popular with the Normans in northern France and Britain during the 11th century CE. A single tower was built on (or partially within) the motte or earth mound...
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