Search Results: Motte and Bailey Castle

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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...
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...
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...
Caernarfon Castle
Definition by Mark Cartwright

Caernarfon Castle

Caernarfon Castle (aka Caernarvon) is located in North Wales and was first built from 1283 CE by Edward I of England (r. 1272-1307 CE) to help, along with several other major castles, control the newly conquered area. As the administrative...
The Household Staff in an English Medieval Castle
Article by Mark Cartwright

The Household Staff in an English Medieval Castle

An English medieval castle, if a large one, could have a household staff of at least 50 people, which included all manner of specialised and skilled workers such as cooks, grooms, carpenters, masons, falconers, and musicians, as well as a...
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...
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...
Windsor Castle
Definition by Mark Cartwright

Windsor Castle

Windsor Castle is located in Berkshire, England, and was built as a motte and bailey castle by William the Conqueror (r. 1066-1087). Converted into stone by Henry II of England (r. 1165-1179), the shell keep tower was rebuilt by Edward III...
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...
Motte and Bailey Castle, Bayeux Tapestry
Image by Myrabella

Motte and Bailey Castle, Bayeux Tapestry

A detail from the Bayeux tapestry showing the motte and bailey structure of Dinan during the 11th century Norman conquest of Britain. The wooden palisade sits atop the motte or mound. (Centre Guillaume le Conquérant, Bayeux, France)
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