Castle Development In The Middle Ages

Introduction

For over 500 years, magnificent castles of all shapes and sizes were built across Western Europe. These strong fortifications were built to defend the many occupants of the castle. The stunning architecture of these structures, continue to amaze people all over the world as the remains of many can still be viewed after thousands of years. Castles were first introduced in England by William the Conqueror in 1066 CE . He and his Norman Lords built castles along the English countryside and claimed England as their own. From that point on, castles were chosen as the ideal building for protection throughout England. The word “Castle” in Latin (castellum) means “fortified place”.

Motte and Bailey Castles

Motte and Bailey castles were the first known castles to be built. The construction of these castles would create a trend that lasts until 1550 CE . Motte and Bailey castles were first built by the French to defend their land against Scandinavian invaders (Vikings). They were very simple, wooden towers built on a mound (Motte). These mounds were often man-made with a wooden fence (palisade) built around it. A narrow bridge and a gateway led to a large, enclosed area known as the bailey. A moat often surrounded the castle for to add extra protection against unwanted enemies . The Motte and Bailey castles were first introduced to England by William the Conqueror and his Norman Lords. William built the first Motte and Bailey castle in Dover after his victory in Hastings. Due to the short amount of time consumed by construction, the castle only took 8 days to build! The Normans built a large number of Motte and Bailey castles in England but only a few still exist. From one perspective, the Motte and Bailey castles were e...

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... feel more confident defending a strong and complex castle. Some disadvantages of a concentric castle include: concentric castles are very expensive to build, they take very long to build, they require more workers and skill to build and they need a larger food supply for a large amount of soldiers .

Conclusion

In conclusion, the development of castles during the medieval period introduced some of the spectacular forms of infrastructure that we see today. The development of castles over a few centuries shows the evolutionary leap in humanity. We can learn from the mistakes and successes of the castles of the medieval ages. It shows us how one building can last thousands of years if we use the correct method and materials. Even though castles are no longer used in today’s society, they are still an educational piece of art that should be preserved for its beauty.