Castles in the Middle Ages

Castles in the Middle Ages

During the Middle Ages, fortified residences for kings and nobles were constructed as castles.

Castles in the Middle Ages

Why did they build castles?

A large portion of Europe was split between lords and princes during the Middle Ages. They would be in charge of the local population as well as the land. They constructed their dwellings as massive castles in the middle of the territory they controlled as a means of self-defense. From their castles, they could both prepare to launch their own attacks and repel others.

Initially, wood and timber were used to build castles. To make them stronger later on, stone was used in their place. Castles were frequently constructed atop hills or in locations where they could take advantage of the terrain’s natural defenses. Castle construction decreased after the Middle Ages, partly due to the development of heavier weaponry and cannon that could readily breach fortifications.

Castle Features

Although castle design varied widely throughout Europe, there were some similar features that many castles incorporated:

• Moat: A moat was a defensive ditch dug around the castle. It could be filled with water, and there was typically a drawbridge across it to get to the castle gate.
• Keep: The keep was a large tower and the last place of defense in a castle.
• Curtain Wall: The wall around the castle had a walkway on it from which defenders could fire arrows down onto attackers.
• Arrow Slits: These were slits cut into the walls that allowed archers to shoot arrows at attackers but remain safe from return fire.
• Gatehouse: The gatehouse was built at the gate to help reinforce the castle defenses at their weakest point.
• Battlements: Battlements were at the tops of castle walls. Generally, they were cut out of walls, allowing defenders to attack while still being protected by the wall.

Famous Castles

• Windsor Castle: William the Conqueror built this castle after he became ruler of England. Today it is still the primary residence of English royalty.
• Tower of London was built in 1066. The large White Tower was started in 1078 by William the Conqueror. Over time, the tower has served as a prison, treasury, armory, and royal palace.
• Leeds Castle: Built in 1119, this castle later became the residence of King Edward I.
• Chateau Gaillard is Castle built in France by Richard the Lionheart.
• Cite de Carcassonne, a Famous castle in France, was started by the Romans.
• Spis Castle: Located in Eastern Slovakia, this is one of the largest Medieval castles in Europe.
• Hohensalzburg Castle: Sitting on top of a hill in Austria, it was originally built in 1077 but was greatly expanded in the late 15th century.
• Malbork Castle: Built in Poland in 1274 by the Teutonic Knights, this is the largest castle in the world by surface area.

Facts about Castles in the Middle Ages

• Originally towers were built with square tops, but later were replaced by round towers that offered better defense and visibility.
• Many castles kept their ale in a room called the buttery.
• Siege engines were used to attack castles. They included the battering ram, catapult, siege towers, and the ballista.
• Often times attacking armies would wait outside and try to starve out the castle dwellers rather than attack them. This is called a siege. Many castles were built on a spring so they would have water during a siege.
• The steward managed all the affairs of the castle.
• Cats and dogs were kept in castles to help kill rats and keep them from eating the grain stores.

Read also: How to Raise a Knight in the Middle Ages