Castles

Castles

Castles are fortified structures that were predominantly built during the Middle Ages by nobility and royalty. They served as both residences and military strongholds. Castles are often associated with Europe, but similar structures existed in other parts of the world.

History

The concept of the castle originated in the 9th and 10th centuries, during the early medieval period. The Normans were particularly influential in the development of castles, introducing the motte-and-bailey design to England after the Norman Conquest of 1066.

Early Castles

Early castles were primarily wooden structures built on raised earthworks called mottes, with a courtyard or bailey below. These motte-and-bailey castles were quick to construct and provided a temporary defensive advantage.

Stone Castles

By the 12th century, stone became the preferred building material for castles, leading to the development of more permanent and formidable structures. Stone castles featured thick walls, towers, and keeps, which were central fortified buildings.

Architecture

Castle architecture varied greatly depending on the region and the period. However, several common features can be identified:

• Keep: The central tower, often the last line of defense.
• Curtain Walls: Thick walls surrounding the castle, often with battlements.
• Moat: A water-filled ditch surrounding the castle, providing an additional layer of defense.
• Gatehouse: The fortified entrance to the castle, often equipped with a portcullis and drawbridge.

Functions

Castles served multiple functions:

• Military: As fortifications, castles were designed to withstand sieges and attacks.
• Residential: They were homes for the nobility and their households.
• Administrative: Castles often served as local centers of government and justice.

Decline

The use of castles began to decline in the late medieval period with the advent of gunpowder and cannons, which rendered traditional castle defenses less effective. By the 16th century, many castles were abandoned or repurposed as palaces or manor houses.

Notable Castles

• Windsor Castle: One of the oldest and largest inhabited castles in the world, located in England.
• Château de Chambord: A French castle known for its distinctive French Renaissance architecture.
• Neuschwanstein Castle: A 19th-century Romanesque Revival palace in Germany, famous for its fairy-tale appearance.

See Also

• Fortification
• Medieval Architecture
• Feudalism

References

• Brown, R. Allen. The Architecture of Castles: A Visual Guide. London: Batsford, 1984.
• Friar, Stephen. The Sutton Companion to Castles. Sutton Publishing, 2003.