Donjon

Donjon A donjon is the fortified main tower of a castle, also known as a keep. It is typically the strongest and most secure part of the castle, designed to be the last line of defense during a siege. The term "donjon" is derived from the French word for "dungeon," although in modern usage, a dungeon refers to a prison or underground cell.

History

The concept of the donjon originated in the early Middle Ages and became a prominent feature in medieval castle architecture. The earliest donjons were constructed in the 10th and 11th centuries, primarily in France and England. These structures were initially built from wood but were later replaced with stone for greater durability and defense.

Architecture

Donjons were typically multi-storied structures with thick walls and limited access points. The ground floor often served as storage or a prison, while the upper floors housed the lord and his family. The top floor was usually a lookout point, providing a strategic advantage over the surrounding area. Key architectural features of a donjon include:

• Thick walls: To withstand attacks and sieges.
• Limited entrances: Often only accessible via a drawbridge or a narrow staircase.
• Arrow slits: Narrow vertical openings for archers to shoot from while remaining protected.
• Machicolations: Overhanging sections with openings through which defenders could drop stones or boiling oil on attackers.

Function

The primary function of a donjon was defense. It served as a refuge for the castle's inhabitants during an attack and as a stronghold for the lord. In times of peace, the donjon also functioned as a residence and administrative center.

Examples

Some well-known examples of donjons include:

• White Tower in the Tower of London, England
• Château de Loches in France
• Rochester Castle in England

Related Pages

• Castle
• Keep
• Medieval architecture
• Fortification
• Siege warfare