What were the castles like in the Middle Ages?

What were the castles like in the Middle Ages?

Once upon a time castles were full of life, bustle and noise and crowded with lords, knights, servants, soldiers and entertainers. In times of war and siege they were exciting and dangerous places, but they were homes as well as fortresses.

What do castles tell us about life in the Middle Ages?

The castle was symbol of the Lord’s power, and therefore cemented the entire Medieval social system firmly in place. Life in a Medieval castle – with its hierarchical structure, noise, festivity and stench- was a microcosm of life in the wider Medieval society.

What was the purpose of castles in the Middle Ages?

Castles could serve as a centre for local government, administration and justice. They were also used by powerful lords to display their wealth and power through lavish architectural styles and decoration. Castles were not only built and used by the crown.

What type of castles were built in the Middle Ages?

The Medieval Castle: Four Different Types

• Within an Existing Roman Fortress. The earliest medieval castles built by the Normans were either constructed within an existing Roman Fort or were Motte and Bailey castles.
• Motte and Bailey Castles.
• Stone Keep Castle.
• Concentric Castles.

What did castles have inside?

Inside the castle walls there might have been a magnificent hall, comfortable chambers and a beautiful chapel. Larger castles had their own fish ponds, orchards and vineyards, as well as gardens which supplied vegetables and herbs. Most castles had a small private chapel near to the lords chambers.

When were castles a thing?

Historians have interpreted the widespread presence of castles across Europe in the 11th and 12th centuries as evidence that warfare was common, and usually between local lords. Castles were introduced into England shortly before the Norman Conquest in 1066.

Why were the castles built?

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 crossings, passages through hills, mountains and frontiers, and as a place of …

Who lived in castles in the Middle Ages?

During the late Middle Ages, from the 10th to the 16th centuries, kings and lords lived in castles. As well as the lord, the lady (his wife), and their family there were lots of staff. Some were important officials, such as the constable who took care of the castle when the lord was away.

Who built castles?

the Normans
The first castles were built by the Normans The great age of castles began almost 1,000 years ago and lasted for nearly 500 years. The Normans introduced the first proper castles, starting with the wooden Motte and Bailey castles, to England following their victory at the Battle of Hastings in 1066.