![]() ![]() The bailey could contain many buildings such as the kitchens, the stables, the chapel, the bakery etc. While the keep was the residence of the Lord in charge, the bailey was the home of the rest of the Lord’s entourage that also needed protection. As opposed to early motte-and-bailey castles, where the bailey was normally surrounded by a wooden palisade, stone castles were protected by a thick stone wall, wrapping around the entire castle, and enclosing both the Keep and the Bailey. The bailey was a fortified enclosure containing the castle’s domestic buildings. Radiating out from it, we would find many other buildings and further fortifications. The keep was the heart of any stone castle and usually the first part to be built. In addition, stone keeps were usually tall enough to make scaling with ladders or movable wooden scaffolding difficult, while providing an excellent viewpoint for archers shooting at attacking raiders.Īttribution: By Selbymay (Own work), via Wikimedia Commons The sheer thickness of the stone walls served as protection against siege engines such as catapults or trebuchets. In later medieval times, Castles began to transform into sumptuous buildings, and nobles began to live in more luxurious chambers, with the keep used exclusively as a stronghold.īesides providing accommodation for the lords of the castle, the keep was also the last line of defense. They included grand fireplaces for heat and for comfort, larger and more comfortable rooms and better protection from the rain and cold. Stone buildings provided much more luxurious accommodation compared to the earlier wooden towers. The keep was the residence of the lord who owned the castle and his family, but it could also be used by his guests or representatives. The great innovation of stone castles was the replacement of the wooden tower of the earlier motte-and-bailey castle with a taller and stronger tower rendered in stone. ![]() The keep was the heart of every medieval castle and the most strongly defended point before the introduction of concentric defense. Most medieval castles did share some common features, so let’s take a look at some of the most important aspects of stone castle construction. ![]() Some castles were designed to culture an air of luxury and grandeur, while others were built for purely militaristic pursuits, with strong walls that could be easily defended and provide shelter for the local population. What did a typical Medieval Castle look like?įirst, we must understand that no two stone castles had the same layout, and every castle’s design largely depended upon the local landscape, skills, resources and the purpose and function of each castle. They embody the romantic ideal of chivalry, of epic battles, of loyalty and personal sacrifice to crown and country. Castles are some of the most popular historic sites on Earth, and together with the great cathedrals are one of the most evocative features of the Medieval Age in Europe.Ĭastles exert a powerful hold on our imagination. Mention the Middle Ages and most people immediately visualize a great stone castle, surrounded by a sturdy moat, and protected by Knights on horseback and legions of spearmen. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
Details
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |