How and why did castles change over time?

Authors Avatar

How and why did castles change over time?

Introduction

In this project I will be telling you how castles changed and why castles changed between 1066 and 1500. I will go through the 5 different castles and how they were attacked, improved and other useful information. I will use pictures and writing to explain. The reason why kings built castles was to protect them and to keep out their enemies.

Motte and Bailey

The motte and bailey were the first castles to be built in 1066 and William the Conqueror was one of the first to build them in England. Motte and Baileys were built from wood. On the top of the motte (mound) would be a keep where the baron would live. The motte was surrounded by a ditch, a palisade (wooden fence) and had a draw bridge. In the bailey (courtyard) would be some farm buildings and cottages where the servants and animals lived.  The best place to build the motte and bailey castle was on a hill, so that you could see for a long way and you was able to fire arrows down at the enemy.  The motte and baileys good points were that it was quick to build, you had room to keep your animals and supplies and you had a good view. Motte and bailey castles were easily destroyed by fire.  Today all that remains of these castles are grassy mounds that were once mottes. (see plan and pictures of a motte and bailey below).  

Join now!

Square Keep

The first stone square keep in England was built by William the Conqueror and was the Tower of London.  The square keep had improved from the motte and bailey as it had thick stone walls with very narrow windows. It also had spiral staircases made anti-clockwise so that defenders could easily swing their swords at their enemy. There was a large moat surrounding the keep to stop enemies crossing. This castle was easily destroyed by attackers tunnelling underground and burning the ...

This is a preview of the whole essay