CASTLES IN THE MIDDLE AGES

Key Question: How and why did the design of castles change in the Middle Ages?

Motte and Bailey

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Used by the Normans after the Battle of Hastings.

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Quick and easy to build

Shell Keep

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Replaced the wooden fence around the Bailey with stone.

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Stronger and safer - would not burn or rot away.

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Houses inside could be hit by rocks thrown over the walls.

Stone Keep

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Provided a place to shelter from attack that had a roof.

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Living space and defences were combined in one building.

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Keeps were a strong last line of defence when in retreat.

Concentric Castles

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Built by Edward I after he had conquered Wales.

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Planned to give brilliant defence from all angles.

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Two walls – in case one was climbed by the enemy.

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An enormous gatehouse defended the entrance.

Siege Strategies Battering Ram Mangonel Scaling Tower Mining

How were these devices used to attack a castle?

Defence strategies How many methods of defence can you see?

* Drawbridge * Portcullis * Moat * Gate house * Turrets * Defence platform

Inside a Stone Keep

What would life have been like living inside a stone keep?

In summary……..

From this………… To this…………..

In just over 200 years….………… …………..WHy???