Castle Development during the Middle Ages

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During the middle ages, most buildings and structures were constructed for a specific purpose, for example, houses, churches, statues, etc., but a castle’s main purpose, on the other hand, was very dependent on the occupier. Castles have been used throughout history as a military base, stronghold, household, and as a seat of government, and have been built over many generations and time periods. They have also been found all throughout the world. How have these monuments changed over time and how does the architecture of these castles compare to others of during the middle ages? The Normans were responsible for the development of Castles in England during the middle ages. The Normans were master castle builders and literally brought castles and feudalism with them on their invasion fleets. They transported pre-built wooden castles by boat and initiated the motte and bailey style of castle as they moved through England. Unlink stone castles, which could take years to build, these rapidly built, wooden castles created a quick network across large distances. The primary use for all castles, in general, is defense. They were often built on hills, cliffs, islands, swamps, etc. to limit the probability of a siege or uprising, and motte and bailey castles were no different. The motte and bailey castles were first used to protect the nobleman of the Norman fleet, and followed a fairly basic design. Mottes, according to Dr. Reginald Allen Brown, medieval historian with vast knowledge and experience in this field, were artificial mounds constructed by piling consecutive layers of earth and stones. The stones created stability throughout the motte and also helped with drainage. The sides of the motte were often covered with a layer of clay... ... middle of paper ... ...nce of this particular castle differs from other Edwardian castles by the wall shape and use of colored stone scattered throughout the walls. Also, differing from most Edwardian castle designs, the outer towers are not round, but polygonal. Two gates allowed entrance into the castle (The King and Queen’s Gates). Each gateway was very secure and contained murder holes and arrow loops at each. Works Cited Allen Brown, Reginald (1976) [1954], Allen Brown's English Castles, The Boydell Press,ISBN 1-84383-069-8 Allen Brown, Reginald; Curnow, P (1984), Tower of London, Greater London: Department of the Environment Official Handbook, Her Majesty's Stationary Office, ISBN 0-11-671148-5 Impey, Edward, and Peter Hammond. Tower of London: The Official Guidebook. London: Historic Royal Palaces Agency, 1996. Print. Taylor, A. J. Caernarfon Castle. Cardiff: Cadw, 1986. Print.

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