Castle Defense Architecture

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Castle architecture was significant when constructing the ideal stronghold defensive castle. The architect and builders of the fortress had concise thoughtfulness into the construction of natural area, walls, towers, and gateways. The natural area gave the castle extra protection from the surrounding area, while the walls, towers, and gateways all amalgamated to protect the inside of the castle and protect the castle’s weakest points. Before the castle could even be constructed, they first had to find the right spot to build. Most castles were constructed on a motte, a natural area that would already provide additional defense. If no natural defense was present, such as cliffs, mountains or even trees, then men would work to build up the ground …show more content…

Most castle builders tried to minimize the amount of gateways. However, each castle needed at least one entrance, so the solution was to make a defensively intense gatehouse. Gates were made of wood to make it easy to open and close which made them vulnerable. Spikes or other sharp objects were usually added to the gates for extra protection (“Castle Defense Architecture”). A portcullis, a common latticed grille or gate made of metal or wood, was placed behind the wooden gate and could quickly be dropped during a time of a siege. (McDonald). The drawbridge was a very effective and useful tool because most castles were surrounded by a moat. The bridge could easily be lowered or raised quickly to cause an obstacle (McDonald). If enemies made it through the entrance gate and into the gatehouse, they would often find themselves trapped. Above their heads were murder holes that soldiers could drop anything through such as barrels, stones, launching arrows, and boiling hot water (“Castle Defense Architecture”). The Dover Castle in England protected the country from invasion for hundreds of years. It was known greatly for its barbican, a dramatic gatehouse, and well designed curtain walls (Morris). In order to protect the weakest part of the castle, it was required to add the most depth of

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