Castles

MEDIEVAL CASTLES!

• Gothic Architecture originated in northern France in the twelfth century.

• Located in Sussex, England, Bodiam marks the beginning of a great departure from the Middle Ages.

• Gothic architecture became prevalent in Western Europe around 1400.

• The Church was the most prolific Gothic builder of the Middle Ages.

Medieval Castle Example :Bodiam Castle

l5th century characteristic of English Gothic, York Minster stretches out over the city rooftops, a great horizontal structure almost 500 feet long. The cathedral massing is varied, the transepts project strongly, and there is a second set of transepts near the east end.

Late Medieval / Early Renaissance Castle Example: YORK MINSTER

You think you know. . .You have NO idea

Due to a lack of a strong central government, warfare was frequent. As a result, most nobles build their own fortified manor houses.

The first castles were made of wood, with log walls and mounds of dirt packed around them.

The primary purpose of castles and fortifications was DEFENSE! Several methods were used to protect the people inside.

By 1100, castles were made of stone, with thick walls and turrets (small towers). Most castles were on hills and surrounded by a moat or ditch.

Castles were never luxurious. They were dirty and cold, built only for military security. Even animal slept within the castle.

Noblemen were able to build and maintain their castles by collecting rent from their peasants in the form of goods. They then sold the goods for cash or bartered for services (stonemasons, etc…).

The Nobleman (Lord) had total control in his fief. He settled disputes and defended his land with whatever force was necessary.

The noble Lady, however, had almost no rights. Her job was to raise children. She was often wed as early as her 12th birthday!

The Lady was expected to do needlework, producing fine embroidery. They also made medicines from herbs and other plants.

All Castles Had Similar Parts

Windsor Castle (13 Acres)Built by William the Conqueror

Castle walls had a place for defenders to stand to ward off attacks. There were crenelations to protect the defenders.

Turret

A round tower used for protection and guarding “special guests.”

Wall WalkThe walk-way along the top of the castle wall.

Used for protection and defense

KeepThe yard inside the castle wall.

Great HallThe main building inside the castle walls

Kitchen

Usually in separate small building somewhere inside the castle keep. It was in a separate building to prevent the incidence of fire from burning down the entire castle.

Armory

A building inside the castle keep where weapons were kept.

Dungeon

Ouibuliette

An underground dungeon only accessible through a hole in the floor of a building inside the castle keep.

Battering Ram

A weapon used to breakdown the walls of a castle during a war or siege.

Murder Holes

3-4 holes in the wall walk above the main entry-way of a castle. Used to drop tar/water/oil onto would-be castle attackers.

Trebuchet

A war machine similar to the catapult. . .But, capable of MUCH more damage.

Ashlar

Blocks of smooth stone of any kind.

Belfrey

A tall, moveable, tower used in sieges.

Finial

A slender piece of stone used to decorate the tops of towers.

Moat

A deep trench, usually filled with water (most medieval people believed only witches could swim), that surrounds a castle.

Portcullis

Vertical, sliding, wooden/metal grill suspended in front of a gateway (usually at the main entrance to a castle).

Postern Gate

A secondary gate or door to the castle. Used for secret entrances and escapes during sieges.

Solar

The 2nd floor of a great hall. Usually, reserved only for the Lord and Lady of the castle.

Aerial View -Example

References• Some slides in the this presentation came from

– https://tie.wikispaces.com/file/view/Medieval+Castles.ppt– https://www.google.com/url?

sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=2&ved=0CCUQFjAB&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ecusd7.org%2Fehs%2Fehsstaff%2Fjparkin%2FAcademics%2FMedieval_World_History%2F12-Rise_of_Medieval_Europe%2F2-Medieval_Life%2FCastles.ppt&ei=_hM4VOHVCM3HggTOl4CoAQ&usg=AFQjCNE8DKmiOT_e1znVmiD09m_jfCEjRg&sig2=DxKlskvhGFEfEYcAugcFwA&bvm=bv.77161500,d.eXY&cad=rja

– https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=4&ved=0CDIQFjAD&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.public.asu.edu%2F~awright%2FCastle%2FCastles.ppt&ei=_hM4VOHVCM3HggTOl4CoAQ&usg=AFQjCNEYmyt_zP3lF0vsqqLjD0Sw4QeT5w&sig2=-ZKB5u6Dt6X5LUIFTmijMQ&bvm=bv.77161500,d.eXY&cad=rja