![]() ![]() Traditionally known as the home of the Earls of Warwick, it served as such a home for generations, up until about 25 years ago. Originally a wooden structure, it was rebuilt in stone in the 12th century and has undergone many structural changes. Less than 100 miles from London, situated on a cliff overlooking a bend in the River Avon, this magnificent fortress was built by William the Conqueror in 1068. Here are some of the most famous medieval castles in England: Warwick Castle By the 14th century, the construction of castles was already in decline. Castles first appeared in England in the 11th century and reached a peak of military sophistication in the late 13 century. Sometimes they were built at the edge of a cliff or on the bend of a river so the surrounding area could be seen. All that remains of these early castles are traces of earthworks.Īs time went on, castles became bigger and stronger and were made of stone. Hills and moats made it more difficult to invade and conquer the castle. If the land was flat, a moat was dug around the castle. They originally started out as simple wooden buildings on top of a mound or hill, which was surrounded by a ditch. These were primarily built for protection during times of war and to ward off invaders. What has survived from medieval times, though, are castles. Many important records have not survived. ![]() Also, compared with other periods in history, historians don’t know much about this time period. It is also known as the Dark Ages because it was a time of cultural and economic deterioration. This period came to an end with the fall of the Western Roman Empire and the beginning of the Renaissance. The medieval castle battlements were of central importance in the defence of a castle.The Medieval Period, or Middle Ages, is a period in European history which lasted from the 5th to the 15th centuries. Read More about Medieval Castle Parts – Barbican Medieval castle barbicans began to be constructed after the Norman Conquest of England in 1066 and continued to be very important until the 15th century, after which they gradually lost their importance due to considerable improvements in castle siege tactics. Read More about Medieval Castle Part – DrawbridgeĪ medieval castle barbican was a kind of fortified outpost that acted as the outer defence point for the castle often ahead of the castle main gatehouse. Later drawbridges used a counterweight system. Sometimes simple manpower was used to raise them. Since the medieval castles were defended by the moats, it was common to quickly raise the drawbridge in the event of an attack.Ī Drawbridge could be raised by a system of ropes, pulleys and or chains. The drawbridge was an important medieval castle part which was a movable bridge at the entrance of a castle above the moat. Read More about Medieval Castle Parts – Watchtowers – Look Outs It was common to build at least one turret at the highest wall which served as the primary lookout point. A constant watch was maintained on the towers and turrets to keep an eye on any approaching armies or anyone else. Medieval Castle Parts *Watchtowers *Look Outsīoth medieval castle turrets and towers also served the purpose of a lookout watching for the invading armies. Read More about Medieval Castle Part – Towers ![]() Towers were mainly built of stone and included battlements and arrow loops for defence. The main difference between a medieval castle tower and a medieval castle turret was that the turret was constructed on the wall at the top, whilst the castle towers were built from the ground up and part of the main structure. In the defence of a medieval castle, towers played a central role. Read More about Medieval Castle Parts – Turrets Turrets were usually square-shaped but during the late medieval times, circular-shaped turrets became more popular because they provided a better line of sight for the archers defending the castle. Its main purpose, like most other components of medieval castle parts, was defence. Read More about Medieval Castle Part – WallsĪnother important component of a medieval castle was the turret.Ī turret was a small tower that was constructed at the edge of a medieval castle wall. There were also machicolations often added to a castles walls that created easier and more effective ways to throw stones and boiling liquids on besieging armies. Castle walls were joined by large towers that served a defensive purpose.Īt the top of the medieval castle walls were crenellated battlements from which to defend the castle from besieging armies. It was common to build medieval castle walls of widths ranging from 8 feet to 20 feet. Medieval castle walls were central to a castle’s defence, the width and type varied from castle to castle. Read More about Medieval Castle Part – Ramparts ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |