Development of Medieval Castles

Development of Medieval Castles

Facts and interesting information about the History, Development and Architecture of Medieval Castles

Development of Medieval Castles
The Medieval Times encompass one of the most violent periods in the History of England are are epitomised by the castles of the Middle Ages. The development, architecture and building of these great fortresses changed as time progressed, influenced by important historical events such as the crusades and the technology of siege warfare. This page provides interesting and important information about the Development of Medieval Castles.

The Development of Castles in England before the Middle Ages
The Normans were responsible for the Development of Castles in England during the Medieval times and era. Up to the Norman invasion and the Battle of Hastings in 1066 there were no castle fortresses. There were structures such as the Causewayed Camps and Stonehenge which dated back to the Stone Age ( 3000 - 1800 BC ). The Bronze Age ( 1800 - 600 BC ) brought about the the Hillforts of England, the biggest being Maiden Castle. The Iron Age and the Romans ( 600 BC - 400 AD ) saw the development of more hillforts and when the Romans invaded England they produced defensive structures such as the massive Hadrian's Wall and  Roman Forts. The Fall of the Roman Empire led to a time in the history of England when the Celts of England were invaded by the Scots, the Welsh, the Saxons and the Vikings. A new National Defence system was established by Alfred the Great by the formation of fortified towns called 'Burhs' (later changed to Burghs then Boroughs).

The Development of Castles in England during the Medieval times of the Middle Ages - The development of the Norman castle
The Normans brought castles and feudalism to England during the Medieval times and era. The Normans literally brought the castles with them on their invasion fleet! These were pre-built wooden castles, which are illustrated on the Bayeux Tapestry. William the Conqueror employed a strategy of quickly building a network of wooden Motte and Bailey Castles. Timber Motte and Bailey Castles could not be viewed as permanent castles as the wood built on earth rotted quickly and they could easily be destroyed by fire. The development of castles in Medieval Times continued when the timber castles were replaced with stone castles. The development of the Norman stone castles gave them a power base. 

The Development of Medieval Castles - Feudalism
The outward mark of feudalism was the castle, where the lord resided and from which he ruled his fief. In its earliest form the castle was simply a wooden blockhouse placed on a mound and surrounded by a stockade - called motte and bailey castles. About the beginning of the 12th century the nobles began to build in stone, which would better resist fire and the assaults of besiegers. A stone castle consisted at first of a single tower, square or round, with thick walls, few windows, and often with only one room to each story. As engineering skill increased, several towers were built and were then connected by outer and inner walls. The castle thus became a group of fortifications, which might cover a wide area.

The Development of Castles in England during the Medieval times of the Middle Ages - Concentric Castles
The next stage of the Development of Castles in England during the Medieval times of the Middle Ages occurred during the reign of the Plantagenet King Edward I (1239–1307). King Edward I employed the services of the best architect and builder of this era of the Middle Ages called Master James of St George who developed a style of fortress called the Concentric castle. A Concentric Castle was "a Castle within a Castle". The concentric castle was effectively lots of buildings, walls, towers and gatehouses in one massive castle complex built within in successive lines of defence. The development of the Concentric Castles in Medieval Times provided even greater power bases. The development of the concentric castles in the reign of King Edward I led to the conquest of Wales and also provided the opportunity to introduce an element of luxury in the development of castles in the Medieval times of the Middle Ages.

The Development of Castles as Fortresses in Medieval Times
Defence formed the primary purpose of the castle. Until the introduction of gunpowder and cannon, the only siege engines employed were those known in ancient times. They included machines for hurling heavy stones and iron bolts, battering rams, and movable towers, from which the besiegers crossed over to the walls. Such engines could best be used on firm, level ground. Consequently, a castle would often be erected on a high cliff or hill, or on an island, or in the center of a swamp. A castle without such natural defences would be surrounded by a deep ditch (the moat), usually filled with water. If the besiegers could not batter down or undermine the massive walls, they adopted the slower method of a blockade and tried to starve the garrison into surrendering. But ordinarily a well-built, well-provisioned castle was impregnable. Behind its frowning battlements even a petty lord could defy a royal army.   

Development of Medieval Castles
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