3.12 Castles

Question 1

What were the main purposes of castles?

Answer 1

• Built for King, as well as by nobles for protection for themselves.
• Symbol of power and Norman suppression of AS due to height => visible distinction between ruled and rulers.
• Built for offensive patrols in surrounding areas.
• Large imposing building, built to intimidate, bully and administrate local area.

Question 2

What was significant about the location of Castles? (5)

Answer 2

• Strategically important area, e.g. along welsh border marshlands for protection from rebels.
• Near existing towns (usually).
• On high ground => motte.
• Near a water source => moat.
• Often buildings in the area were knocked down so there was room for castles => very unpopular with As.

Question 3

What had Anglo-saxons previously used before castles? What was there purpose, and how is this different to the Normans?

Answer 3

Royal castles/burghs built as defensive features whereas Normans built castles for offensive patrols.

Question 4

What was the first Norman castle in England?

Answer 4

Pevensey Castle. Created as a temporary shelter for William and nobles to launch their invasion of England.

Question 5

What are the key features of a motte and bailey castles? (5)

Answer 5

• Bailey => outer area surrounding motte, surrounded by moat or wall.
• Motte => mound or hill the castle/tower was built on.
• Keep => strong central tower on top of motte.
• Ditch/Moat => deep trench or water-filled moat surrounding the bailey.
• Bridge => wooden bridge or drawbridge that connects the bailey to the outside.

Question 6

How many large castles were there by 1086?

Answer 6

48, with many smaller castles around the land.

Question 7

When were wooden motte and bailey castles built until?

Answer 7

1070

Question 8

What happened after wooden motte and bailey castles stopped being built?

Answer 8

Stone keeps were added.

Question 9

What happened by/after 1100 regarding castles?

Answer 9

After 1100, all new castles were made from stone.