Castles Flashcards
How many castles were built across England by Normans?
Around 600
What were burhs?
Large earth and timber defences built around towns to protect citizens. Designed by Alfred the Great (pre-Norman)
What was the original type of castle built by Normans?
Motte and Bailey
What was the bailey?
Lower area.
Soldiers lived there and supplies were kept there
What was the keep?
The final defence point built on the motte. Hardest part to capture
What was the motte?
Mound of earth that keep was built on. Sometimes natural and sometimes created by Normans (&their English slaves)
What was the wooden palisade?
Tall wooden wall built around castle. Meant only a few soldiers were needed to guard castle
What were motte and baileys originally built out of?
Wood
Why was wood used?
Cheap, portable, fast to construct
What were some problems with using wood?
Easy to burn, rot, don’t last long
What was the first castle built in England by Normans?
In Pevensey when they arrived (pre-fabricated)
What was the purpose of castles?
Control Administration Symbolism Protection Intimidation
When did castles begin being made out of stone and why?
- To show permanence, power and wealth. Also couldn’t be burnt down.
Where were castles built?
- In areas of rebellion (e.g. Pickering Castle in Yorkshire for Harrying of the North)
- In areas threatened by invasion (e.g. border between England and Wales)
- More in South (as Normans invaded England from South-coast upwards)
Why did the Harrying of the North happen?
As punishment for a rebellion led by Edgar Atheling in the north
