Castles

Question 1

Describe the Pre-Norman fortifications

Answer 1

• The Anglo-Saxon kingdoms faced a major threat from Viking invasions and as a result many towns were fortified against attack.
• These fortified towns, known as burhs, were not very sophisticated but they were effective.
• The first step in constructing a burh was to dig a very deep trench, and then to build a wooden or stone wall around the town.
• Inside the walls the burhs were not very different to any other town except for the large gates on either end of the town that controlled who came in and out.

Question 2

Describe the motte and bailey castles

Answer 2

• Norman castles were designed to intimidate the Anglo-Saxons and remind them of Norman power.
• Norman castles were often built in locations that were considered of strategic value.
• Unlike Anglo-Saxon fortified towns, a Norman motte and bailey castle could be built very quickly.
• Building motte and bailey castles were an effective way of securing towns that had submitted to Williams power.
• Although the wooden structure was much more vulnerable to damage, a motte and bailey castle could be built quickly until the Normans had the time to build more permanent stone structures.
• The major weakness of the motte and bailey castle was the likelihood of the keep burning down. The solution was to build stone keeps but these could not always be built on the same site since it might sink.

Question 3

Describe the development of the castles

Answer 3

• Stone castles had many advantages over wooden motte and bailey structures:
  
  • They could be built inside the walls of the motte and bailey castle, so the castle was still operational while being rebuilt.
  • Unlike a wooden castle the new stone keeps did not rot or go up in flames.
  • They were very expensive to build but it showed the wealth and power of the lord that built it.
• The first stone tower was built in 1070 by William I, and is known as the Tower of London.
• Between 1070 and 1087 85 stone castles were built across England.
• The height of the towers meant they could be seen from miles away, this showed the power of Normans.

Question 4

What are the weaknesses of the stone keep castles?

Answer 4

• They were expensive to build and to maintain, so only the wealthiest lords could afford to build them.
• They were built on a square or rectangular plan so attackers only had to tunnel underneath one corner to bring down a whole section of the castle.
• Siege weapons like the trebuchet could fire heavy rocks, if these missiles hit the castle there would be major damage.

Question 5

What is the importance of the castles?

Answer 5

• Castles were powerful defensive structures but it was also the place which ordinary people associated with authority.
• They were important centres of administration and local government
• Castles eventually became the centre of local activity.
• The presence of a castle created a sense of security for the community. Their presence certainly helped maintain order in England throughout the Middle Ages.