Norman Castles Flashcards
Drawbridge
The wooden bridge which could be raised in times of danger
What was Williams response to the Saxon revolt?
Harrying of the North - Sent his army North to burn villages, burn crops, destroy houses and murder locals.
What does William give to the tenants in chief and what dose the tenants and chief give to William?
William grants land to the tenants and chief and they promise to provide knights for the army for 40 days a year
Machicolations
A place where the wall jutted out with holes through which boiling oil could be poured on the attackers below
Arrow slits
These were narrow windows through which defenders could fire arrows
Gun loops
Arrow slits with a round hole for firing muskets
Portcullis
Metal gates which could be lowered to block the doorway
Towers
Higher that the walls allowing defenders to fire at people who attack the wall
Spiral staircase
These where circler going round and round allowing the defenders to use there swords
Merlons
The uprights in the battlement
Battlements
The top of the castle
Embrasures
The gaps in the battlement
Walls
Their height and thickness was the best defensive feature of the castle
Gatehouse
A heavily protected entrance
Mangonel
Similar to a trebuchet excep this worked using tension ropes rather than a counterweight
Trebuchet
A large siege weapon used to fling heavy objects against castles walls
Siege tower
This was used to reach the top of a castle or town wall
Tunnelling
This method involed digging under the castle walls as a way of entering the castle also fires could be lit
Starvation
Surrounding a castle and cutting off the people inside from their sources of food
Battering ram
Used to break the strong gates of the castle
How frequently was the gatehouse manned
24/7
List 3 types of weapons used by the guards
Longbows fork poles cross bows
What was in the gate house
Murder hole the guards would drop things down them
