What were Norman castles used for?

Question 1

What are some of the features of the Norman gatehouse in Exeter?

Answer 1

• faces into the city
• Incorporated some features of Anglo-Saxon design
• Had large wooden doors
• Gatehouse was a symbol of status and not a defensive structure

Question 2

What was the layout of a ringwork castle?

Answer 2

• Had a ditch surrounding the enclosure
• the earth from the ditch was used to make a bank, which was topped with a palisade
• sometimes ringworks used natural features or existing features

Question 3

What was the layout of motte castles?

Answer 3

• Built from soil form a ditch
• or used ancient burial mounds
• The motte was surrounded by 1 or 2 baileys

Question 4

What were most castles used for by lords?

Answer 4

They were used for administration and found in the centre of the lords estate

Question 5

What are the downsides to Archaeological diggings?

Answer 5

Expensive and take a long time

Question 6

What did Archaeological diggings show at Hen Domen?

Answer 6

• There was a large tower
• There were double ramparts and deep ditches
• Very valuable items were discovered

Question 7

What was the Traditional theory about what Norman castles were used for?

Answer 7

• Until the beginning of the 20th century, many people thought the mottes dotted around the country were Roman or Saxon remains
• Historians figured out it was the Normans and thought they were used for military purposes.

Question 8

What was the Revisionist theory about what Norman castles were used for?

Answer 8

They argues that they were used to show off their status and not for military uses because some people found defensive weaknesses

Question 9

What was the Recent theory about what Norman castles were used for?

Answer 9

They point out that castles were heavily defended. They think they served a economic and administrative function, and served as status symbols and also ere used for military occupation