Table of Contents
- 1 Why did medieval castles change?
- 2 How have medieval castles changed over time?
- 3 Were medieval castles were mainly built for defensive reasons?
- 4 How did castles change over time ks1?
- 5 Why did the design of castles change over time?
- 6 What did engineers use to strengthen old castles?
- 7 Can you imagine a medieval castle under siege?
Why did medieval castles change?
Castle designs have changed over history. This is because of changes in technology over time – as well as changes to the function and purpose of castles. The first castles were simply ‘mounds’ of earth, and medieval castle designs improved on these basics – adding ditches in the Motte & Bailey design.
How have medieval castles changed over time?
Many of the original timber castles were replaced with stone castles. Over time, stone castles were built in different architectural styles as builders experimented with castle-building techniques. In their infancy, castles were primarily military fortifications used to defend conquered territories from attack.
What defenses did castles have?
How to defend a castle
- Building up high. Building a castle up high made it difficult for enemies to get to the castle.
- Tall towers. Strong towers were added to curtain walls to watch out for enemies.
- Battlements. Battlements were walls on the roof of a castle.
- Arrow slits.
- Moat.
- Drawbridge.
- Portcullis.
- Dungeons.
Were medieval castles were mainly built for defensive reasons?
Medieval castles were built mainly for protection for the nobility, which is the noble class of a country such as royalty and important public figures. The natural resources of the land were used as a first line of defense for intruders, and the features of the castles served as even more protection.
How did castles change over time ks1?
The wooden defences of motte and bailey castles were replaced by walls and towers of stone. Stone is more durable and resistant than wood and so it became the preferred building materials for castles. Stone castles were built taller and gave better protection against attack, fire and cold rainy weather.
Why were towers so important in castle defense?
Castle towers were designed to give an unobstructed panorama of the countryside around a fortress, so lookouts could spot oncoming attackers.
Why did the design of castles change over time?
Castle designs have changed over history. This is because of changes in technology over time – as well as changes to the function and purpose of castles. The first castles were simply ‘mounds’ of earth, and medieval castle designs improved on these basics – adding ditches in the Motte & Bailey design.
What did engineers use to strengthen old castles?
During the 1100s and 1200s, engineers came up with a way to strengthen old Motte and Bailey castles. To do so, they built a ‘shell keep’ – a thin ring of stone around the buildings on top of the castle Motte (mound). This ring of stone replaced old, sea, wooden fencing.
Why was castle defence important in medieval times?
Firstly, it meant that attackers couldn’t get too close to the outer castle walls. This prevented them from being able to use battering-rams, and made it harder to be accurate when flinging missiles. It also made it easier for archers in the castle to aim at on-comers.
Can you imagine a medieval castle under siege?
It’s easy to imagine a Medieval castle under siege – it’s scene that’s been used in tens of thousands of films and TV programmes. We all visualise images of knights upon horses, charging at mighty grey stone castles.