Castle

The question of how exactly to define the term 'castle' is a vexed one, and only a brief sketch can be given here. The great stone structures familiar today are late developments of the ditch surrounding a mound of earth on the top of which was a stronghold found in France in the 9c. The mound was known as a *'motte'; the stronghold or *donjon was within the *bailey. This *'motte and bailey' template became widespread in Europe in the 11c. There is some contention over the first appearance of a castle in England, centred on structures apparently built by Normans during Edward the Confessor's reign and on the nature of English lordly residences in the pre-Conquest period. The Normans began building castles in England after 1066; most were built of earth and timber in the first instance. William I was responsible for the Tower of London; orig. a simple enclosure but finished by William II towards the end of the 11c. Castles allowed a lord living accommodation while being able to dominate the surrounding area; they also, of course, provided a defence against enemies. They became the sign and military instrument of Norman lordship in England. Over the next two centuries building techniques improved, allowing ever greater and stronger buildings and *curtain walls.

Moats surrounded the *enceinte; *machicolation and *loopholes appeared allowing the defenders more fire-power.

Cf. Castellaria