the medieval castle Essay - 1046 Words

the medieval castle What is a castle? A castle is a properly fortified military residence. Why were castles built? Initially, they were designed and built to hold down conquered territory. They also served to intimidate and strike fear into the local peoples, were places of refuge, and places for the lords to live. They were also impressive symbols of the power and wealth of their owners. How castles came to exist in Europe? Castles were brought to England by William the Conqueror, when he invaded England from his homeland in France. Known as the Duke of Normandy, William invaded England in 1066 and, due to his victory in the Battle of Hastings, William was crowned the King of†¦show more content†¦Many of the people who lived in Britain before it was conquered did not like being controlled by the kings barons, and wanted to keep control of their own lands themselves. But that was not possible, because William and later kings (and queens) demanded they pay homage. Therefore, castles were built to establish the power of the king and his followers, and to keep the people from regaining control of their own lands. These first knights and barons, followers of William the Conqueror, were known as the Normans, and were a very powerful lot. They built castles almost everywhere in Britain, hundreds of which still survive. Stone castles were built for stability and to symbolize the power of the lords of the kingdom. Even if the king did not order a particular castle to be built for his use, he still retained the ability to seize any of his lords castles if they displeased him or if the king had a special reason to want to use it. What features made stone castles stable and able to withstand battle? * The walls were very thick, anywhere between 8 and 20 feet in thickness, so they could withstand bombings or battering from a battering ram, or another seige machine like a catapult. * Originally, towers were simple square-shapes, easy to build but also easy to topple down. One of the smartest ways that a tower was pulled down was a method known as undermining. An enemys soldiers would dig a tunnel under one corner of a tower, prop it up with wood, andShow MoreRelatedThe Medieval Castle1691 Words   |  7 PagesThe Medieval Period lasted from the 10th century to the 17th century; this was the time of castles. The word castle is derived from the Latin word castellum which means fort. Castles still stand today as one of the most magnificent structures ever built. Not only are people fascinated with their grand splendor, but with their luminous presence of authority. Castles were not built for defense alone; they were symbols of social status, wealth, power, and intimidation. Kings and queens were notRead MoreMedieval Architecture : The Caernarvon Castle1698 Words   |  7 PagesMedieval Architecture: The Caernarvon Castle When people think of a medieval castle, they often tend to visualize a â€Å"fairy tale representation† of something that they had seen in a Disney film. The buildings are usually lavish-looking and filled with whimsical wonder and intrigue, but no one really wonders about the story behind the architecture and style used to construct it. This generic idea is merely scratching the surface of what an actual castle from the medieval era would look like or standRead MoreThe Functions of a Medieval Castle Essay1295 Words   |  6 PagesThe building of a castle was a monumental task; it required many laborers and took many years to complete. When a lord had decided to build a castle, he would hire a Master Builder to design and build the castle. He would choose a design for the castle. The castle was meant to be the fortress of the lord so it had to be strong. Castles had many different types of defense to protect the Lord and his family. The many types of defense that castles had meant that those attacking had to develop ever moreRead MoreMedieval Castles the Start of the Modern Age Essay examples1112 Words   |  5 Pages Medieval castles were the start of the modern age. They had forms of government, and everyone had a specific job. It was, however, still primitive to modern standards, because they still had a King and Queen and no indoor plumbing. This blend of primitive and modern makes medieval castle life an interesting and intriguing time to live. A medieval castle usually had five main buildings: The hall, the kitchen, barracks/living quarters/supply buildings, water rooms, and a chapel. The chapel wasRead MoreSimilarities Between Medieval Japan And Medieval Europe812 Words   |  4 PagesComparison Essay- Shogunate Japan and Medieval Europe When people think of â€Å"Medieval†, they often relate this to Europe. However, there was once a Medieval Japan too, and this time stretched from 1185-1868 CE. During this period, Shoguns ruled Japan, and they defined it as â€Å"Medieval† because, just like Europe society in Japan at this time was feudal in structure. Medieval Europe lasted from the 5th to the 15th century, and was often referred to as Christendom, because most civilians were ChristiansRead MoreAnalysis Of Matthew Johnson s The Strengths And Weaknesses1678 Words   |  7 PagesMoreover, Matthew Johnson effectively challenges conventional views of castles and underscores the complexity of such structures by using a variety of credible sources and evidence. He successfully supports his thesis by covering all his bases and acknowledging different viewpoints. Johnson’s analytical methodology helps defend his notion as by examining other academics works he is able to offer greater insight and prov ide new conclusions; â€Å"I have discussed what I view as a series of ruptures inRead MoreThe Creation Of Castles And The Gothic Style1217 Words   |  5 PagesDuring the Medieval period, many technological advances were made. Some of the technology included watermills, windmills, the printing press, and advances in architecture such as the creation of castles and the Gothic style. Each invention had many different uses. The watermill used a water wheel or turbine that helped to make the process of grinding flour or fixing lumber, quicker and easier. The watermill was created during the early 7th century and noticeably spread throughout Europe a centuryRead MoreUsing Kieran O Conors Medieval Rural Settlement in Munster to Dscuss Late Medieval Settlement in Munster829 Words   |  3 Pageshigh medieval period (OConor 2004, p. 231). The land that was conquered by theses settlers was then divided into between them into estates which are called manors (OConor 2004, p. 232). In the c entre of these manors resided a manorial lord most often in different types of castles. These castles divide into large masonry castles such as the Adare castle in county Limerick, or smaller masonry castles which break up into hall-houses, mottes and ringworks (OConor 2004, p. 232). These castles alsoRead MoreThe Major Changes In Defence at Carisbrooke Castle Essay641 Words   |  3 PagesThe Major Changes In Defence at Carisbrooke Castle The three periods of development I will cover in this piece of coursework are the Norman Period, the Medieval Period and the Elizabethan Period. Each period had many different updates installed due to new threats and advances in technology. Norman Period 1070 - 1130: The castle began its existence as a Saxon burgh, which was discovered by William Fitzosbern, owner of the Isle of Wight, which was given to Read MoreSymbolism Of The Hunting Scenes Of Sir Gawain And The Green Knight1379 Words   |  6 Pagesof medieval heroism, knighthood, chivalry, and romance. Due to the entertaining nature of this poem, it is often easy for the modern reader to miss the extensive symbolism and critics, on medieval society and the chivalric code, which the author employs throughout the text. One of the greatest and extensive use of symbolism found in the poem is in Fitt III. In this Fitt, the characters Sir Gawain and Lord Bercilak embark on two different adventures, the latter’s taking place in the castle wherein