How did motte and bailey castles change over time?
The wooden defences of motte and bailey castles were replaced by walls and towers of stone. The methods of attacking and besieging castles improved over time and so became a need for stronger, more durable (longer lasting) defences. Even though timber was strong against spears and arrows, fire could render it useless.
How did motte and bailey castles develop?
Originally, these castles were constructed from timber and earth alone; they were cheap and easy to build and didn’t require any special design. The fortification consisted of a wooden keep that was placed on a raised earthwork called a motte, overlooking an enclosed courtyard called the bailey.
When was a motte and bailey castle invented?
The first record of a motte and bailey castle in France appeared at the start of the 11th Century. The first recorded motte in England was in 1051 when French castle builders were building one for the English king in Hereford.
Are there any motte and bailey castles left?
Between 350 and 450 motte-and-bailey castles are believed to remain today, although the identification of these earthwork remains can be contentious. A small number of motte-and-bailey castles were built outside of northern Europe.
How old is Pevensey?
955c. 1066
Pevensey Castle/Age
What are the main features of a Motte and Bailey castle?
The castle is made up of two parts. The motte is a raised mound or earthwork which would have a stone or wooden keep on top. A keep is a kind fortified tower. The bailey is an enclosed courtyard that was protected by a ditch and a palisade – which is a wall made from wooden stakes.
Why was the Motte and Bailey castle used?
Motte and bailey castles were first used by the the Normans. They would use this type of castle to make their settlements more secure after they won the Battle of Hastings in 1066 – led by William the Conqueror.
What was the purpose of the Motte and Bailey castle?
Motte and bailey castles were a form of castle structure that enabled the new Norman conquerors of England and Wales to secure areas of land quickly and cheaply. The Normans needed a castle design they could erect quickly to subdue the vanquished Britons.
Why is it called a Motte and Bailey castle?
The term motte and bailey castle comes from Norman French words for mound and enclosed land. The Normans from France, introduced the Motte and Bailey castle to England, when they invaded the country in 1066. It is believed that as many as 1000 Motte and Bailey Castles were built in England by the Normans.
Who built Pevensey Castle?
Pevensey Castle was constructed by the Romans on a spur of sand and clay that stands about 10 metres (33 ft) above sea level. In Roman times this spur was a peninsula that projected into a tidal lagoon and marshes, making it a strong natural defensive position.
What are the main features of a motte and bailey castle?
A motte and bailey castle is, as the name suggests, made up of two parts: the motte and the bailey. The motte is a raised mound or earthwork with a stone or wooden keep (a fortified tower) on top . The bailey is a courtyard enclosed and protected by a ditch and a palisade (a wall made from lare wooden stakes).
What animals were kept on a motte and bailey castle?
The bailey would typically contain a hall, stables for the horses and cattle, a chapel, and huts for the nobleman’s people. There were often shops inside the bailey for local merchants. Motte and bailey castles later evolved into Norman castles that evolved later into even better Concentric castles.
How did motte and bailey castles get their name?
Regardless, the name ‘motte and bailey’ derives from the Norman words for ‘mound’ (motte), and ‘enclosure’ (bailey). These words describe the most important aspects of the castles’ design.
What does a motte and bailey castle consist of?
A motte-and-bailey castle was made up of two structures: a motte (a type of mound – often artificial – topped with a wooden or stone structure known as a keep ); and at least one bailey (a fortified enclosure built next to the motte). The term motte-and-bailey is a relatively modern one, and is not medieval in origin.