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How did castles change over the period?
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.
How did castles evolve?
Castles were primarily built to defend and protect, but over time comfortable homes evolved within the fortified walls. The first castle of stone consisted of rectangular towers surrounded by high stone walls. It has a round tower at each corner, and a square tower midway along each wall.
How did castles change from 1066?
They were a development from Motte and Bailey castles, the changes made were that the castle was then built from stone, they were made to be taller, and they had crenulations along the top, some towers had rounded corners however, mostly were square and only some were rebuilt Motte and Bailey castles.
Why are castles important in history?
Medieval castles were built from the 11th century CE for rulers to demonstrate their wealth and power to the local populace, to provide a place of defence and safe retreat in the case of attack, defend strategically important sites like river crossings, passages through hills, mountains and frontiers, and as a place of …
What did castles look like in the Middle Ages?
Initially, castles were built out of wood, but eventually, people made castles from stone because they were stronger and lasted longer. Castles usually consisted of a group of buildings that were surrounded by a huge wall and a moat designed to keep attackers out.
How did castles change over time?
How did castles change over time? The first castles were built in 1066 when the Normans took over England. They were called ‘Motte and Baliey’ castles and they were built to make a clear statement that the Normans were there to stay.
What were the disadvantages of the Middle Ages castles?
Although some disadvantages were they took a long time to build, had weak gateways which were easy to attack and because it was made from heavy stone, it would collapse easily if were on a motte. Finally (in 1216-1277) ‘Concentric’ castles were built. They were the largest, strongest and most expensive castles of all four listed above.
When were the first castles built in England?
The first castles were built in 1066 when the Normans took over England. They were called ‘Motte and Baliey’ castles and they were built to make a clear statement that the Normans were there to stay.
Why did the Normans build castles in England?
Castles first came to England in 1066 when William, Duke of Normandy, won the battle of Hastings. The Normans needed castles because they had taken control of England by force and were hated by many English people.