Medieval Castles

Medieval Castles are magnificent structures that were first created around the tenth century. These first castles were made of earth and wood. Over the centuries castles were improved for maximum fortification both offensive and defensive. They eventually were designed as fortified places for royalty to live.

Of all the Medieval Castles in the world this one is the most famous. It is Neuschwanstein located in Bavaria Germany. Click to see a larger image of this castle

What is a Medieval Castle? The generally accepted definition of a castle is a structure that is fortified for defense against an enemy and generally serves as a military headquarters dominating the surrounding countryside. T

What were the main purposes of a Medieval Castle? The basic function of a castle varied and their use changed over time. The three main uses of a castle are:

1. A fortified building that was used in a defensive manner to protect the people from outside invaders.
2. A fortified building that was used in an offensive manner. A king would often build a castle in a foreign or hostile land as a place to mount attacks from. This was one of the main ways that kingdoms were extended in size.
3. A fortified building for people to live in. Over the course of centuries the function of a castle changed. It became more of a place for people and royalty to live in. The military applications and functions of castles were minimized and the livability was maximized. They still retained their flavor and feel of being fortified but considerably less so.

When were the first Medieval Castles Built? It is generally accepted that the first castles were built around the tenth century in the north of France. These early castles were built of earth and wood.

When we think of A "Medieval Castle" some very specific things come to mind. These are the machinations of warfare! How and why were castles built the way they were built? For defense and offense in time of war! Here is an overview of some of the more famous things about castles, their fortifications and how they were sieged.

Some of the Defensive Features of Medieval Castles

Concentric Walls A castle was often built with a stronghold in the very center. This was the last line of defense. Remember that peoples lives depended on their castles so they were very cautious and took extreme measures. Around this stronghold they built a wall then around this wall they built another wall and even sometimes a third wall around all of this. The purpose of this was that if the outer wall was breached by an invading enemy everyone could retreat to an inner set of walls and the siege could begin again. It was like having a castle within a castle. the invaders would have to commence the seiging all over again and again.

Moats - A Moat is a deep and wide water-filled trench that circled all the way around a castle. It served two main purposes. It made it very difficult for a seiging army to get their seige machines such as siege toward and battering rams up against the castle walls. This was the only way they were effective. A common tactic of a sieging army was to dig a hole under a castle wall rather than try to break it down. A moat around the castle made this very difficult.

Drawbridges - This is a large wooden bridge that crossed over the moat of a castle. It could be let down and used as a bridge in times of peace. But in times of trouble or siege it could be raised - effectively making it more difficult for the seiging army to invade the castle.

Portcullises - These are heavily fortified iron gates that were raised and lowered vertically. this was usually one of the last lines of defense in a castle and they were often used in pairs. A short tunnel would be at the entrance to the castle with a portcullis on each end of it. the portcullis on the inside would be closed and then when invaders entered the tunnel the portcullis on the outside would be closed. This would trap the invaders inside the tunnel where they could be easily handled by arrows, hot oil or other means.

Battlements - This picture show the battlements of this castle. They were crennelated shapes along the top of a castle that allowed people to shoot arrows or other projectiles down at their enemies.

Some of the Means of Sieging a Castle

• catapults
• siege engines
• battering rams
• mortar and cannon.(Later in history and made the other methods obsolete)

Want to learn more about Medieval Castles? I have a whole website devoted to them. I also have some pictures and description of a castle that I visited in Germany . It was built around 700 and is still in perfect shape. The Medieval Castle Website

Medieval Projects you can build and make

• 

  Make a Paper and cardboard Castle

  This is a fun project - I give you all the drawings and plans you need to make this castle thats ready for painting - Make a castle

•  The Little Dragon Trebuchet - Build this table top Medieval siege weapon from materials found around the house. Without any tuning this trebuchet launches projectiles 30 feet. You can tweak it to hurl items much longer distances. It's a great project, easy to do and can be completed in one afternoon. This tutorial is complete with lots of pictures and even a video of my the completed trebuchet firing its projectile.
  The Little Dragon Trebuchet

• The "Table Top Troll" Catapult! This project is done. You can build your own catapult with just a few pieces of wood, a rubber band and a couple of eye hooks. This tutorial has lots of pics and takes you through the complete process. the Table-Top Troll Catapult

Medieval Castle Posters

A selection of only the best Fantasy posters. We have gone through thousands of fantasy posters and art prints and hand selected only the best for you. Each one can be framed and mounted.
The posters and prints were chosen from the great collection of Fantasy Prints at Art.com. You can go directly to the collection of Fantasy posters and prints at Art.comCastles

Schloss Neuschwanstein
Wall Poster
36 x 24 inches

King Ludwig's Castle, Bavaria
Wall Poster 24 x 36 inches

Castle Urquhart - Overlooking Loch NessBethune Carmichael
Fine Art Print 24x18
Buy Castles posters and prints at Art.com

Moonlit Castle Artist: Tom Taylor
Fine Art Print
16 x 20 inches

Engraving of Scotland: Edinburgh, Part of the North Bridge and Castle
Fine Art Print
24 x 18 inches

Eilean Donan Castle, Loch Duich

Artist: Ken Duncan

Fine Art Print
35.5 x 19.75