1. A strong wooden tower called the keep provided a lookout point, an elevated attack position for archers to defend the area of the castle, and a final point of defence.
Access to the keep was either up steep steps cut into the motte or, in some castles, up a sort of bridge.
The bailey was the enclosure below the motte and also protected by the palisade and other defences, where the stables and barracks would be for the troops.
Access into the castle was controlled through the gatehouse. Sometimes a drawbridge over the ditch could be pulled up to dfend the gatehouse from attack.
A ditch was cut that surrounded both the bailey and the motte. Sometimes the ditch was filled with water, protecting the palisade.
The motte was a large mound of earth, typically 5-7 metres high. Made of earth, it was fireproof. Peasants would build this quickly: between 4 & 9 months.
A palisade (strong fence) made of wood, driven into the ground: strong & quick to build.
A strong wooden tower called the keep provided a lookout point, an elevated attack position for archers to defend the area of the castle, and a final point of defence.
Access to the keep was either up steep steps cut into the motte or, in some castles, up a sort of bridge.
The bailey was the enclosure below the motte and also protected by the palisade and other defences, where the stables and barracks would be for the troops.
Access into the castle was controlled through the gatehouse. Sometimes a drawbridge over the ditch could be pulled up to dfend the gatehouse from attack.
A ditch was cut that surrounded both the bailey and the motte. Sometimes the ditch was filled with water, protecting the palisade.
The motte was a large mound of earth, typically 5-7 metres high. Made of earth, it was fireproof. Peasants would build this quickly: between 4 & 9 months.
A palisade (strong fence) made of wood, driven into the ground: strong & quick to build.