MEDIEVAL CASTLES:PARTS OF THE CASTLEElizabeth Hamil

MOAT

Most medieval castles were surrounded by moats. These moats were either filled with water or wooden stakes.

The moats were used to defend the castle. They helped prevent enemies from coming near the castle.

DRAWBRIDGE

Medieval castles used drawbridges to defend the castle. They allow or keep people from entering.

A drawbridge was a wooden platform. One side was fixed to the wall of the castle. The platform was lowered or raised by ropes or chains.

BAILEY

A bailey was a courtyard surrounded by walls. The walls were also considered part of the bailey.

Some Medieval castles had more than one bailey.

PORTCULLIS

A portcullis was a grilled door with spikes at the bottom. The portcullis was suspended from the gatehouse ceiling .

It was used to defend the castle when it was being attacked. It could be quickly lowered to keep enemies from coming into the castle.

CRENELLATIONS

A crenellation was an elevation built at the top of the castle. It was made with spaces in it. These spaces were used to shoot arrows down at the enemy when the castle was being attacked. The soldiers could also protect themselves behind the wall of the crenellation.

BARBICAN

A barbican was a stone structure located in front of the castle gate. Most barbicans had towers on its sides where guards could keep watch.

It was used to protect the gate of the castle. It was also used to trap enemies in its tunnel. Inside the tunnel were arrow slits and holes where weapons could be fired at the enemy.

KEEP

The keep of a castle was the most protected tower of the castle.

There were two different kinds of keeps. The earlier keeps were square. Later on the keeps were built circular. This decreased the risk of attacks to exposed corners.

TYPES OF MEDIEVAL ARCHITECTUREElizabeth Hamil

ROMANESQUE ARCHITECTURE

Romanesque architecture is a mix of the style of ancient Rome, Germany, France, and Byzantium.

This type of architecture grew from the need for bigger and more stone monasteries and churches. It is called Romanesque because the buildings were influenced by Roman ruins.

Features of Romanesque Architecture: roofs with rounded stone arches

Barrel vaults thick walls and pillars small windows and doors magnificent carvings

GOTHIC ARCHITECTURE

Gothic architecture started in the first half of the twelfth century. It first started around Paris, France.

It is called gothic after the tribes of Goths that invaded the Roman empire.

Features of Gothic Architecture: delicate stone bars pointed arches pillars and ribs carried the weight

of the roof larger windows

stained glass tall structures