10 Interesting Facts about Motte and Bailey Castles


Facts about Motte and Bailey Castle will give you information about the first type of castle which was built
in England in 1066 after the Norman conquest. The buildings were made on a raised mound (motte) which is accompanied by an enclosed courtyard (bailey). The materials to build the castle are wood or stone. There are still many information about motte and bailey castle that will be explained below.

Facts about Motte and Bailey Castles 1: The meaning of the motte and bailey

The motte and bailey come from Norman-French word. Motte means mound or clod of earth. Whereas bailey means an enclosure. Originally, the word ‘ motte’ was changed into ‘moat’ which means wet ditch.

Facts about Motte and Bailey Castles 2: The Normans

The Normans are people who first used Motte and bailey castles as settlements. They used it after won the Battle of Hastings in 1066. William the Conqueror was the leader of it.

The Normans
The Normans

Facts about Motte and Bailey Castles 3: The style of motte and bailey castle

There are many countries which used motte and bailey style, especially in northern Europe, Normandy, and Britain. However, the castle style can also be seen in the Germany, Denmark, Ireland, Southern Italy, Anjou, and Netherlands.

Facts about Motte and Bailey Castles 4: The gate

Wooden gate is the entrance to the Bailey. There are Guardhouses in some gates which were built besides the gate.

Facts about Motte and Bailey Castles 5: The advantages of motte and bailey castles

There are many advantages of motte and bailey castles. The development of the castles were cheap and quick. It was because the materials were available and only need a couple of weeks to build them. Besides, the timber tower on top of the motte gave an advantage for the defenders.

Facts about Motte and Bailey Castles 6: The disadvantages of motte and bailey castles

Motte and bailey castles also have many disadvantages, especially wooden castles. They were not strong and caught fire easily. Whereas stone structure was much stronger than wooden structure. Because of that, many people began to build castles in stone materials.

Facts about Motte and Bailey Castles 7: The size

The size of the motte is around 50 to 120 feet in height and has diameter 50 to 300 feet.

Facts about Motte and Bailey Castles 8: The bridge

There was a bridge between the Bailey and the Motte tower. The bridge became an access to the tower gate. Unfortunately, the bridge was removed in the siege time.

The bridge
The bridge

Facts about Motte and Bailey Castles 9: The Purpose

There are many purpose of the Motte and Bailey Castles. They were used to fortified post, overawe, and frighten the indigenous society.

Facts about Motte and Bailey Castles 10: The Rampart and Palisades

The Rampart and Palisades were fence that surrounded the base of Motte and Bailey Castle tower. They were used as fortification of the tower.

The Palisades
The Palisades

 

We have talked facts about Motte and Bailey castle. Are you interested to read this article? Do you have another information about this amazing castle? Let us know!


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