Medieval Castles

If you’re like me you might think that medieval castles were big and elaborate, but that's not really the case. They did have motes and draw bridges, but they weren't huge stone structures with four towers. It's kind of obvious that there weren't dragons, but knights wouldn't have been roaming around either. They would have been at battle or in a hunting tournament, or something of that sort.

No, castles were not as elaborate as we think. Yes they were big, but they basically were a big stone wall surrounding a main building called a keep. The wall was thick enough to make rooms inside, so there were indoor facilities other than the keep, which is where the king lived.

The most famous medieval castle has to be the Tower of London, built by William the Conqueror after defeating London in battle. Because of this it was seen by the people of England as a symbol of oppression. But now it is a landmark, their pride and joy.