Medieval Castles

 

From the many stories of a beautiful princess locked away in a tower to the stories of chivalric violence and war, the castle is a key element of many fictitious worlds. However, the modern interpretations that are showcased in television shows, like Game of Thrones, and films, like Monty Python and the Holy Grail, are based on the historic fortresses from the Middle Ages. 

The Medieval Castle

Figure 1: Bran Castle in Romania (2)

The Medieval Castle played many roles in its time: a status symbol, an offensive weapon, a protector against war, and a royal residence. Although society is very familiar with the structures and stories, we may not have considered what distinct features make a castle strong enough to fulfill all these significant roles in Medieval history. 

Furthermore, the stories consumed through text and television only give a glimpse into Medieval society. The Medieval castle's relationship with the surrounding society are essential elements to Medieval culture.

Design and Architecture

One of the charms of the Medieval castle is the individuality that each fortress boasts. No two castles could be constructed in the same way due to the surrounding land, the available materials, and the castle's purpose (3). Despite these unique differences, most Medieval castles are similar in both architecture and design. In the 13th century, castle construction shifted away from the Bronze Age use of land mass and soil, known as earthwork, into the classic stone design, known as ashlar, that we are familiar with today (4). Castles were constructed from stone because of the intense and heavy violence that was rampant in the Middle Ages; stone is a much more durable material than the previous generations of castles used. Additionally, stone became useful to fulfill the desired purposes that a castle would fulfill (4). 

Castles as Status Symbols

Figure 2: Details of
Castle Gravensteen (6) 

As a symbol of status, the royalty that lived in these castles often wanted their castles to appear ornate through specific details, such as the intricate design seen in Figure 2. Features such as these solidified the high social status of the castle's residents (7). While some castles achieved their grandeur through additional structure, other castles highlighted decorative elements in order to clarify a higher social status. This could be accomplished through many different details such as window design, but one of the most notable uses of decorative treatment is the Castle of Caernarfon. The Castle of Caernarfon made use of elaborate decoration in its stonework; the stones alternate between light colored stone and darker colored stone to achieve a stripe-like visual (7). 

Castles in War

Because of the rampant violence of the time period, Medieval castles were often constructed to serve as mostly defensive instruments of war. However, on the offensive side, castles served as "logistical bases for operations and secure strong points" for military endeavors (5). This was also affected by the castle's location relative to the surrounding area. Each landscape had its own advantages for accessibility and communication. For example, at Leeds, castles were situated near water to allow for travel (5). 

Providing a safe and consistent homebase for soldiers is both an offensive advantage as well as a defensive one. During defensive battles, castles provided the soldiers with a deep knowledge of the surrounding land (5). Castles also utilized defensive walls, called ramparts, and wooden barriers called stockades to aid their defenses (5). Castles were also effective defensively because of their strong stone architecture.  

Figure 3: A layout of a
Medieval castle (2)

Castles as Royal Residences

Not only did these strongholds serve as weaponry and protection, they also hosted the noble families. Just as the castles are decorated exteriorly, the rooms of these fortresses are equally as grand. The many different rooms each have a specific function and design. Some notable rooms in the Medieval castles are the Great Hall, the bed chambers, and the chapel.

Great Hall

The Great Hall, Figure 4, functions as the main room in a Medieval castle. This rectangular room could be up to three times as long as it is wide and had high ceilings. Often featuring a fireplace, the Great Hall was host to many events such as greeting guests, dining, and sometimes court proceedings (1). Typically, this was the most highly decorated room in the castle.

Figure 4: The Great Hall at
Christ Church College, Oxford (1)

Bed Chambers

The Medieval bed chambers were decorated with heavy blankets, furs, and wall coverings to combat the cold weather (1). The Lords and Ladies sleeping areas were private and often separated by a partition. However, the personal attendants often slept on the floor of the bed chambers (1). Another room, called the Solar, was utilized as a bedchamber for the Lord's family. 

Chapels

Since religion was such a dominant factor in Medieval society, the Medieval castles incorporated chapels and oratories in their structure. Similar to the bedrooms, the chapel functioned as a public prayer space, while the oratory was reserved specifically for the Lord's family (1). 

Many other significant spaces in the castles include the courtyards, the gatehouse, the stables, and the dungeons, which were created in the later Middle Ages.  

Castles and Society

These Medieval fortresses assumed many responsibilities in its time and each of those different roles impacted the people living in the surrounding societies. It would have been uncommon for the general population to ever see the inside of their neighboring castles, strictly because of the class system (8). Castles and their noble residents lived in a separate world than the one that the common people lived in; this difference in status was often seen as oppressive, intimidating, and controlling (8). In the same regard, townspeople were often required to perform the upkeep of the castle's structure and facilities. For example, in 1147, Hugh de Bolbec forced townspeople to perform "labor services...for the enlargement of his castle" (5). While modern society may look to the historic Medieval castles in admiration, the impact these fortresses had on the society is important to recognize.

Figure 5: Eltz Castle in Germany (2)

The architecture, design, and function of Medieval castles greatly impacted the Middle Ages society and still extends to modern interpretations such as fairytales, romances, and media. Many different castles have existed over the time periods, however, these defining features made the Medieval castle the blueprint for centuries to follow. 

Sources:

(1) Castles and Manor Houses. (2014). Life In A Medieval Castle - Castle Rooms. Retrieved October, 2020 from http://www.castlesandmanorhouses.com/life_01_rooms.htm

(2) Ceaser, J. (2019, August). How to Visit Medieval Castles in Europe. Retrieved October, 2020, from https://www.afar.com/magazine/how-to-visit-medieval-castles-in-europe

(3) Crowther, D. (2017, November 10). Medieval Castles. Retrieved October, 2020, from https://thehistoryofengland.co.uk/resource/medieval-castles/

(4) Coulson, Charles. “Structural Symbolism in Medieval Castle Architecture.” Late Medieval Castles, edited by Robert Liddiard, NED - New edition ed., Boydell & Brewer, Woodbridge, Suffolk, UK; Rochester, NY, USA, 2016, pp. 199–220. JSTOR, www.jstor.org/stable/10.7722/j.ctt1gpcf02.16. Accessed 23 Oct. 2020.

(5) “Experiencing Castles: Iconography and Status.” Castles in Context: Power, Symbolism and Landscape, 1066 to 1500, by Robert Liddiard, Oxbow Books, Oxford, UK, 2012, pp. 122–150. JSTOR, www.jstor.org/stable/j.ctv138wt8d.11. Accessed 23 Oct. 2020.

(6) Gravensteen Castle - Ghent - Castle Fortress of the Counts of Flanders. Retrieved October, 2020 from http://www.bargaintraveleurope.com/10/Belgium_Gravensteen_Castle_Ghent.htm

(7) “The Imperial Castle.” The Idea of the Castle in Medieval England, by Abigail Wheatley, NED - New edition ed., Boydell & Brewer, Woodbridge, Suffolk; Rochester, NY, 2004, pp. 112–145. JSTOR, www.jstor.org/stable/10.7722/j.ctt14brrvb.10. Accessed 23 Oct. 2020.

(8) “The Urban Castle.” The Idea of the Castle in Medieval England, by Abigail Wheatley, NED - New edition ed., Boydell & Brewer, Woodbridge, Suffolk; Rochester, NY, 2004, pp. 44–77. JSTOR, www.jstor.org/stable/10.7722/j.ctt14brrvb.8. Accessed 23 Oct. 2020.