Bryton Hopp
Hour 8
Social studies
The era between the fall of the Roman Empire and the Reformation is unique. During the
Middle Ages, Western Europe was in a restless slumber brought on by war, power
struggles, illiteracy, and disease. But at the same time, sparks of genius were igniting that
would bring new styles of art and architecture and change the world. Through it all, faith
was the ever-present catalyst for artistic, intellectual, social, and political developments.
Men were asked to join the Crusades to fight and die for religious belief while
magnificent cathedrals were built as refuges of peace. The Middle Ages saw castles,
chivalry, and the birth of Romance.
We invite you to come explore the Medieval/Renaissance world and learn how you can
create the fantasy vacation of a lifetime. Medieval castles, whether in ruins or restored,
dominate the varied landscapes of Europe. Stone fortifications were nothing new to the
continent, but during the Middle Ages, there was an explosion of castle construction as
feudal lords sought to consolidate their power and provide fortresses for the inhabitants
of their kingdoms. Some were described to be little more than dirty, cold stone boxes, but
others evolved to become impressive reminders of years past.
Many people today cling to a romantic view of castles-complete with knights, damsels in
distress and nonstop medieval feasting. Research shows that castles served a very
utilitarian role in feudal society. It was protector, visible landmark, and source of pride
among many communities. Soon after the collapse of the Roman Empire, Germanic
tribes began to construct heavy stone fortifications. Near the first millennium, another
force would greatly spread the use of castles in Western Europe. William the Conqueror,
from Normandy, France, invaded England in 1066 and changed the medieval landscape
forever. Medieval societies soon witnessed the erection of stone towers and walls in
every country. Simple Norman donjons evolved into more elaborate strongholds with
towering walls, defensive systems and could house sometimes thousands of people. Early
castles relied on the surrounding landscape to provide much of the protection. Early
castles were made of wood and built on hills of "mottes". Surrounded by a high, wooden
palisade, motte and bailey castles were used widely until the Norman invasion of 1066.
These fortifications proved too easy to burn, and stone was then used more frequently.
Castles were rarely the most comfortable place to live, with only the lord and his family
given adequate heat and other amenities. Medieval castles were built for safety, not
comfort. Windows were little more than slits in the wall. Cold, stone floors and walls
rarely kept in heat, and water had to be brought by the bucketful throughout the castle.
Walls were built high to protect from advancing armies, and to provide needed lookout
positions.
The simple stone and mortar architecture made repairs fairly easy to make. It was not
uncommon for stones to be used over and over with each successive castle built on the
same location. Cannons and gunpowder made the castle ineffective and these large
structures evolved in the later Middle Ages and Renaissance to become manor homes and
palaces. There was no standard size, shape or structure for a castle. Castle
builders designed to suit the site, the budget and the military dangers of the area;
taking into account the wishes of the nobleman who was to occupy the keep
(provided, of course, he lived so long).
High walls and solid towers were the castle's main defense. They kept out
attacking soldiers. The thickness of the walls made them very strong. Most were
more than 8 feet (2.5 ml) through, and the walls of the towers were even thicker.
The parapets (the walls' jagged tops) provided the defenders with a safe view
over the surrounding land. Towers enabled the defenders an even higher
vantage point from which to fire at any enemy approaching the castle with
arrows or siege engines. Every castle also made maximum use of the natural
features of its site. By building the castle on a high point, the defenders had
gravity on their side. Attacking warriors had to struggle up a steep slope or scale
a cliff to reach the stronghold while facing a devastating shower of arrows from
the defenders on the walls. sturdy gatehouse protected the way in to the castle.
Stout oak beams called draw bars reinforced the gatehouse doors when they
were closed.