Medieval times were not safe. People needed protection from. Barbarians, robbers, other nobles.

Castles provided fortifications to protect the inhabitants, peasants, important supplies, and water.

Nobles would also build castles to demonstrate their wealth and power. This was the home to the nobles;

this is a mansion by today’s standards.

The first castles were motte and baileys

A hill of soil would be built up and a tower would be placed on the hill.

This area and an open area would be fenced off.

This was made of wood.

The first thing was the moat or ditch. Most were filled with deep water.

The only way to cross a moat was on the drawbridge.

The curtain was the castle walls.

A gatehouse was built into the curtain. Small holes, called murder

holes, were added to the ceiling above the main entrance to pour boiling liquid down on entering enemies.

Towers were also a part of the curtain. They allowed people to look about and keep watch outside the castles walls.

The Keep of the castle was the highest point and the center of defense. The strongest and most secure place in a castle.

Castles contained many other things, kitchens, chapels, blacksmiths, stables, and much more.