Which part of the castle is the keep?

Keep, English term corresponding to the French donjon for the strongest part of the fortifications of a castle, the place of last resort in case of siege or attack. Three main castle types: motte and bailey, stone keep and concentric.

Where were castles with stone houses?

The Origins of Stone Keep Castles Stone keep castles began to appear in the 10th century and became increasingly popular in northern Europe during the 11th and 12th centuries. To begin with, the very earliest castles, built in the motte-and-bailey design, had wooden houses on top of mounds of earth.

What is the difference between a square castle and a square castle?

In general, the square castles of the northern group had sturdier and less graceful towers than their southern sisters. The Newcastle team rivals anyone in elegance and detail. The rule was to build the towers as large in outer dimensions at the battlements as at the 1st floor level.

Why did the Normans build square castles?

Stone castles were built higher and provided better protection against attack, fire and cold rain. Stone castles replaced motte and bailey castles, but stone castles also changed over time. The rectangular Keep. Soon after the Normans invaded England, they started building rectangular stone houses.

What kind of castle is a stone house?

Stone Keep castles are quintessential medieval castles, the image that conjures up in our minds when we think of the word 'castle'. Primarily, these castles took the form of a free-standing stone tower or 'keep', which could vary greatly in size and appearance.

Why are there two towers and a circular tower on a castle?

Castles are made to keep out attackers, so there are two towers, the circular tower and a square tower. Round castles are quite useful because of more rooms and stairs. Some castles are royal. Unlike square castles, concentric castles had no central keep. In many senses.