1. Castles

2. Why? • 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.

3. Early castles • 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.

4. Castles • 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.

5. Castles • 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.