What is the weakest part of castle?

The entrance to the castle was always its weakest point. Drawbridges could be pulled up, preventing access across moats. Tall gate towers meant that defenders could shoot down in safety at attacks below.

What was the weakest part of a castle and how did they protect it?

The gatehouse was the only area of the castle that faced the bridge. This was like the castles front door and was always the weakest point in the castle's defences too, so it was very well protected. The Curtain Wall is a strong wall built around the outside of the castle.

What was the lowest position in a castle?

The answer was, most likely, a scullion. Scullions were domestic servants, employed by wealthy landowners or merchants. In terms of the servants' hierarchy, scullions occupied the lowest rung and therefore performed some of the least desirable acts.

What was the weakest part of a stone keep castle?

The Gate. The entrance was often the weakest part in a castle. To overcome this, the gatehouse was developed, allowing those inside the castle to control the flow of traffic. Gatehouses were inside the wall and connected with the bridge over the moat, but they were more than just doorways.

Where is a castle most vulnerable?

Gatehouses were often the most vulnerable part of a castle and therefore special efforts were made to defend them, this included murder-holes for dropping heavy objects onto the heads of attackers, metal bars or portcullises that could be lowered in front of wooden gates or drawbridges that could be raised against ...

All Castle Defences Explained | Features, Uses & How They Developed

What are the weaknesses of castles?

The weaknesses of motte and bailey castles included being made from wood, as the castles could not be large sizes and the wood would rot from being rained on. Wood becomes weaker as it ages, can burn easily and the motte could collapse with the castle's weight if it was not large enough to hold bigger troop sizes.

What is the safest part of a castle?

Look up at the Round Tower to find out. A hill was excellent because the enemy would find it difficult to fight going uphill. The Round Tower is the keep of the Castle, the highest and safest place to be. The hill it stands on is the motte made from the soil that was dug out from the ditch below.

What was the worst job in a castle?

Gong Farmer. When it comes to horrible jobs in a castle, gong farmer has to win the prize. Gong farmers, also known as nightmen, were responsible for cleaning out human excrement from the cesspits within the castle walls.

What castle has never been taken?

Castle of Zafra, Campillo de Duenas

It holds the distinction of never being conquered. It also holds the distinction of appearing in “Game of Thrones” in three episodes.

What is the strongest part of castle?

The castle gatehouse was one of the most defensive parts of any medieval fortress. It was a strong, fortified building positioned to defend the entrance to a castle. Gatehouses usually contained multiple traps and obstacles to foil any intruder.

What is the oldest castle still up?

Windsor Castle is the oldest and largest inhabited castle in the world and has been the family home of British kings and queens for almost 1,000 years. It is an official residence of Her Majesty The Queen and is still very much a working royal palace today, home to around 150 people.

What is the most attacked castle?

Over the centuries around 23 different siege attempts were made on Edinburgh Castle – making it the most besieged place in Europe. The castle witnessed a number of efforts, including a siege which saw a group of men scale the castle rock and one that lasted only 30 minutes.

What is the oldest castle still standing?

Windsor Castle was the official residence of the late Queen Elizabeth II. It is the world's oldest continuously occupied castle.

What is the weakness of early castles?

While motte and bailey castles had their advantages, they also had a number of weaknesses. The greatest problem with the early castles was that, being made of timber, they were easy to burn down and were prone to rot after prolonged periods of rain.

What are the weaknesses of a stone castle?

Stone keep castles were a lot bigger than motte and bailey castles and were able to hold more soldiers. Because of their vast size they were much harder to attack. However, they had two main weaknesses - there was nothing to be done if the enemy surrounded except remain in the castle.

What were the weaknesses of a shell keep castle?

The major disadvantage of a Shell Keep castle came from its main defensive mechanism. It still relied on the motte, and remember that mottes were man-made hills, which meant that they could be unstable. Sitting a large structure on an unstable mound was pretty risky!

Where is the oldest castle in the US?

However, it IS the third oldest castle in the United States. The oldest is Bason's Castle in Surry, Virginia and was built in 1665. It housed a political uprising in 1676 led by Nathaniel Bacon. Today, you can tour the castle and learn more about the family and the history.

What famous castle has only 14 finished rooms?

Inside Neuschwanstein Castle

Despite Ludwig's grand plans, only 14 rooms are currently finished — and on view for visitors. On the guided tour of Neuschwanstein Castle's interior, you'll have access to the cave-like grotto, the king's bedroom, and the Singer's Hall, among others.

What is the oldest castle in us?

Bacon's Castle is the oldest brick dwelling in North America and was built for Arthur Allen and his family in 1665.

Did servants sleep in the castle?

Most domestic servants would have slept in shared chambers in either the cellars or attics of the castle buildings. There might also be simple buildings outside the castle for herdsmen, mill workers, wood-cutters, and craftspeople such as rope-makers, candle-makers, potters, basket-weavers, and spinners.

Who had the lowest rank in medieval society?

The Lower Class: Peasants (Serfs)

These serfs were at the bottom of feudal society, working on the manor of whatever king or noble they served.

Who held the most powerful position in medieval society?

At the very top of feudal society were the monarchs, or kings and queens. As you have learned, medieval monarchs were also feudal lords. They were expected to keep order and to provide protection for their vassals.

What is the most important room in a castle?

The most important room in a castle was the Great Hall. This is where all the members of the household sat down to eat at tables set up for every meal. It was where feasts were held for special days, or when there were guests. King Arthur's Pentecost Feast takes place in such a Hall.

Who owns castles?

The most important person in a castle was the owner —the king, lord, knight or lady. But they didn't live there all the time. Kings of England owned dozens of castles, and could never have visited them all.

How did people stay warm in castles?

Castles weren't always cold and dark places to live.

But, in reality, the great hall of castle had a large open hearth to provide heat and light (at least until the late 12th century) and later it had wall fireplace. The hall would also have had tapestries which would have insulated the room against too much cold.