Medieval castles were built for protection, not for comfort. For that reason, glass windows were not a common feature in castles of the Middle Ages. Instead, the openings in the walls were covered with wooden shutters or animal hides to keep out the elements. While not all castles had glass windows, some castles had them, especially those of the upper class and nobility.
Glass window rarity in medieval times
While most castles were built for protection and did not have glass windows, some castles belonging to the upper class and nobility had them. These castles were built as grand residences and were intended to be comfortable and luxurious.
The wealthy rulers and their families needed light and ventilation, so they had windows made of glass. These windows were often small and placed high on the walls to keep out the elements and to provide light and ventilation.
Construction Techniques Limitation
The construction techniques of medieval castles also limited the use of glass windows. Castles were built with thick walls to withstand attack, and the openings for windows were small to begin with.
This made it difficult to install glass windows, as the technology for making large sheets of glass did not exist at the time. Additionally, glass was a luxury item and was expensive, which made it an unlikely choice for castles that were built for protection.
What Were Medieval Castle Windows called?
Medieval castles had a specific type of window that was different from the modern window. These windows were called arrowslits or loopholes. They were narrow, vertical openings in the walls, which provided light and ventilation, but also allowed archers to shoot arrows from inside the castle at approaching enemies.
They were typically positioned in the upper levels of the walls, so archers could shoot down at the attackers.
Conclusion
In conclusion, medieval castles were built for protection and not for comfort. For that reason, glass windows were not a common feature in castles of the Middle Ages. However, some castles belonging to the upper class and nobility had glass windows, but they were often small and placed high on the walls.
The construction techniques of medieval castles also limited the use of glass windows, and the technology for making large sheets of glass did not exist at the time. Additionally, glass was a luxury item and was expensive, which made it an unlikely choice for castles that were built for protection.