Medieval castles were grand fortifications designed to protect the ruling class and their lands from invaders. These structures were built to be nearly impregnable, with various defense mechanisms in place to deter and repel attackers.
In this article, we will explore the different parts of a medieval castle, including battlements, dungeons, gatehouses, arrowslits, murder holes, towers, turrets, barbicans, oubliettes, portcullises, ramparts, keeps, machicolations, moats, walls, watchtowers, and the medieval ward or bailey.
Battlements
One of the most recognizable features of a medieval castle is the battlements. These are the crenelated or indented sections of the castle walls, typically found at the top of the walls. Battlements provided defensive positions for archers and other soldiers, who could use them to fire arrows or pour boiling oil on attackers.
They also served as a deterrent, as the sight of a castle’s battlements would make attackers think twice before attempting to breach the walls.
Castle Dungeon
The dungeon was an underground chamber typically located within the castle’s keep. It was used as a place to hold prisoners, usually of high importance or those awaiting execution. The dungeon was often damp and dark, with little to no ventilation, making it a harsh and uncomfortable place to be held.
Some dungeons were also equipped with torture devices, used to extract information or confessions from prisoners.
Castle Gatehouse
The gatehouse was the main entrance to the castle and was typically the weakest point of the castle’s defenses. It was heavily fortified to protect against attackers, with a drawbridge, portcullis, and often a barbican.
The gatehouse also served as the residence for the castle’s gatekeeper, who was responsible for controlling access to the castle.
Castle Arrowslits
Arrowslits were narrow openings in the walls of the castle that were used by archers to fire arrows at attackers.
They were typically found at the base of the walls and were angled downwards, making it difficult for attackers to reach them. Arrowslits were also used to provide cover for soldiers as they moved along the walls.
Castle Murder Holes
Murder holes were openings in the castle’s ceilings, typically found in the gatehouse or the barbican.
They were used to drop projectiles such as boiling oil, rocks, or even burning pitch on attackers attempting to enter the castle. They were also used to pour hot water on the attackers or to drop burning materials to set them on fire.
Castle Towers
Towers were a common feature in medieval castles, providing both a defensive position and a residence for the castle’s lord and his family. They were typically built into the walls of the castle and provided a commanding view of the surrounding area.
Towers also served as defensive positions for soldiers, who could use them to fire arrows or pour boiling oil on attackers.
Castle Turrets
Turrets were small towers that were typically built onto the corners of the castle walls.
They provided defensive positions for archers and also served as a means of visual communication between the different parts of the castle. Turrets also added additional protection for the walls and could be used to hold a small guard.
Castle Barbican
A barbican was a fortified gateway or an outwork that was built in front of the castle’s main gate. It was used to provide additional protection and to delay attackers while they were trying to enter the castle.
The barbican was often equipped with a drawbridge, portcullis, and arrowslits, often serving as a defensive position for the castle’s defenders. It was also used as a watchtower to detect any approaching enemies.
Castle Oubliette
An oubliette was a small, dark, underground chamber that was typically located within the castle’s keep. It was used as a place to hold prisoners and was often only accessible through a small trapdoor in the ceiling.
The name “oubliette” comes from the French word “oublier” which means “to forget”, as prisoners held in these chambers were often left to die and forgotten.
Castle Portcullis
A portcullis was a heavy gate made of wood or iron that could be lowered to block the entrance to the castle. It was typically operated by a mechanism that could be activated from within the castle, allowing the defenders to quickly close the gate in the event of an attack.
The portcullis was often found at the main gate of the castle and provided an additional layer of defense against attackers.
Castle Ramparts
Ramparts were the raised walkways that were built on top of the castle walls. They provided a defensive position for soldiers and were also used to patrol the walls.
Ramparts were often equipped with arrowslits and battlements, and they also served as a means of visual communication between the different parts of the castle.
Castle Keep
A keep, also known as a donjon, was a large tower that served as the last line of defense for the castle. It was typically the most heavily fortified part of the castle and served as the residence of the castle’s lord and his family.
The keep was also used as a place to retreat to in case of a siege, and it often had its own water supply and food storage.
Castle Machicolations
Machicolations were a defensive feature found on the top of the castle walls, towers and gatehouses.
They were openings in the floor of the battlements that allowed defenders to drop projectiles such as stones or boiling oil on attackers. They were also used to pour hot water on the attackers or to drop burning materials to set them on fire.
Castle Moat
A moat was a deep ditch filled with water that surrounded the castle. It served as a barrier that attackers had to cross, making them vulnerable to attack from the castle’s defenders. Moats also made it difficult for attackers to use siege engines such as battering rams and siege towers.
Some castles also used a dry moat, where the ditch was left empty, allowing the defenders to create a killing ground.
Castle Walls
The walls of a medieval castle were typically made of stone and were incredibly thick, making it difficult for attackers to break through. They were also often reinforced with towers and battlements, which provided defensive positions for archers and other soldiers.
The walls had a second role as a barrier, making it difficult for attackers to enter the castle.
Castle Watchtowers
Watchtowers were small towers that were typically built along the castle walls. They provided a defensive position for archers and also served as a means of visual communication between the different parts of the castle.
Watchtowers were also used as a lookout points, allowing the defenders to detect any approaching enemies.
The Medieval Ward Or Bailey
The ward or bailey was the enclosed area within the castle walls. It was the main living area of the castle and included the residence of the castle’s lord and his family, the stables, the chapel, the well and the storage rooms. The ward was also home to the castle’s garrison and other inhabitants. It was protected by the castle’s walls and other defensive structures, such as towers and gates, making it a secure area in case of an attack.
In addition to its defensive function, the ward was also the center of the castle’s daily life and activities. It was where the castle’s inhabitants would carry out their daily routines, such as cooking, eating, and sleeping. It could also serve as an administration center, where the castle’s lord would hold court, receive visitors, and conduct business.
Conclusion
Medieval castles were complex structures that were designed to be nearly impregnable.
They were protected by a variety of defense mechanisms, including battlements, dungeons, gatehouses, arrowslits, murder holes, towers, turrets, barbicans, oubliettes, portcullises, ramparts, keeps, machicolations, moats, walls, watchtowers, and the medieval ward or bailey.
Each of these parts played an important role in the castle’s defense and daily life, making the castle a formidable fortress for its inhabitants and a difficult target for invaders.