Table of Contents
What are two advantages of a Motte and Bailey castle?
Motte and Bailey Castles
| Advantages quick to build protected by the soldiers | Disadvantages made of wood temporary |
| Evaluation A motte and bailey castle was a way that William the Conqueror could control his land that he had just won. This was only temporary solution though so that is why stone castles started to be built |
Why did the motte and bailey castles change?
The wooden defences of motte and bailey castles were replaced by walls and towers of stone. Stone is more durable and resistant than wood and so it became the preferred building materials for castles. Stone castles were built taller and gave better protection against attack, fire and cold rainy weather.
What animals were kept on a motte and bailey castle?
The bailey would typically contain a hall, stables for the horses and cattle, a chapel, and huts for the nobleman’s people. There were often shops inside the bailey for local merchants. Motte and bailey castles later evolved into Norman castles that evolved later into even better Concentric castles.
What does a motte and bailey castle consist of?
A motte-and-bailey castle was made up of two structures: a motte (a type of mound – often artificial – topped with a wooden or stone structure known as a keep); and at least one bailey (a fortified enclosure built next to the motte). The term motte-and-bailey is a relatively modern one, and is not medieval in origin.
How did motte and bailey castles get their name?
Motte and Bailey Castles. The name of the motte-and-bailey castles derives from the old French word motte, meaning a clod of earth, and the word bailey, or ballium, which literally means a palisaded enclosure. The motte was usually entirely artificial, however, sometimes the castle was also taking advantage of natural elevation.
Why was the first motte and bailey castle built?
Motte and bailey castles were first used by the Normans as far back as 1020 AD. They used motte-and-bailey castles after winning the Battle of Hastings in 1066 to keep their settlements safe and secure. The castle is named after Norman words. Motte means a mound of “clod of earth” and bailey means an enclosure.