Medieval Castles
Castles were some of the most advanced buildings in the Medieval Ages. They were constructed with varied materials, but the most common was stone. The distinct styles of Medieval castles’ architecture changed and developed over time. Some of the diverse types of architecture are Gothic, Lancet, and Romanesque but there are many more. But all of them contained the same basic characteristics.
First of all, they had very thick walls (some even over 20 ft.) but most were about 8-10 feet in depth. Next, they were all designed with the same purpose, to protect what was inside. That was because the nobles and their families would live inside the keep of the castle. Although there were many rooms in the keep, they were not the cleanest, especially the kitchen. It had very poor ventilation and the grease from the foods just collected on the walls. Finally, the castles were passed down from generation to generation and were a great source of pride for that family. Since these castles were such grand pieces of architecture, they usually lasted for very long periods of time, and a lot still stand today. Even though some have deteriorated and fallen apart, these castles are amazing examples of Medieval Times.
First of all, they had very thick walls (some even over 20 ft.) but most were about 8-10 feet in depth. Next, they were all designed with the same purpose, to protect what was inside. That was because the nobles and their families would live inside the keep of the castle. Although there were many rooms in the keep, they were not the cleanest, especially the kitchen. It had very poor ventilation and the grease from the foods just collected on the walls. Finally, the castles were passed down from generation to generation and were a great source of pride for that family. Since these castles were such grand pieces of architecture, they usually lasted for very long periods of time, and a lot still stand today. Even though some have deteriorated and fallen apart, these castles are amazing examples of Medieval Times.
Medieval castles had towers to watch out for enemies, like this one.
“File:Château de Pierrefonds 2.JPG” Wikimedia Commons. Web. May 6, 2014.
http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Château_de_Pierrefonds_2.JPG
“File:Château de Pierrefonds 2.JPG” Wikimedia Commons. Web. May 6, 2014.
http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Château_de_Pierrefonds_2.JPG
This castle is very well protected.
“File:CtlloForna2 Absubia.jpg” Wikimedia Commons. Web. May 6, 2014 http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:CtlloForna2_Absubia.jpg
“File:CtlloForna2 Absubia.jpg” Wikimedia Commons. Web. May 6, 2014 http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:CtlloForna2_Absubia.jpg
Some castles have worn over time, though.
“File:Harewood Castle.jpg” Wikimedia Commons. Web. May 6, 2014 http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Harewood_Castle.jpg
“File:Harewood Castle.jpg” Wikimedia Commons. Web. May 6, 2014 http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Harewood_Castle.jpg