Usually built on higher ground than the surrounding area, castle structures were used throughout the Middle Ages as a means of defense and protection for those who resided inside. They were usually built for nobility, so castle architecture tended to be high quality with strong defense walls and opulent interiors. The Medieval castles’ structure would usually consist of the various parts of a castle wall that would surround the inner sanctum, towers, gates, and the donjon – the nobility’s living quarters. They not only acted as fortifications for the nobility but also for the people of the surrounding village in times of warfare. Castle structures also served as centers of administration for the local area.

Castle architecture plays an important role in helping us understand the technological and architectural advances that occurred during the period in which they were made. They serve as significant sources of information regarding not only Medieval castles’ structure and design, but also about political and cultural life at the time. As castle structures were built as fortifications during times of attack, castle architecture also provides insight into the military tactics that were used during times of warfare.

Constructed for nobility, these castles often featured ornate architectural elements, sculptures, paintings, fountains, and many other forms of decoration that provide a glimpse of the lifestyles enjoyed by royalty at that time.

Over the centuries, different types of castles were constructed to meet the varying needs of the time. They were usually situated in prime locations along trade routes and borders, and many new castles were often built on the ruins of older castles due to their ideal location. These older castles were often made of wood and therefore deteriorated over time, while later castle structures employed stone, many of which are still extant today. Let us take a look at the types of castles that were developed over the centuries and discover the various castle architecture terms. [...]

The very first castles were made of wood, which allowed lords to construct them quickly and cheaply. This was particularly useful when trying to establish new borders during warfare and protect them from invasion. However, despite being easy to construct, they were also easy to attack and ultimately did not provide the longevity and durability to withstand constant attacks. These early wooden castle structures comprised the lord’s dwelling on a mound, surrounded by wooden walls known as palisades, with one entrance protected by a gate. The increased use of fire as a weapon in the 11th century also meant that wooden structures were increasingly more dangerous to stay in and harder to defend.[...]

Over time, the tactics used in siege warfare began to advance and castle structures had to keep on developing in efficiency to counteract these new techniques and weapons. While wood was ideal for quick construction, it was no match for fire or the constant bombardment of axes and other weaponry. Everything that was previously wood was now built with stone, including the baileys which enclosed the buildings inside. These stone castle structures were important as their permanence meant that the surrounding village would eventually become a town, which could ultimately grow to become a powerful city from which to rule.