How to attack (and defend) a medieval castle - Connor C. Wilson

Before the development of grand stone fortresses, wooden ‘motte-and-bailey’ castles we’re common, with examples of these structures being attested to in the historical or archeological records across Europe from Denmark to southern Italy. The defenses of ‘motte-and-bailey’ castles may sound meagre, with only a ditch and palisade defending the bailey yard, and a tower atop the man-made motte. However, part of the innovation of early castles was that they were small, cheap and easy to build, being well within the means of local lords. The Bayeux tapestry even displays the rapid construction of such fortifications during the Norman Conquest of England. Use this online tool to find out how castle building played an important part of William Duke of Normandy’s invasion in 1066, or watch this video by TED-Ed if you want to know more about how the Normans shaped the history of not only England, but across the Mediterranean and the Middle East in the medieval period.

Château Gaillard - The Lionheart’s Castle

Would you like to dig deeper into developments in castle technology? Some of the most innovative developments in castle technology were found at Château Gaillard, a castle that overlooked the Seine in Normandy. Built by Richard I, Richard the Lionheart, it was constructed over an astonishingly short period of only two years, between 1196–1198, at a time when, thanks to William the Conqueror, the King of England, was also the Duke of Normandy. The Duchy of Normandy has traditionally owed homage to the Kings of France, but France and England had been in conflict over the title and lands of Normandy for decades by the end of the twelfth century. The construction of Château Gaillard displayed Richard I’s commitment to the defense of his Norman vassals and subjects. It was built under his personal direction for a cost of around £12,000.

As a piece of technology intended to exert control of the Norman Vexin, and block French advancement on the crucial capital at Rouen, Château Gaillard was truly imposing. Its foundations, situated on a high-rising limestone cliff over the river gave it a natural defensive quality that was only enhanced by a dry moat rock that made the use of siege equipment difficult. Then there were its fortifications, a web of high stone walls and towers, with outer and inner baileys where even initially successful attackers would be vulnerable. Moreover, Château Gaillard was amongst the first European fortresses to feature machicolations (overhanging openings atop the walls), from which defenders could target enemies with arrows, stones or other projectiles. The castle secured the Lionheart’s position in Normandy, and upon its completion he supposedly remarked he could hold Château Gaillard even if ‘the walls were made of butter’. It has been argued that Richard was inspired by the castles he saw in the Holy Land, however, this has been disputed by other historians who argue for its innovation and unique location. Explore Château Gaillard online here.

Orford Castle – Failed innovation or Imperial imitation?

The keep of Orford castle in the south of England is often highlighted for its unique design, that has generated both admiration and debate from historians. The traditional explanation for this tower, which features an almost circular cross-section, with three rectangular clasping towers around its perimeter, is that the polygonal shape represented a transitional phase, between previous keeps, whose angular corners were vulnerable to siege weaponry, and the round tower design. If this was an attempt as military innovation however, it can hardly be seen as a successful one. The clasping towers would likely have made defense more difficult, providing greater blind spots for an attacker to exploit. Moreover, Ofrord’s sponsor, King Henry II, continued to build rectangular keeps after Orford, and fully rounded castle keeps were already known at this time. That Orford’s design was not replicated is certainly a mark against its military effectiveness, and so historians have instead found explanations in its aesthetics, which, like Caernarfon Castle, are now thought to reflect the influence of Byzantine imperial splendor. Read more about Oford Castle’s history and design here.