Castles in British History

Importance of Castles

• Castles are iconic monuments in Britain, telling stories of historical significance.
• Examples include Rochester, Caernarfon, Bodium, and Castle Urquhart.
• Dover Castle is notable for its strength and symbolism.

Castles and Their Origins

• William the Conqueror introduced castles to Britain as instruments of conquest.
• Widespread before the Norman conquest, castles merged defense and dwelling.
• Early British castles were modest compared to the Tower of London.

Influence of the Vikings

• Vikings invaded Northern Europe in the 9th century, influencing castle development.
• England resisted Vikings by establishing fortified towns.
• In France, private fortifications or "Castella" were built to combat Vikings.
• Normans, former Vikings, adopted French ways and built castles.

Norman Castles and the Mott & Bailey Design

• Mott & Bailey castles were dominant in early Norman Britain.
• Example: Plessey Castle in Essex.
• The Bayeux Tapestry provides depictions of early castles.

Castle Construction Techniques

• Archaeological evidence helps reconstruct early Mott & Bailey designs.
• Castles combined living spaces and fortifications, with towers providing refuge.

The Role of Cavalry

• Castles were defensive against cavalry, the preferred offensive weapon.
• Small horses used for maneuverability in battle.

William the Conqueror’s Campaign

• After being promised and then denied the English throne, William invaded in 1066.
• Established initial castles at Pevensey and Hastings as footholds.
• Built castles quickly as part of his military strategy.

Castle Building Techniques

• Shifting massive amounts of earth was labor-intensive.
• Mott construction involved layers of soil and stone for solidity.

Expansion and Rebellion

• William expanded his control with more castles, facing resistance such as in York.
• Harsh tactics like the harrying of the North were used to crush rebellion.

Norman Domination and Administration

• William redistributed land to Norman followers, building a network of control.
• Castles like Montgomery were built to secure borders and new territories.

Legacy of William the Conqueror

• Castle building was integral to William’s rule and the subjugation of England.
• The Doomsday Book recorded land holdings and castles.
• Mott & Bailey castles were numerous, establishing Norman dominance.

The Tower of London

• The Tower of London was a unique stone keep, symbolizing permanent Norman presence.
• Inspired by French designs, it was a prototype for future stone castles.

Post-William Developments

• Many Mott & Baileys were converted into stone castles or left to decay.
• Remaining castles served as prisons or noble residences.
• The shift to stone keeps marked an evolution in castle design for durability and prestige.

Conclusion

• William’s legacy includes the widespread construction of castles and the introduction of stone keeps.
• His efforts paved the way for future castle building and the architectural landscape of medieval Britain.