What part of a castle is the keep?
keep, English term corresponding to the French donjon for the strongest portion of the fortification of a castle, the place of last resort in case of siege or attack. Three main castle types: motte and bailey, stone keep, and concentric.
What is the purpose of a keep in a castle?
Traditionally keeps were built as a type of fortified tower built by European nobility. Keep’s were built within castles during the Middle Ages and they were used as a refuge or last resort should the rest of the castle fall to enemies.
What’s the difference between a castle and a keep?
Scholars have debated the scope of the word keep, but usually consider it to refer to large towers in castles that were fortified residences, used as a refuge of last resort should the rest of the castle fall to an adversary.
What is the weakest part of a castle?
The entrance to the castle was always its weakest point. Drawbridges could be pulled up, preventing access across moats. Tall gate towers meant that defenders could shoot down in safety at attacks below. The main gate or door to the castle was usually a thick, iron-studded wooden door, that was hard to break through.
What is inside a keep?
Sometimes buildings (like the chapel, great hall and kitchens) were integrated into the keep, and sometimes they were separated. The keep was the main residence of the ruling lord. It was made of stone and could be square or circular. Keeps could be attached to walls or freestanding. They had many functions.
What did a castle keep look like?
A keep could be square or rectangular and often had its own small towers or turrets on top; alternatively, some were polygonal, had one curved wall, or were fully round which gave defenders an unimpeded 360-degree view.
Who lived in the keep of a castle?
During the late Middle Ages, from the 10th to the 16th centuries, kings and lords lived in castles. As well as the lord, the lady (his wife), and their family there were lots of staff. Some were important officials, such as the constable who took care of the castle when the lord was away.
What is a buttery in a castle?
The buttery was a room in a castle where barrels or butts of alcoholic drinks were stored. In Medieval times, the butler was responsible for the castle cellar and providing drinks to the guests.
What was the most important room in any castle?
The most important room in a castle was the Great Hall. This is where all the members of the household sat down to eat at tables set up for every meal. It was where feasts were held for special days, or when there were guests. King Arthur’s Pentecost Feast takes place in such a Hall.
What is a castle keep?
A castle keep is usually the central tower located within a castle. Basically it is a castle within a castle as it has traditionally been used as a final defensive structure.
What is the layout of a medieval castle?
The arrangement of buildings and walls created large, outdoor spaces that were considered part of the castle layout. This might include multiple courtyards, some used for allowing animals to graze and others reserved for formal events. Some castles contained elaborate gardens or orchards.
How did the shape of castles change over time?
In the thirteenth century, the design of European castles began to change so that their defence relied less on towers and the keep. Known as “concentric castles,” they often featured at least two concentric walls in the shape of a square or irregular polygon.
Why did so many castles have chapels?
Religion was huge in the middle ages, so many castles had chapels. However, the chapel also had some strategic benefits, for many attackers wouldn’t dare harm a priest back then.