Did medieval castles have kitchens?
Did medieval castles have kitchens? In a medieval castle, kitchens were an important feature as the Lord of the manor would often throw grand banquets and lavish feasts. In many medieval castles, the kitchen location is below the Great Hall as in the photo above.
What are 3 features of a medieval castle?
The typical features of a medieval castle were: Moat - a perimeter ditch with or without water. Barbican - a fortification to protect a gate. Curtain Walls & Towers - the perimeter defensive wall.
Did castles have rats?
Rats and other vermin flourished inside the walls of medieval towns. Castles — designed to withstand a siege — often contained stores of surplus grain, vegetables, and herbs. Along with their cool, dark interior, these stores provided a superb habitat for rats and mice.
How did medieval castle toilets look?
The toilet seat was made of a wooden bench covering the shaft hole in the masonry. The wood was usually cut with a rectangular or keyhole aperture. Hay, grass, or even moss were used as toilet paper. Toilet hay is referred to by medieval writers, albeit indirectly.
Did old castles have plumbing?
The plumbing system of Medieval castles was designed so that waste products would flow straight into the moat that surrounded the castle. These “Garderobes” extended outside of the walls of the castle and had a opening at the bottom that would empty into the moat.
How did medieval castles get food?
The foodstuffs came from the castle's own animals and lands or were paid to it as a form of tax by local farmers.
Why were castle windows so small?
Many castle windows were very small and designed to be narrow and tall for defensive purposes, which meant that they let in very little sunlight. This made it difficult to see clearly inside the castle and also made it harder to keep the interiors warm and dry.
Where did maids sleep in castles?
Most domestic servants would have slept in shared chambers in either the cellars or attics of the castle buildings. There might also be simple buildings outside the castle for herdsmen, mill workers, wood-cutters, and craftspeople such as rope-makers, candle-makers, potters, basket-weavers, and spinners.
Did medieval castles have basements?
In the early Middle Ages, when few castles had large permanent garrisons, not only servants but military and administrative personnel slept in towers or in basements, or in the hall, or in lean-to structures; knights performing castle guard slept near their assigned posts.