How big were medieval keeps?
How big were medieval keeps? Approximate dimensions of the largest keeps: 100 feet by 100 feet (30.5 m by 30.5 m). Volume of stone contained in the keep of the Château de Langeais in France: 1,556 cubic yards (1,190 cubic m).
What did medieval castles smell like?
Castles and manor houses often smelled damp and musty. To counteract this, herbs and rushes were strewn across the floors.
What is a small castle called?
A motte-and-bailey castle is a European fortification with a wooden or stone keep situated on a raised area of ground called a motte, accompanied by a walled courtyard, or bailey, surrounded by a protective ditch and palisade.
What was the weakest point 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 the most attacked castle?
Over the centuries around 23 different siege attempts were made on Edinburgh Castle – making it the most besieged place in Europe.
What was the worst job in a castle?
When it comes to horrible jobs in a castle, gong farmer has to win the prize. Gong farmers, also known as nightmen, were responsible for cleaning out human excrement from the cesspits within the castle walls.
Which castle has been attacked the most?
Over the centuries around 23 different siege attempts were made on Edinburgh Castle – making it the most besieged place in Europe.
How thick were castle keep walls?
The height of walls varied widely by castle, but were often 2.5–6 m (8.2–19.7 ft) thick. They were usually topped with crenellation or parapets that offered protection to defenders.
What is the oldest castle still occupied?
Windsor Castle is the oldest and largest inhabited castle in the world and has been the family home of British kings and queens for almost 1,000 years. It is an official residence of Her Majesty The Queen and is still very much a working royal palace today, home to around 150 people.