What is a stone keep?
What is a stone keep? Stone keep castles The keep (also known as a donjon) was a tower which was surrounded by a stone wall, often three metres thick. Stone keep castles were also known as square keep castles, since they were often square in shape. Their square shape made them easy to construct quickly.
What is a Norman keep?
THE NORMAN KEEP This type is known as a 'shell' keep because its outer walls provided a protective shell for smaller buildings within. The stone Keep was built in the early 12th Century by Robert Consul, Earl of Gloucester, replacing the timber defences of Robert Fitzhamon, Norman Lord of Glamorgan.
How were stone keep castles attacked?
A good way of attacking a stone castle was through mining. Attackers would dig a tunnel underground up to the castle walls, under the gatehouse if possible. They would then set a charge and make an explosion which would make the walls crumble and collapse.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of a stone keep castle?
Stone keep castles were a lot bigger than motte and bailey castles and were able to hold more soldiers. Because of their vast size they were much harder to attack. However, they had two main weaknesses - there was nothing to be done if the enemy surrounded except remain in the castle.
Why is a castle called a keep?
Since the 16th century, the English word keep has commonly referred to large towers in castles. The word originates from around 1375 to 1376, coming from the Middle English term kype, meaning basket or cask, and was a term applied to the shell keep at Guînes, said to resemble a barrel.
What is the oldest castle in Europe?
Converted into a donjon around 950, Château de Doué-la-Fontaine in France is the oldest standing castle in Europe.
What is a bailey of a castle?
A bailey is the sturdy wall around a castle that keeps invaders out. The bailey of a medieval castle was usually built of stone. You might see a bailey — or the remains of one — if you tour a castle in England or France.