What were the living conditions in a castle?
What were the living conditions in a castle? Life in a castle in medieval times was very dark and cold. Windows were narrow, open slits. Toilets were benches with holes in. The waste would drop into a stinky cesspit or the moat.
Where did people eat in castles?
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.
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.
How were castles attacked?
Fire - Early castles were made of wood, so they were easy to attack by setting fire to them. Battering ram - A large log that was hit against the castle walls to weaken them. Catapult - Catapults, or trebuchets, threw large stones and burning objects at the castle.
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.
Did old castles have toilets?
In the medieval period luxury castles were built with indoor toilets known as 'garderobes', and the waste dropped into a pit below.
When did people stop living in castles?
After the 16th century, castles declined as a mode of defense, mostly because of the invention and improvement of heavy cannons and mortars. This artillery could throw heavy cannonballs with so much force that even strong curtain walls could not hold up.
Were medieval castles smelly damp and dark?
The first stone castles built were cold, dark, smelly and damp. Inside the castle walls, floor coverings consisted of straw rushes and, later, sweet smelling herbs to mask the smell of animal excrement, grease, rotting food and beer.
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.
Is it hard to live in a castle?
Despite needing a lot of money to be able to afford the luxury of building a castle, living in a castle today may seem rather miserable due to how under-developed they were as buildings during the Middle Ages.
Why were castles uncomfortable living in?
Living in a medieval castle was often uncomfortable and even hazardous, particularly for those who were not part of the nobility or royalty. For example, despite their grandeur and imposing appearance, many castles lacked basic amenities like running water, central heating, and proper ventilation.
Was it cold in castles?
Without electricity and just wood for heat, castles were often dark and cold in Medieval times, Bachrach said.
How were prisoners treated in a castle?
Not all prisoners were treated well. They might be chained up and forced to wear a heavy iron collar and cuffs around the hands and ankles. This iron collar, from Loches, France, weighs about 35lb (16kg)! Some prisoners were tortured as well.
Did medieval castles have toilet paper?
In the Middle Ages, people would make use of sticks, moss and other plants. Archaeological findings from cesspits of monasteries in Ireland and Norway included small pieces of cloth that were used like toilet paper.