Why were roofs removed from castles?

Why were roofs removed from castles? These temporary structures, known as removable roofs (Abwurfdächer) were supposed to have covered fortifications such as the bergfried as well as residential buildings like the palas and would have been quickly removed in the event of a siege so that catapults could be erected on the fighting terraces in order to ...

Did medieval 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. It was the job of the 'Gongfarmer' to remove it – one of the smelliest jobs in history?

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.

What are the pointy roofs on castles called?

Spire. A slender, pointed construction atop a building, often a church. The descriptive phrase conical roof could be applied.

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.

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.

Where did servants 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.

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.

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.

Did medieval castles have roofs?

Clay roof tiles were initially used even in motte and bailey castles made of timber. Wooden shingle could be used but whenever a battle was about to start, wet animal skins were placed on top to protect then. Lead sheets were also used as roofing material since the Roman era. The most expensive was/is copper sheets .

Did castle walls have roofs?

Atop the wall they had tile roofs and often had loopholes for firing arrows or guns. Walls also frequently had support posts behind them to increase their strength especially for walls along the top of stone walls or other places where the foundation was not as solid.

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 did castles use for windows?

Glass was an incredibly expensive material and so was rarely used in castles or homes. Usually these were openings just to let in air and light, covered with wooden shutters. In some castles the window equivalent was shaped like a cross for defensive military purposes, not to provide wide wonderful views.

Why do castles last so long?

Initially, castles were built out of wood, but eventually, people made castles from stone because they were stronger and lasted longer. Castles usually consisted of a group of buildings that were surrounded by a huge wall and a moat designed to keep attackers out.

How did they keep warm in castles?

In the chamber – the more private rooms of the castle – there were beds with curtains, giving an extra layer of warmth, and these rooms largely had fireplaces. When there were no fireplaces rooms were heated with moveable fire stands.