Castle Defensive Features

Click on the flashcard to see the answer

What is a turret in castle architecture?

A turret is a small tower extending above a building, often used for observation or defense in a castle.

What is the function of a gatehouse in a castle?

A gatehouse functions as a fortified entrance to a castle, equipped with defensive features like portcullises and murder holes.

How do concentric castles enhance defense?

Concentric castles feature multiple layers of walls, with each inner layer higher than the outer walls, creating a strong defense system.

What is the significance of a parapet in castle design?

A parapet is a low protective wall along the edge of a roof, bridge, or balcony of a castle, often with battlements for defense.

What materials were primarily used in constructing medieval castles?

Medieval castles were primarily constructed from stone and wood, chosen for their availability and durability.

How did machicolations aid castle defense?

Machicolations are projecting parapets with openings through which defenders could drop stones or other objects on attackers below.

What were the functions of a guardroom in a castle?

Guardrooms were spaces within castles where guards could station themselves and manage alert systems for defense.

Explain how bailey defenses were complemented by natural landscapes.

Bailey defenses were often integrated with natural features like steep banks, rivers, or forests to strengthen the castle's defensive position.

How did sally ports function in castle defense?

Sally ports were hidden, secure exits that allowed defenders to sortie out and attack besiegers unexpectedly.

What role did corbels play in castle construction?

Corbels are stone supports jutting out from walls to hold up structures like machicolations or balconies.

What was the tower house in castle architecture?

A tower house is a type of small, fortified dwelling built mainly for defense and residence.

Describe the outer defenses of a medieval castle.

Outer defenses included ditches, moats, and walls which provided multilayered protection against sieges and invasions.

How did castles contribute to the local economies in the Middle Ages?

Castles were centers of political administration and economic control, facilitating trade and providing security for surrounding areas.

What were palisades in the context of early castle defenses?

Palisades were strong, tall fences constructed of sharpened stakes, surrounding early castles as rudimentary defense structures.

What strategic advantage did elevated castle locations provide?

Elevated locations gave castles a defensive edge by offering visibility of approaching invaders and making assaults more challenging.

Understand Better