The Middle Ages
Life in a Medieval Castle
Motte & Baileys were built in the early Middle Ages. These later developed and expanded into what we know today as Medieval Castles.
What was the purpose of a Motte & Bailey?
After the fall of the Roman Empire, most peoples retreated into their local territories and did not travel outside of the areas they knew. With the fall of the Roman Empire and the disappearance of the Roman legions, people in isolated areas now relied on their local lords or kings for protection. Increased threats from roaming groups and barbarians meant that local chiefs/ lords had to increase their own physical security.
With this in mind, they created settlements known as Motte & Baileys. These allowed the lord, his family and loyal soldiers to retreat uphill into the ‘Motte’ when the Bailey was threatened by barbarians and looters. From this early Motte & Bailey type-settlement, the Medieval Castle slowly emerged.
Life in a Medieval Castle
Life in a Medieval Monastery
