Documente Academic
Documente Profesional
Documente Cultură
Hunter Briegel
Miss Scarpino
03/01/09
Structures of Purpose
Castles were “purpose” built structures: providing protection from enemies, offering shelter,
serving as the Royal residence, and supplying storage. Castles had many large rooms of varying
function. Below ground, castles featured prisons or additional storage areas. Numerous defensive
fortifications provided a level of security unobtainable through other styles of architecture.
One of the most important roles of castles was serving as the Royal residence. Thus, the castle
was a centre of activity in the Middle Ages. Royals lived in relative luxury compared with the masses.
Royal living quarters were spacious, well heated, and often abundant with rich tapestries and/or other
valuables. Dining rooms, courtyards, and other areas were used to entertain Royal guests.
Although castles did not provide residence to the working class (peasants), significant food
supply was often provided to ensure survival of a portion of the population if the castle came under
siege. Store rooms were located in castle towers. If in the event that enemy combatants breached the
castle walls, the tower's warriors could continue to fight the invaders independent of one another.
Defensive applications defined castles. Physical barriers made it difficult for enemies to
Briegel 2
successfully breach a castle's defenses. Moats and/or a series of high walls stalled invaders and reduced
their strength. Bridges that allowed passage over moats were able to be “drawn up” to deny access to
invaders. Hence, the moat prevented equipment and personnel passage, until a bridge was constructed
or another method of passage devised. High walls featured staggered gates, requiring enemy
combatants to travel greater distances, increasing their chance of being killed or wounded by defending
archers. Archers could be positioned on a castle wall, giving the defender significant advantage. Other
deterrents such as boiling oil could be used to regress an attack.
Castles were the heart of medieval society. Their prominence is legendary, surviving in various
form into modern times (bunkers). The creation of the castle showed the violence of the Middle Ages.
Eventually with the introduction of modern weaponry, the castle became obsolete, but not forgotten.