Medieval Timber CastlesFacts and interesting information about the History, Development and Architecture of Medieval Castles Medieval Timber Castles The Medieval Times encompass one of the most violent periods in the History of England are are epitomised by the castles of the Middle Ages. The development, architecture and building of these great fortresses changed as time progressed, influenced by important historical events such as the crusades and the technology of siege warfare. This page provides interesting and important information about Medieval Timber Castles. Description and Information on Pre-built Timber Norman Castles The following details provide a description and information on pre-built timber Norman castles. Speed was of the essence to the English Invasion plans of Duke William of Normandy. The use of pre-built Timber Norman Castles would give him a considerable advantage over the unsuspecting English and King Harold. To achieve his goal parts of Norman wooden castles were pre-constructed. The timbers for the Pre-Built Norman castles were cut to the correct sizes. Bolts were made in various sizes and used to fit the Norman castle timbers together. These quick assembly timber Norman castle kits were loaded on the Norman Invasion Fleet. Carpenters and builders formed part of the 1066 Norman Invasion fleet. Information on the First pre-built Timber Norman Castles The first of the pre-built Norman Wooden Castles was erected at Pevensey Bay in 1066. Pevensey castle was built on high ground on the site of an old Roman Fort. Information from Norman chroniclers state that a total of three pre-built wooden castles were brought from Normandy on the invasion fleet of Duke William of Normandy, which consisted of nearly 3000 vessels. The famous Bayeux Tapestry illustrates the process of building Norman Pre-Built Timber Castles. The aims of building the Timber Norman Castles The pre-built timber Norman castles were perfect for the strategy of William the conqueror. But the Normans needed more timber castles and they needed them quickly. The conquest of England by the Normans needed castles to: - Provide a safe base where men, provisions and horses could be housed
- The Psychological effect - these timber Norman castles were constructed to overawe and frighten the indigenous population
- The timber Norman Castles provided a site from which the Normans could govern the surrounding district
- The introduction of Feudalism was dependent on these ancient timber Norman castles
Timber Norman Castles and Feudalism Medieval Feudalism was based on the exchange of land (Fief) for military service, called the Feudal Levy. William the Conqueror used the concept of feudalism to reward his Norman knights for their help in the conquest of England. Feudalism, demanded that everyone owed allegiance to the King and their immediate superior. So the Normans were rewarded with English lands and they needed a strong power base to hold off the rebellious English. Well constructed Norman timber castles provided them with this. They used local timber and forced local labour to build their timber Motte and Bailey castles. The Normans kept their new land. Medieval Timber Castles The Medieval Times website provides interesting facts, history and information about these great fortresses and castles of Medieval times including this section on Medieval Timber Castles. The Medieval Times Sitemap provides full details of all of the information and facts about the fascinating subject of the lives of the people who lived during the historical period of the Middle Ages. The content of this article on Medieval life and times provides free educational details, facts and information for reference and research for schools, colleges and homework for history courses and history coursework. |