What is a castle?

A castle is a large medieval fortress with adequate living accommodations for its owner or Lord. Although early castles were constructed of timber and earth, our main image is of the later castles constructed of masonry and stone. Fortified medieval mansions are sometimes referred to as castles.

Functions:

Fortress and military garrison offering protection and serving as a base for military campaigns.

Center of political power and government administration for the local area.

Residence of the owner Lord, either temporary or permanent.

Structure:

Large and of great defensive strength.

Surrounded by a wall with a fighting platform and projecting towers.

Usually has a large, strong tower or keep.

Time and Place: The term castle generally refers to those fortresses constructed in Europe and Britain during the middle ages and renaissance.

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