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The
Development of Castles
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There
were a number of different types of defensive structure built in England prior
to the Norman invasion. Examples of the main types of fortified structure include:
hillforts, such as Maiden Castle; Roman Forts and towers, such as those found
at Hadrians Wall and fortified houses. Each of these forms of defensive structure
had different purposes, was built in times of differing technological advancement
and therefore have different defensive qualities, as briefly described below.
The
Iron Age hillfort usually consisted of a settlement surrounded by earthen ramparts.
On a small scale thee would provide an obstacle to any advance and a suitable
vantage point from which to pelt the intruder with stones of arrows. On a larger
scale, such as at maiden Castle, the ramparts were enormous, offering the defending
warrior a series of vantage points and imposing a series of positions of vulnerability
upon the attacking force. As such structures were usually built upon raised
ground they also had the natural advantage of height.
Roman
Forts similarly made good use of natural surroundings. The Romans however tended
to make entrance ways to forts smaller, thus reducing the number of intruders
that could make an assault on any one point. The construction was usually of
stone, which again adds strength to the structure. Roman barracks were also
extremely well organised, enabling a rapid and efficient defence, something
lacking in many hillforts.
Fortified
houses of the Anglo-Saxon era were designed to withstand only small attacks
and so are not comparible in many ways. They did make use of stone and placed
the defender in a raised position. This would be effective against vagabonds
and small groups of bandits.
There
were of course a small number of 'Castles' built prior to the norman invasion.
These were built in the days of Edward the Confessor by Normans who had been
invitied to live in England. As such they are not truly representative of pre-conquest
fortifications.
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last updated 02/05/01