How could a Motte and Bailey castle be improved?
During the 12th century many castles were improved and strengthened by using stone as the ain building material. The wooden defences of motte and bailey castles were replaced by walls and towers of stone.
What did the bailey consist of?
The bailey would contain a wide number of buildings, including a hall, kitchens, a chapel, barracks, stores, stables, forges or workshops, and was the centre of the castle’s economic activity. The bailey was connected to the motte by a bridge, or, as often seen in England, by steps cut into the motte.
What are the key features of a Motte and Bailey castle?
The castle is made up of two parts. The motte is a raised mound or earthwork which would have a stone or wooden keep on top. A keep is a kind fortified tower. The bailey is an enclosed courtyard that was protected by a ditch and a palisade – which is a wall made from wooden stakes.
When do you use the motte and bailey?
The motte is a tall hill so that attackers are exhausted on their way up it, and it has great sight lines, including overlooking the bailey. The building that sits on the motte is the sturdiest, heaviest structure of the castle. It is uncomfortable. No one wants to be on the motte. The motte is used only when the castle is under attack.
What’s the best way to make a motte?
Glue or tape a bowl in place for your motte. Take the bowl that you used to trace your motte (the smaller one) and secure it inside the circle you traced to create your motte. If you don’t have a bowl handy to use for your motte, you can use any round or cone-shaped object that’s the right size.
Is the motte and bailey tactic dishonest?
The motte and bailey tactic is dishonest. It advertises one thing that is easy to convince people to support (motte), but really contains much more that is harder to convince people to support (bailey).
What was a motte and bailey castle made of?
A motte-and-bailey castle was a common fortification structure during the High Middle Ages in western Europe. It consisted of a highly defensible keep situated on a small hill or mound (the motte) with a surrounding courtyard (bailey) that was more sparsely protected by fence and a ditch.