How to build the ultimate medieval castle

During the Middle Ages in Europe, castles played a pivotal role not only in warfare but also in shaping the very fabric of society. These fortresses, although not a novel concept, evolved uniquely during medieval times, serving as both a sanctuary and a symbol of military might, as well as a regal residence and an embodiment of authority and governance. Today, the remnants of these castles stand as evocative vestiges, scattered from the Atlantic shores to the Syrian hills, offering poignant reminders of a bygone feudal era.

It is crucial to recognize that there was no standardized blueprint for constructing a castle; each was a distinctive creation. Nevertheless, by scrutinizing prevailing trends spanning four centuries, Epic History TV takes pride in presenting a comprehensive guide on the art of crafting the quintessential castle.

When embarking on the construction of a new castle, the initial and paramount consideration is its location. A castle must command its surroundings, affording clear views in all directions, thus making elevated sites like hills an ideal choice. Steep slopes and the bends of rivers can be leveraged to limit access routes, enhancing the defensibility of the site. Furthermore, the presence of a nearby source of stone, wood, and soil is imperative, as the cost of transporting these materials over medieval roads often exceeded the cost of the materials themselves. To sustain the occupants of the castle, a secure local supply of fresh water and provisions is also indispensable.

One of the more accessible castle designs is the motte-and-bailey, a design favored by the Normans during their conquest of England and Wales. The motte, whether natural or artificially created, stands as a central feature, with alternating layers of stone and clay or even stone or timber foundations, ensuring its stability. Typically, a motte reaches a height of 8 meters and spans up to 50 meters in width. Its summit is fortified with a wooden palisade and a tower, serving as both the residence of the lord and a final refuge in times of crisis. Encircling the bailey, a trench and palisade safeguard vital structures such as a hall, stables, kitchen, storage facilities, and a forge. Over time, timber palisades may be replaced with stone curtain walls to create the main defensive enclosure, known as the "enceinte." Crenellations crown the curtain wall to protect the garrison as they employ bows and crossbows to fend off attackers.

For covert communication and surprise attacks during a siege, a concealed postern gate or sally port plays a critical role. In certain regions of France, such as Anjou and Poitou, the builders deviated from the motte-and-bailey approach and opted for the construction of robust stone towers, known as donjons in French or keeps in English, which offer superior security and accommodation compared to their wooden counterparts.

However, placing a stone keep atop a motte is structurally unfeasible due to the weight it would impose, necessitating a separate foundation. Early stone keeps are generally rectangular, towering between two and four stories in height, with walls measuring up to 6 meters in thickness. Construction of such keeps could span a decade and demand considerable financial resources, typically undertaken by monarchs and influential nobles. Larger keeps often feature corner towers and house various facilities, including a hall for dining and entertainment, private quarters, a chapel, and storage rooms. The construction of a forebuilding creates a well-protected and grand entrance at the first-floor level, accessible via a wooden staircase that could be removed in times of danger. Cellars, if present, serve as an ideal space for provisions, not as dungeons for imprisoning captives, as commonly depicted in popular culture.

While early keeps adopt square or rectangular forms, later iterations encompass a wide range of shapes and dimensions, with circular keeps gaining popularity. Circular keeps, epitomized by structures like Castel del Monte in Southern Italy, showcase an ornate polygonal structure, emphasizing that the perfect castle must unite elegance with fortitude.

To fortify the curtain wall, flanking towers are strategically positioned at regular intervals, projecting outward from the wall. Square towers offer ample interior space for accommodation and storage but are susceptible to attack at their corners, making round towers a safer alternative. The choice between square, round, or D-shaped towers often hinges on personal preference, fashion, and budget constraints. In some locales, older Roman fortifications were repurposed to save time and resources, as seen at Pevensey and Portchester in England, where Norman stone keeps were constructed within the walls of Roman shore forts.

Loopholes, or arrow slits, play a pivotal role in tower and wall sections, evolving from simple vertical slits to more elaborate cross-shaped designs by the 14th century. During a siege, wooden hoardings, also known as "brattice work," can be extended beyond the walls to allow the garrison to rain boiling water and rocks upon the advancing enemy.

The principal target for any attack is the castle's main gate, necessitating robust defenses in the form of a gatehouse. An ideal gatehouse features towers on either side of the gateway, an outer and inner gate, and one or more portcullises—lattice gates that can be lowered vertically to ensnare attackers in a kill zone. Murder-holes in the ceiling and walls of the gatehouse enable the garrison to eliminate intruders. A drawbridge over the outer moat or ditch further safeguards the main gate, as it can be raised via chains when enemies draw near.

As the Middle Ages progressed, gatehouses became increasingly formidable, boasting multiple drawbridges, gates, portcullises, and towers, with the approach path overshadowed by looming structures replete with loopholes and murder-holes. Some of the most imposing gatehouses can be found in the castles erected by Edward the First in his campaign to subdue Wales in the late 13th century. These potent wall defenses rendered massive keeps increasingly superfluous, leading to the construction of many castles without a keep at all.

In its current form, the castle has transformed into a formidable fortress capable of withstanding a siege lasting several months with proper provisioning. Nevertheless, to attain the status of an epic castle, the addition of a second curtain wall, enclosing an outer bailey replete with its own towers and gatehouse, is imperative. The gatehouses should be strategically positioned at angles to the approach route, forcing attackers to navigate a complex path rather than making a direct assault on the gate. Towers and walls should now incorporate stone machicolations, providing a more permanent alternative to the temporary wooden hoardings.