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The medical castles are fortresses showcasing power and innovation. They are the remnants of history of a time when kings and epic battles existed. There are several facts about medieval castles that will surprise you. These castles are not just stone fortresses but tell stories of power, grandeur, and protection. They are the window into a time gone by. This blog covers some of the most interesting facts about medieval castles that you didn’t know about. Read this blog to be transported to an age of legends and be amazed by the mysteries these castles hide.
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10 Interesting Facts About Medieval Castles
These are the top ten facts about medieval castles that you probably don’t know about. These facts will amaze you and let you learn more about a time gone by.
Staircases Gave Defenders an Advantage in Battles
One of the interesting facts about medieval castles is that the staircases were designed to give an advantage during battles. Therefore, they were in a spiral or clockwise form. Most of the attackers were right-handed. To ascend the stairs, they will have to swing their swords against the inner walls. On the contrary, those descending the stairs can comfortably move. During an invasion, this was a matter of life and death.
Toilets Were Built Into Wardrobes
Another one of the facts about medieval castles is about the ‘garderobes’. Garderobes referred to medieval toilets. These toilets were built inside the castle’s wardrobes. Waste dropped from there into the moat. The medieval nobles used to cover these toilets using clothes because of the belief that their smell can repel moths. Another cringeworthy fact is that invaders used to crawl up these chutes to infiltrate castles. For example, it happened during the Château Gaillard 1204 siege.
The Biggest Weakness of the Castle Was the Wells
Wells were the biggest weakness of castles. One of the interesting facts about medieval castles is that a castle can survive for months even if it is under a siege. However, if the wells were poisoned, then it could not. The wells were the only source of fresh water. Therefore, those hiding need to access it. Due to this, the attackers would toss rotting corpses or even toxins into the water. This forced surrender. Therefore, wells were built deep into the castles to protect them.
Castles Had “Murder Holes” in Them
One of the most terrifying facts about medical castles is that they had built murder holes. Above the gateways, defenders used to put boiling water, quicklime, or oil to pour it on top of attackers. The heavy iron gates would trap the invaders. This will enable them to turn the entrance gate into a death trap. These murder holes were extremely effective in protecting the people.
The Oldest Castle is Still in Use
Windsor Castle is the oldest castle in the world. It was built by William the Conqueror during the 11th century. At present, this is the oldest functioning castle in the world. This is one of the interesting facts about medieval castles. The castle serves as a royal residence in Britain. About 39 monarchs have used this place. Moreover, several tournaments were hosted. The castle even survived a fire in 1992. It continues to be the residence for the Royal family.
The Castle Walls Were 2 Meters Thick!
It was nearly impossible to break the castle walls. This is another one of the cool facts about medieval castles. The castle was built to be at least 2 meters thick. Therefore, it was able to withstand the powerful siege engines like the Trebuchets and battering rams for months. For example, Harlech Castle survived even during a siege for a year. However, it only failed because the defenders were starved.
The Medieval Passages Had Secret Passages
One of the facts about medieval castles is that they had hidden tunnels, and secondary doors called postern gates in them. This helped prevent the people from attacks. However, these passages can also backfire. For example, during the Corfe Castle siege, traitors were able to use the same secret passages to attack the people inside it. Therefore, secret passages are always a double-edged sword.
It Was Freezing Cold During Winter
The inside of the castle was a terrible place during winter. The castles were dark, damp and freezing. The tiny windows in them allowed little light, and fireplaces were only common later on. Therefore, the floors were covered with food scraps, rats, and animal waste. Moreover, privacy was rare. Even nobles had to sleep in shared rooms. Castles were not like they movies because luxury stays were scarce.
Castle Building Costed a King’s Fortune
Castles have their grandeur. However, did you know that it will take a fortune to build a castle? It was the ultimate status symbol, Therefore, only kings and the wealthiest Lords were able to afford them. Building a stone castle would take around 40% of the King’s income. In the 12th century, when Dover Castle was refurbished, it took around £6,400 (a huge amount in the 12th century. The reason was shifting from wood to stone required costly materials, skilled merchants and years of labor.
Dogs and Cats Were Important for Survival
Another interesting facts about medieval castles is that cats and dogs were an important part of survival. Castles had a lot of rats in them, therefore, cats were used as pets. Dogs were also significant for pet control. For example, some nobles choose to take pets into battle. The reason was that without the pets the rodents would eat the food stored. Therefore, animals played an important role even during wars.
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FAQs
Castles were built to protect against enemies during the Middle Ages. Nevertheless, they also served as homes for nobility or royalty. The location of castles was important. They were built in elevated terrains like cliffs or hills as a defence mechanism. The earliest known castles-motte-and-bailey castles were wooden structures built on mounds, Later on, they evolved into complex castles. Castes were also symbols of power and authority.
Castles were used as homes for the royalty or nobility. They served as a centre for administration and justice. Lords used it to showcase their power and wealth.
A medieval castle was a defensive structure that was also used as a residence for the nobles. They were meant for protection during war. The medieval castle also used to display wealth and status of the Kings and nobles.
As per historians, medieval castles came about between the 11th and 12 centuries. Wars were common between the lords. Therefore, these fortresses were built. In England building of castles happened after the Norman Conquest in 1066.
Related Reads
These were the facts about medieval castles. If you find it fascinating and wish to read more such interesting facts, then stay tuned to the General Knowledge page of Leverage Edu.
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