What did kings live in before castles?

Before stone castles were constructed, many Norman barons and Saxons theges lived in wooden halls. These halls varied in size and were designed like a church is today with internal columns that supported the large timber rooves. These columns divided the length of the hall into sections known as bays.



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Though the main royal residence of the medieval Kings of England was always their palace at Westminster, the Tower of London was from the time of its construction by William I an alternative royal residence and particularly a refuge for them in times of crisis.

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In the chamber – the more private rooms of the castle – there were beds with curtains, giving an extra layer of warmth, and these rooms largely had fireplaces. When there were no fireplaces rooms were heated with moveable fire stands.

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As a result, true castles went into decline and were replaced by artillery forts with no role in civil administration, and country houses that were indefensible.

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Initially, castles were built out of wood, but eventually, people made castles from stone because they were stronger and lasted longer. Castles usually consisted of a group of buildings that were surrounded by a huge wall and a moat designed to keep attackers out.

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Before castles were built, different communities of people built their own shelters and fortifications in Scotland. For examples, Vikings built longhouses and Romans built hillforts.

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Castles weren't always cold and dark places to live. But, in reality, the great hall of castle had a large open hearth to provide heat and light (at least until the late 12th century) and later it had wall fireplace. The hall would also have had tapestries which would have insulated the room against too much cold.

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Bed Chambers The room in the castle called the Lords and Ladies Chamber, or the Great Chamber, was intended for use as a bedroom and used by the lord and lady of the castle - it also afforded some privacy for the noble family of the castle.

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