What type of castle did the Normans use?

After their victory at the Battle of Hastings, the Normans settled in England. They constructed castles all over the country in order to control their newly-won territory, and to pacify the Anglo-Saxon population. These early castles were mainly of motte and bailey type.



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At the beginning of the Conquest the most common form of castle is the timber or stone motte and bailey castle, such as the one shown in the Bayeux Tapestry of Hastings, which was constructed as early as the first day of the conquest.

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The motte and bailey castles helped the Normans rule over England. The castles offered safety and shelter and were a place to keep horses and supplies. But it quickly became evident that motte and bailey castles could be burned to the ground with just a few flaming arrows. A stronger castle was needed!

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Hastings. Hastings Castle was built as a pre-fabricated timber stockade almost as soon as William the Conqueror landed with his troops in September 1066.

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The miners would dig their tunnel, using wooden beams to support the roof. There were many different types of siege engine (machines for attacking castle walls). The catapult used a series of tightened ropes to cause a throwing arm to hurl a rock, stone or other projectile at a castle wall.

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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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