The keep, historically referred to as the donjon, served as the heart of a medieval castle and the ultimate stronghold for its inhabitants. Primarily, it was the residence of the lord of the castle, his immediate family, and his most trusted knights. During the early medieval period, the keep was a multifunctional space where the noble family ate, slept, and conducted business in a central Great Hall. It was designed with thick walls and high elevations to be the safest place during a siege. While later castles moved living quarters to more comfortable "ranges" along the outer walls, the keep remained the symbolic seat of power. It also housed high-ranking servants, legal officials, and occasionally prestigious prisoners, though the lower levels were more likely used for storage of grain, wine, and armaments rather than living space for common soldiers.
The keep of a castle was typically the residence of the lord or noble family who owned the castle. It served as their primary living quarters and was the most secure and fortified part of the structure. The keep often housed private chambers, a great hall for feasting and conducting business, and sometimes a chapel. In times of siege or danger, the keep was the last line of defense, offering protection to the lord, their family, and their closest retainers. Additionally, the keep might also house important guests or high-ranking officials visiting the castle.