Motte-and-bailey facts for kids

Windsor Castle, built with a motte (centre) and two baileys (left and right).

A motte-and-bailey castle is a special type of castle or fortification. These castles were very popular in Europe during the 11th and 12th century. They were built on a raised earth mound called a "motte." On top of this motte, a strong tower, called a keep, was built.

The motte was often an artificial hill, meaning it was made by people. Next to the motte was a larger enclosed area called a "bailey." This area was usually surrounded by a ditch and a fence or wall.

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  Sometimes the hill was already there, like in Castelnou

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  Motte in Saint-Sylvain-d'Anjou

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  Sometimes castles were built on the site of the motte, like in Gisors

What is a Motte-and-Bailey Castle?

A motte-and-bailey castle has two main parts. The "motte" is a large, steep mound of earth. This mound could be natural or built by hand. It was hard for enemies to climb.

The "bailey" is a larger, flat area next to the motte. It was usually shaped like a courtyard. The bailey was where soldiers, horses, and supplies were kept. It was also protected by a ditch and a fence.

How Were They Built?

Early motte-and-bailey castles were mostly made of wood. Wood was easy to find and cheap. This made them quick to build. However, wooden castles could burn down easily. Wood also rots when it gets wet. This meant they needed lots of repairs.

Over time, builders started using stone for castles. Stone castles were much stronger. They could last longer and were harder to attack. The keep on the motte might be made of stone. The bailey walls could also be stone.

Why Were They Important?

Motte-and-bailey castles were important because they were quick to build. This was useful during times of war. They could be set up quickly to control new lands. They helped protect people and resources.

These castles became very common in England. This happened after the Norman Conquest in 1066. By 1087, when William the Conqueror died, many had been built. Their construction marked the start of a huge castle-building effort. This effort spread across England and Wales.

Motte-and-bailey castles have been around for over 800 years. They are a big part of history. Many of their mounds can still be seen today.

Images for kids

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  Plan of Topcliffe Castle in North Yorkshire, a typical motte-and-bailey design.

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  Castle Pulverbatch in Shropshire, England. It was built in the 11th or 12th century. This model shows the motte (left) and bailey (right).

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  The motte and bailey defenses of Launceston Castle in England.

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  Building the motte of Hastings Castle in East Sussex. This image is from the Bayeux Tapestry.

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  A cross-section of the motte at Clifford's Tower in York. "A" shows modern concrete supports.

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  A Bayeux Tapestry scene. It shows an attack on the Château de Dinan in Brittany. You can see a wooden fence on top of the motte.

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  A rebuilt tower at Lütjenburg, Germany.

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  A vliedburg motte in the Netherlands.

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  The Bass of Inverurie in Aberdeenshire, Scotland. This was a large motte-and-bailey castle from the mid-12th century.

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  The motte (left) and bailey (right) of Clough Castle in County Down, Northern Ireland.

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  A drawing of England's Carisbrooke Castle on the Isle of Wight in the 14th century. It shows the keep on the motte (top left) and the walled bailey below.

See also

In Spanish: Mota castral para niños