Norman Stone Castle’s Defences

1. Norman Stone Castle’sDefences By Sophie McNicholl

2. Castle Defences • A castle was built to prevent attack from the enemy. Castle builders added many clever defence tricks to make their castles difficult to attack.

3. Defence • Many castles were built on high ground with clear views of the surrounding land so attackers could be seen from a distance

4. High walls • The walls of the castles were very high making it hard for attackers to climb over.

5. Moats • Moats were built so that attackers were easy to shoot whilst swimming or rowing across the moats filled with water. • Moats made it difficult for the enemy to build tunnels under the castle.

6. Ramparts • Ramparts were steep banks of earth or rubble making it difficult for attackers to climb over them to get closer to the castle.

7. Curtain Walls Tall thick stone curtain walls surrounded the castle buildings like a strong shield. There were few doors in the wall so it was harder for attackers to get in!

8. Castle Doors The main gate or door to the castle was usually a thick, iron-studded wooden door, that was hard to break through. A spiked wooden or metal barrier, called portcullis, helped protect the doors from fire and battering.

9. Drawbridges • Drawbridges could be pulled up, preventing access across moats.

10. Murder Holes • Murder holes were openings in the ceiling just in front of a gate. They were used by defenders in the chamber above to drop hot liquids down on the attackers

11. Round Towers It was harder for attackers to make round towers collapse. Unlike square towers they had no corners, which collapsed if holes were dug underneath the foundations.

12. Arrow and Gun Loops • These provided a safer means of firing arrows from inside the castle.

13. The End