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Castle History & Fact

A castle (from the Latin castellum, diminutive of castra, a military camp, in turn the plural of castrum or watchpost), is a fort, a camp and the logical development of a fortified enclosure. The term is most often applied to a small self-contained fortress, usually of the Middle Ages, though traditionally in Britain it has also referred to prehistoric earthworks (e.g. Hollingbury Castle, Maiden Castle). "Castle" sometimes denotes citadels (such as the castles of Badajoz and Burgos) or small detached forts d'arrêt in modern times. In Spain, a fortified dwelling on a height for the administering authority retains its Moorish name of alcázar (see illustration, right).

A French castle is a château-fort, for in French a simple château connotes a grand country house at the center of an estate. When European castles were opened up and expanded into pleasure dwellings and power houses from the late 15th century, their "castle" designations, relics of the feudal age, often remained attached to the dwelling, resulting in many un-castlelike castles and châteaux.

Why Castles

Castles were built not only as a defensive measure, and offensive weapon, but also as a home. Castles were made by their owners for specific purposes, or evolved into new purposes over time:

• First and foremost castles were places of protection from an invading enemy, a place of retreat. This can be seen by many of the typical features of European castles - e.g. portcullises, battlements and drawbridges.
• Secondly castles were offensive weapons, built in otherwise hostile territories from which to control surrounding lands.
• Lastly castles evolved into residences for the monarch or lord who built them. This can best be seen in castles such as Bodiam Castle in Kent, whose defensive look was probably built merely to impress, and inside the castle is geared towards family living.

During the Middle Ages, in particular the High Middle Ages, lords and kings often built castles for offensive reasons: territorial expansion and control of a region. A castle was a stronghold from which a lord or baron could control surrounding territory. The story of Hugh of Abbeville in the last decades of the 10th century illustrates this:

• Because [Hugh of Abbeville's peers] were not all lords of castles, [he] became more powerful than the rest of his peers. For he could do what he liked without fear, relying on the protection of the castle, while others, if they tried anything, were easily overcome as they had no refuge.(Hariulf, Gesta ecclesiae Centulensis)

In the wake of the Norman Conquest, for example, Norman lords constructed castles across England to impress, control and conquer. During the Investiture Controversy in Germany during the 11th century, and the resulting decline of the German kingdom, castle building exploded as local warlords staked claims to minor kingdoms from behind newly-built castles.

In the Scottish highlands of the 17th century, as elsewhere, the need for defensive strength of castles lessened, but the image of power and control remained important at a time when the Laird of the castle had considerable judicial powers over his Scottish clan and the main hall of the castle served as a local court.

Web Links about Castle

Castles.org
Reference for castles, palaces and monasteries including: castle tours, medieval architecture, hotels, travel, plans, weddings, castles for sale, souvenirs, books, directory, site of the week, and history of castles.

Castles of the World
All inclusive European castle tours. Visits famous castles, palaces, chateaux, cathedrals, monasteries and medieval towns in Europe...

Medieval Castles
Features everything about medieval castles and a general insight into the Dark Ages and Medieval Times.

Castles of Britain
Dedicated to the study and promotion of British Castles.

Castles on the Web
Offers castle links, castle photos, castle site of the day, castles for kids, free castle web pages and more!

Paul's Castle
Featured on Rochester castle, Rochester cathedral, Dover castle, Tower of London etc.

Bli Bli Castle
a Medieval Style Castle located in the middle of the Sunshine Coast in Australia at Bli Bli half way between Noosa and Brisbane in Australia.

Torrione Castle
A key historical medieval example of a private fortress surviving from the Middle Ages, a contribution to preserve the historical and social role of the Military Past living the Present.

Castle Rental Ireland
The Castle and Historic Manor House Rental Network of Ireland.

Castles of Germany
They were chilly, rainy, overcast and foggy days around the week of December 7th, 1988, as I started a vacation tour with a visit to a software developer friend in Dusseldorf.

Roads to Ruins
A presentation of Ed Kane/Freelance Graphics of Lakewood, Washington and is offered for the educational and historical enlightenment of its viewers.

Castles of Wales
Although often overlooked in favor of the better-known Norman and Edwardian castles, Caergwrle Castle located in northeast Wales, played an important role in the history of conflicts between Welsh prince Llywelyn ap Gruffydd and King Edward I.

Comprehensive Guide to Castles
You'll go searching for miles to find anywhere to stay as beautiful...

Scotland's Sources: Castles
There are over 1200 castles, towers and fortified houses in Scotland. Some are mere ruins, but many are still used as dwellings.

CastleXplorer
Explore the castles of England, Scotland and Wales.

Stirling Castle
Undiscovered Scotland: The Ultimate Castle Online Guide.

Hearst Castle
Includes tour information, historical sketches, news, special events, visitor information and QuickTime VR panoramic tours.

Belarusian Castles and Knighthood
Belarusian lands lie on the crossroads of Europe. The strive of Vikings and later Scandinavians South, the attacks of Tartars from South, The Teutonic and later German invasions from West...

Scottish Castles
Information and pictures of Scotland Castles...

The Welsh Castles
Great Castles & Historic Attractions in North and Mid Wales.

Conwy castle
A gritty, dark stoned fortress which has the rare ability to evoke an authentic medieval atmosphere.

Castles of the United States
Collect and display information about castles that are located in the United States...

Scotland Castles
Scotland and castles go together, there are hundreds of Scottish ones. This page sets out just to give you a selection of the best dozen or so.

Castles in Trentino Alto Adige
Over the centuries, the aristocrats of Trentino Alto Adige seem to have had a veritable obsession with castles. Rare is the valley unguarded by at least one of these vast, imposing structures.

Skipton Castle
One of the best preserved castles in England. It has a shop, tea room and is great for group bookings and school visits.

Kenilworth Castle
Kenilworth Castle and the history of Kenilworth, Warwickshire.

The land of Castles
Notes on some of our favourite castles and historic buildings.

Kenilworth Castle
The castle is thought to have existed in the reign of King Arthur (if we believe in the semilegendary figure), and in Saxon times, a castle stood upon a hill called Hom. The structure was probably demolished during the wars between King Edmund and Canute II King of the Danes, and rebuilt about a century later.

Britain Castle Learning Center
By providing these castle research pages, we hope to encourage students, writers, and enthusiasts of all ages to explore castles and to stimulate their creativity. Here you will find many areas of interest to help and guide you.