Life in a Motte and Bailey Castle - the Tower Life in the Norman Motte and Bailey Castle was not just designed as a fortress it was also a residence for the Lord and possibly his family - they all lived in the most secure part of the castle - the Tower. The Towers were positioned on top of extremely steep and high Mottes and was reached via a wooden bridge from the Bailey. The tower generally had two or three storeys: - The Ground Floor housed a kitchen and storeroom
- The First Floor housed the Great Hall (optional - would only be built if the location was of significant political or military importance and semi-permanent occupation of the castle was envisioned)
- The Top floor housed the Lord's apartments
If the Tower had a Great Hall then there would be some forms of entertainment - the richer the Lord the better and more varied the entertainment. Meals would be also be taken in the great Hall and religious observances such as Mass would be taken here. Life in the Tower would also be noisy, dirty, busy and smoky - there was little privacy for any of the inhabitants. Life in a Motte and Bailey Castle - the Lord and his Family Life in the Norman Motte and Bailey Castle was better for the Lord and his family than for anyone else. The Norman Lords and Knights who owned the castles tended to move around continuously. The majority of Motte and Bailey castles were seldom occupied for long periods. Everyday life in the Motte and Bailey castle would follow a similar routine: - Life in the castle started at cock crow
- Mass would be heard at a portable altar in the Great Hall
- Breakfast
- Lord would attend to business matters in relation to his land
- Mid morning meal
- Lord would go hunting or inspect the estate
- Ladies would undertake embroidery etc
- Evening supper in the Hall - with occasional entertainment
Life in a Motte and Bailey Castle - the Feudal System Life in the Norman Motte and Bailey was governed by the pyramid-shaped Feudal System. This was based on the belief that the land belonged to God - but that the Kings, who ruled by Divine Right, managed the land and used it as they wished. The Kings needed the good will and support of the Nobles and Knights so they granted them lands in return for their military services. The Nobles and Knights would in turn grant some of their lands to Freemen. Life lived under the Feudal System demanded that everyone owed allegiance to the King and their immediate superior. Everyone was expected to pay for the land by providing the following services: - Work days - completing any chores required
- Providing trained soldiers to fight for the King
- Providing equipment - clothes and weapons - for the soldiers
Life in a Motte and Bailey Castle Life in the Norman Motte and Bailey varied according to the rank of the inhabitants. Understanding the lives of the people who lived there and the actual layout of the Motte and Bailey Castle helps to stimulate the imagination and what life actually must have been like! |