The purpose of Norman castles in England (OCR GCSE History A (Explaining the Modern World)): Revision Notes
The purpose of Norman castles in England
Norman castles - a powerful symbol of Norman strength and authority - were to protect William's leadership from potentially rebellious Anglo-Saxons.
Military, political and economic functions
- Castles were built for strategic and military reasons. They allowed the Normans to hold the land around them securely and to guard against invasion.
- Castles were also built for political reasons. They allowed the Normans to exert political control over a region, often being built on the site of previous fortifications. This sent a powerful political message that the Normans were in control and acted as a deterrent for rebellions.
- Castles had administrative and economic functions too. Often built near rivers, roads and harbours, the castle served to control the movement of people and trade through tolls and taxation. Castles also had craftsmen and merchants to serve those who lived in and around the fortifications.
- Castles had administrative and economic functions too. Often built near rivers, roads and harbours, the castle served to control the movement of people and trade through tolls and taxation. Castles also had craftsmen and merchants to serve those who lived in and around the fortifications.
Arundel Castle was built near River Arun in Sussex
Glossary of terms
Burh
Anglo-Saxon fortification or fortified settlement
Burghal Hidage
An Anglo-Saxon document providing a list of burhs and taxes provided for their maintenance
Motte and bailey castle
A form of castle situated on a raised earthwork and surrounded by a ditch and protective fence
Donjon
The great tower or innermost keep of a castle
Glossary of terms
Palisade
A fence of wooden stakes fixed in the ground, forming an enclosure or defence
Stone Castle
An evolution of the early motte and bailey castle design
Curtain wall
A fortified wall around a castle
Concentric castle
A castle with two or more concentric curtain walls, where the outer wall is lower than the inner and can be defended from it
Exam Practise
Task 1: Source Analysis
Examine the source carefully and answer the questions which follow:
- What can be inferred about castle building based on the source?
- To what extent do you agree with the source?
"They [Normans] are a race inured to war, and can hardly live without it; fierce in rushing against the enemy, and, where force fails of success, ready to use stratagem or to corrupt by bribery."
- William of Malmesbury, 12th century English historian