What is a Motte and Bailey Castle?

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z 0-9

motte and bailey castles

motte and bailey castle

castles

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medieval castles

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mote and bailey

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who were the normans

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Motte and Bailey Castle

Motte and bailey castles were first built in Britain after the Norman Conquest of 1066. The term comes from the French word motte, meaning mound, and bailey, meaning enclosure. These types of castles featured a keep - a fortified tower - which was built on top of a steep mound of earth that could be up to 24 metres high. The motte was surrounded by a ditch for added protection, making it very hard for potential attackers to cross and run up the sides in one go.

At the bottom of the motte was the bailey, a walled area of land, which included buildings such as kitchens, stables and soldiers’ quarters. Surrounding the bailey would be a moat, a deep ditch filled with water providing added security against invaders.

For further information about motte and bailey castles, read our Twinkl Teaching Wiki here

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Fascinating Facts about Motte and Bailey Castles

Often, the keeps of motte and bailey castles were built of wood and were covered with animal skin for protection from attack by fire.
One of the most famous examples of a motte and bailey castle is Windsor Castle, home to the Queen.
Almost 1000 motte and bailey castles were built in Britain by the Normans.
Motte and bailey castles could be built very quickly - often in mere days - especially where a natural ‘motte’ could be used.
As well as fire, wooden keeps were vulnerable to rotting away. Stone could be used to build the keep, but it was more difficult for the stone to be carried up the motte and its weight could potentially sink into the ground once at the top.

How can I support my child’s understanding about motte and bailey castles at home?

This Motte and Bailey Paper Craft is a fantastic hands-on way to help young learners visualise what this type of Norman castle looked like.
Click on the hotspots on this poster to learn more about all the different areas of a motte and bailey castle.
This informative PowerPoint explains how and why motte and bailey castles were built.
Allow your child to show their knowledge and understanding of this type of castle with our Motte and Bailey Castles Crossword.
Of course, the best way to learn about motte and bailey castles is to visit one near you if possible.