The Medieval Castle

280 Pages·1993·34.264 MB·English

by  Philip Warner

Castle
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Warner
Philip
ilOurforebears were not contentwith the sim-
ple mixtures that—do dutyfor napalm orphos-
phorous grenades theirs were more sophisticat-
ed. Sulphur wouldmake incendiary material
stick to surfaces, quicklime wouldmake it ignite
on contact with water, andpitch wouldmake it
burn longer. Quicklime was ofcourse an
, ,
invaluable material. Scattereddown wind it
could blindan adversary poured overascaling
,
ladder it couldpenetrate chinks in armour, and
ifplaceddamp inpots and left in a building
could make an interesting time-bomb booby-
trap. Red-hot sand was sometimes usedas a
substitute and was remarkably effective atpene-
trating the vizors ofknights climbingscaling
ladders."
—
Philip Warner
This handsomely illustrated book explains
why and how castles were built in the
middle ages and why they were such a
dominant influence on medieval life, espe-
cially in times ofwar. Writing with his
characteristic flair and wit, Philip Warner,
continuedonbackflap

THE MEDIEVAL CASTLE
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Frontispiece: The Castle ofSaumur at harvest time. Theelegant
magnificence ofthis castle reflects the pride which the Duke ofBerry
took in his possessions. This one was built in the late fourteenth
century. Note the vineyards approaching close to the walls, and the
kitchen to the left away from the main building. Although more ofa
residence than a fortress, there is no doubt thatthis castle could have
put up a strong resistance. The base ofthe towers is very strong, the
drawbridge protects a very narrow gateway, iron grilles cover the
lower windows, and there is a wealth ofmachicolation. The conical
roofs would serve to deflect missiles
THE MEDIEVAL
CASTLE
Life in a Fortress in Peace and War
Warner
Philip
Barnes
8.N0BLE
BOOKS
NEW YORK
Copyright © 1971 by PhilipWarner
All rightsreserved.
Thisedition publishedby Barnes & Noble, Inc.,
byarrangementwith theauthor.
1993 Barnes & NobleBooks
ISBN 1-56619-458-X
Printedandboundin the UnitedStatesofAmerica
M987654321
Contents
Illustrations vii
Preface ix
Introduction
I
Why
I Castles were Evolved 5
2 The Precursors ofthe Castle 15
3 The Motte and Bailey Castle 29
4 The Weapons ofAttack and Defence 47
A War
5 Castle at 71
6 Training and Recreation the Foods they ate 92
:
7 The Crusaders and their Castles 114
8 Thirteenth-century Castles and the
Factors which influenced their Design 134
9 The People ofEurope 166
10 Living in Castles 187
ii The Castle at Bay 218
12 The Mind ofthe Fighting Man 225
Conclusion: The Castle in Decline 230
Appendices 237
A Cloth 237
B Giraldus Cambrensis 238
C
Castle Officials 240
D Armour 242
E Artillery 248
F Appearance and Clothing 249
G Recreation and the Medieval Mind 253
Glossary
Select Bibliography
257
Index
259