Concentric Castle Advantages

The Triumph of the Value of Human Life Over the Value of Money: The Luxurious Impregnability of Concentric Castles vs. The Affordability of Old Castles

One of the most frightening things is to be woken up by the dreadful noises of frantic screams of desperate people and the horrific smells of burning wood and flesh; to frantically run through the suffocating smoke and, just about when you reach the outside and think you are safe, to watch your castle, your home, your protective fortress disappear in front of your eyes, engulfed in flames. This was a common situation that those living in a wooden medieval castle had to face. This could be a gorey scene from a horror movie; however, for medieval kings and lords, this was their reality that …show more content…
The castle will have two walls of different heights, the shorter one being on the outside. This will allow archers to fire from both walls, increasing defense of the structure. (Types of Castles). The castle will be able to successfully defend against and kill enemies. A moat surrounding the entire castle will also prevent enemies from entering the structure. Most siege engines, like iron bolts, battering rams, and movable towers, “could best be used on solid ground”(Development of Medieval Castles). Consequently, our castle will be built upon a hill, making it nearly impossible for besiegers to reach it. Their weapons will be useless on the steep slope, and archers will shoot down the attackers before they reach the castle. Its thick stone walls will be more likely to withstand the force of catapults should the weapons manage to be used. Should a besieger reach the castle gatehouse, the portcullis, a heavy grilled door, could be “lowered quickly… blocking the entrance to the castle, the spikes impaling the enemy”(Parts of Medieval Castles). Murder holes in the ceiling of the gate house also allowed harmful substances like rocks, hot sand, or tar to be dropped on the besieger (Parts of Medieval Castles). This meant that the besiegers could be killed easily as they were funneled into the narrow entrance to the castle. These defense mechanisms created an impenetrable fortress where the Lord resided. He could remain safe from the attack of a royal army when all defense mechanisms were added up. This allowed the Lord to maintain his power and control over his land, which in turn increased his lands productivity and his