Castles: Motte and Bailey

Western Civilization

Medieval Society

The typical castle of Europe prior to the 11th century--that is, the castle that predominated for fully half of the Middle Ages-- is called by the English the motte and bailey. The type occurs all across Europe, however, in non-Christian as well as Christian areas.

A motte and bailey fortress consists of a circular ditch dug perhaps 10 feet deep and 30 feet across, with wooden palisades at the edge of the ditch. This might be dug around a low hill, but could be constructed even on flat land, for the dirt removed from the ditch was placed in a mound in the center. Palisades were built around the mound as well.

At the top of the mound stood a wooden tower. Other areas within the ditch might be also enclosed with their own ditch and wall.

The mound was the motte, the other areas were baileys. The lord lived in the motte, while the baileys held stables and other outbuildings.

Motte and bailey construction was used throughout the Middle Ages. It was simple and cheap to build, so we find them continuing in poorer regions long after stone castles were being built by the wealthy.

A motte and bailey castle was proof against the depredations of wild animals, so the lord's horses and hounds would be safe. It served to protect against any sudden attack by enemies. It could even withstand more serious attacks, for the ditch broke up any sort of charge, the walls gave the advantage to defenders, and one usually only had to hold out long enough for help to arrive.

It may seem that such a structure was vulnerable to fire, and indeed it was, but the enemy had to get close enough to start a blaze and had to protect the fire long enough for it to burn through the heavy logs. No mean feat.

Siege artillery was not effective in the West until the 12th century at the earliest, so defenders did not have to worry from that quarter either. In short, the motte and bailey castle was reasonably effective and was supplanted only when stone castles came along.