Castle ArchitectureCastle Architecture
The architecture of the British Castle takes us through a fascinating journey across thousands of years of British history. The different styles of castle architecture act as distinctive landmarks which clearly indicate the era that the castle was built. Learning about the different types of castle architecture will enable an immediate recognition of when a castle was built and who built the castle. Any journey across Great Britain will afford opportunities to look at the various forms of castle architecture - a whole range of castle architecture is on display! And this architecture dates back over thousands of years providing a fascinating insight into cultural, economic and social change through the ages! The history of the Castle and its architecture takes us back over thousands of years - we start with the Causewayed Camps of the Neolithic era! Neolithic Architecture incorporating Stonehenge and the Stone Age Causewayed Camps The Iron and Bronze Age castle architecture of the Hillforts such as Maiden Castle Roman architecture - the Roman Forts! Architecture of the Dark Ages - the National Defence system of the Dark Ages which was established by Alfred the Great by the formation of fortified towns called 'Burhs' (later changed to Burghs then Boroughs) The Normans and the Motte and Bailey Castle Romanesque Castle Architecture - The massive stone Keeps built by the Normans Gothic Castle architecture of the Middle Ages or Medieval period of history - Concentric Castle architecture and design Castle architecture through the ages!
Castle Architecture - Time
Time is an important factor in castle architecture: Social and cultural change leading to changes to Castle Architecture? Changing needs of the population What materials were readily available to build the castles? Were the materials easily accessible? How would the materials be transported? What technology, in terms of the building tools, were available? New building techniques, construction methods and new Castle Architecture ideas The Skills available? The Workforce? How would labour be deployed to build the castles?
The answers to these basic questions relating to castle architecture provide a historical doorway into the cultures of past cultures and eras. Castle Architecture - Location
The location is an extremely crucial aspect of castle architecture. Deciding where a castle should be situated was a major consideration: Defensive and offensive advantages? On top of a hill? Located close to a river or the sea? Symbolic reasons for castle location?
Castle Architecture - Design
The design of castle architecture had to be a combination of practical use and the aesthetic design! The architecture of a castle had to take the following into consideration: What did the castle design and architecture want to convey? Fear, Awe, Domination, Envy, Submission, Respect, Power, Wealth Comfort of the castle Interior? Ornamentation? Symbolic designs in the style of architecture? Economy - How much would the castle cost?
Castle Architecture - Summary
The different periods of Castle architecture reflect the great monuments and feats of engineering that have endured centuries of time. Understanding the different periods of castle architecture provides a fascinating insight into the historical, cultural, economic and social changes through the ages!
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