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What are castles?

Castles are a type of home that was built to protect the people inside. People who lived in the castle included lords, who were in charge, as well as soldiers to defend it from enemy invaders, and even cooks and cleaners to keep everyone fed and tidy up. They could be very crowded places to live.

The first castles in England were built by the Normans. Different types of castles developed over the centuries that got stronger and easier to defend; at the same time, different weapons were designed to try to break into the castles and overtake them more quickly. There are loads of castles all over Britain that you can walk around to see exactly what it would have been like to live there, whether you were trying to defend the castle or trying to attack it.

Top 10 facts

• Everything about a castle was built to keep the people inside safe. It is made up of many different parts, not just one building.
• The main building inside the castle is the keep, which was protected by walls and towers.
• The first castles were built by the Normans and were called motte and bailey castles .
• Some of the first castles were made from wood before they were built from stone. Stone is a longer-lasting material, and more difficult for attackers to break down.
• The Normans built castles to help them defend the land they’d just conquered. They were built on hills so enemies could be seen coming from far away.
• William the Conqueror had some of England’s most famous castles built: these include Windsor Castle and the White Tower at the Tower of London.
• Castles weren’t very warm inside – they could be really damp and drafty.
• Castles were only as good as their defences – these included ramparts, bastions and arrow loops.
• It wasn’t easy to attack a castle, but people tried anyway, using trebuchets, siege towers and battering rams.
• Edward I had concentric castles built in England – he added more than one curtain wall around the castle so the enemy would have a harder time breaking through. These castle designs were expensive to build though.

• 1067 Chepstow Castle started to be built

• 1100 Castles started to be built using stone

• 1642-51 The English Civil War took place, and many castles were used by the royalists (supporters of King Charles) to defend themselves against the roundheads (supporters of Parliament). Castles captured by the roundheads were partly destroyed (called ‘slighting’) so they couldn’t be used again, and some castles were never repaired
• 1930 The construction of Castle Drogo, the last castle to be built in England, ended

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Did you know?

The first castles in England were built by William the Conqueror and the Normans when they invaded in England in 1066. They needed a quick, easy and sure way to defend all the land they’d just won, and castles helped them to this.

The castles the Normans built were called motte and bailey . Windsor Castle was originally built like this.

Mottes were large hills that were made by piling dirt into a high mound. A home was built on top for the lord (who was in charge of the castle) to live in with his family. This was called the keep, and a fence was built around it for extra protection. Because the keep was built so high, he could see far into the distance and was able to tell if enemies were coming.

At the base of the motte was the bailey, which was like a little village – people who worked for the lord lived there, including tradespeople like blacksmiths. A high fence was also built around the bailey.

The motte and bailey were protected by deep ditch full of water all the way around it called a moat.  You could only get into the bailey by crossing over the moat, so they built a bridge that could be lowered and raised depending on whether friends or enemies were trying to get in. This was called a drawbridge.

Motte and bailey castles were first built with wood, and then replaced with stone keeps and walls because stone is a stronger material. It doesn’t burn like wood does, and it is more difficult to knock down a stone wall than a wooden wall.

Many people lived at the castle, not just kings and nobles. Castles also had constables who looked after all the things that needed to be done to keep the castle running smoothly, like cooking all the meals, caring for the horses and cleaning up after everyone. The constable was like a manager, and he became in charge of the castle when the lord was away.

One of the worst jobs at the castle was to be a gong farmer. Toilets, called garderobes, were built along the inside of the castle walls – everything just dropped down into the castle moat or into ditches called cesspits. Gong farmers had to clean out the cesspits.

Dungeons were in the basements of castles, where prisoners were kept.

When you look at a castle, you’ll see tiny windows that look like slits. These "arrow loops" were made so archers could fire arrows through them to defend the castle. They are narrow so that it was hard for the attacking archers to fire arrows back through them.

Life at the castle wasn’t all about fighting battles. The lords and ladies held banquets in the Great Hall of the castle, and invited jesters and singers to perform for everyone.

Castles weren’t very comfortable places to live. They could be very damp and cold, especially in the winter.

Castle gallery:

• A concentric castle (Beaumaris Castle in Wales)
• A picture of a siege tower rolled up next to the castle walls
• A stone keep (White Tower at the Tower of London)
• Arrow loop (from the inside)
• A trebuchet
• Eilean Donan Castle in the Scottish Highlands
• Beaumaris Castle
• Motte and bailey castle (Cardiff Castle in Wales)
• Can you spot the catapult on the castle walls?
• Alnwick Castle
• Windsor Castle
• Chepstow Castle
• Dunluce Castle in Northern Ireland

Castles took a lot of planning to build. Special stones would be cut from quarries and shaped for certain parts of the castle. The stones were put together using mortar as a kind of glue. Mortar was made from water, sand and lime, and was smeared in layers and cracks between stones – when the mortar dried, the stones would be kept firmly in place.

Castle walls weren’t just a single layer of stone blocks – they had two outer layers of stone blocks with an inner filling of smaller stones and mortar. The outer layers could be plastered over to give a nicer looking finish.

At first, all towers were first square, with corners. Later people realised that round towers were actually harder for weapons like trebuchets to destroy – the impact didn’t have as much of an effect on a circle as it did on a square.

Even though castles were homes, their main purpose was to defend. After William the Conqueror and the Normans invaded England, they immediately set to work building motte and bailey castles – these gave everyone who lived inside a good way to defend themselves against enemy attackers, and they were built close enough together so people in one castle could warn people in another one quickly if they saw the enemy coming. Mottes (hills) gave the castle lord a way to see far off into the distance from the security of his keep, so he could see exactly what the enemy was up to without having to leave the safety of the castle.

Over the next few centuries after the Normans castle designs developed and became so better and better at defending their inhabitants. New features were added such as round towers, layers of walls, and lots of places for soldiers to hide and surprise the enemy when they attacked.

Castles began to be less secure with the development of cannons powerful enough to damage castle walls in the 15th century. When an enemy could destroy the castle walls by continually firing cannons at them, they could no longer protect their inhabitants. Most castle building had stopped by the 16th century. Many castles fell into disuse and became ruins.

When an enemy army set up to attack a castle, this was called a siege – they’d use different offensive tactics to try to break down the castles defences, and because the people in the castle couldn’t really go anywhere the enemy army could take as long as they wanted. Sometimes, they’d make life hard for the people inside the castle just by being there and not letting them go outside to get food and supplies; if the castle residents weren’t prepared, they could even starve.

These are some of the features that helped defend castles against enemy attacks:

• Very high walls with walkways along the top for soldiers to sit along, using battlements to fire weapons from and hide behind to protect themselves
• Towers along the walls (first all built square, then round) that soldiers could use to store spare weapons in and protect themselves if the enemy started coming in along the wall in siege towers. The towers stuck out from the castle walls so that archers could see anyone who got too close to the walls and shoot them.
• Holes in ceilings or in between layers of walls that soldiers could pour hot oil or tar through if the enemy tried to come in
• Archer loops , which were narrow slits in the tower and along the wall that were just big enough for archers to shoot arrows from
• A deep moat of water around the castle, which meant the enemy had to swim in order to reach the castle walls; it also meant they couldn’t just tunnel under the wall
• A strong gatehouse at the castle entrance, with more towers for soldiers to use and a drawbridge that could be lifted so the enemy couldn’t come in.
• A portcullis that could be lowered in front of the castle doors to make it harder for the enemy to ram through.

To try to take over a castle, the enemy would use some of these tactics and weapons:

• Trebuchet and catapults that could be used to fire rocks, hot tar and fireballs at or over the castle walls
• A battering ram on wheels that could be shoved back and forth against the castle door to try to break it down
• Climbing over the castle walls by propping long ladders up against the sides
• Tunnelling under the castle wall, catching the soldiers by surprise
• Rolling a siege tower up to the castle wall, offering an easy way to jump out onto the wall without having to climb up the side or tunnel underneath

Words to know:

Barbican – a structure attached to the front of the castle walls that provided extra defence; it was sometimes part of the gatehouse Bailey – a large courtyard inside the castle walls (also called a ward) Bastion – a small tower at the end of a curtain wall; in a concentric castle, it’s built along the middle of the outside wall Battering ram – a large, strong beam on wheels that was hit repeatedly against castle doors in order to break them down Battlement – a narrow wall built along the outside edge of the wall walk, with merlons and embrasures on top that soldiers could use to defend the castle Cannon – a weapon that used gunpowder to fire a ball of rock or metal at castle walls to destroy them. Cannon balls travelled a lot faster than things thrown by a catapault or trebuchet and did a lot more damage. Catapult – a machine that could throw things at castle walls to destroy them Concentric castle – a castle that was built with two or more curtain walls around it, giving many levels of defence to the castle Curtain wall – a chain of walls, connected by towers, that were built around the keep and the castle courtyard Drawbridge –  the bridge over the castle moat that could be raised or lowered, helping to keep enemies out Dungeon – where prisoners were kept, usually located in the cellar of one of the towers Embrasure – the name for the empty space in between merlons along a castle wall, in between battlements; someone could fire a weapon from an embrasure, then hide behind the merlon Garderobe – the name for a toilet in the castle Gatehouse – structures built to defend entrances to the castle, such as towers and bridges Great Hall – a large room in the keep or another part of the castle where the lord had meetings and held banquets and celebrations Keep – the main tower and stronghold inside the castle walls, where the lord lived Loophole – a narrow slit in the castle walls that were used as windows, ventilation, or to shoot arrows through when defending the castle Merlon – higher parts of the castle wall, in between battlements, that could be used to hide behind for protection when defending the castle; the spaces between merlons are called embrasures Moat – a deep ditch filled with water that went all the way around the castle walls Mortar – a mixture usually made from water, sand and lime that was used to build castle walls; it hardened in between the rocks to form a smooth barrier without any holes. Motte – a large hill that the keep would be built on Murder holes – holes in the ceilings of the castle entrance that rocks or hot oil could be poured through if invaders had entered Portcullis – a gate that could slide up and down in front of the castle doors Ramparts – steep defensive barriers or walls around castles Siege tower – wooden towers on wheels that were built at the castle by the attackers so they’d be the same height as the castle walls; they gave the attackers an easy way to cross over the walls, and sometimes had battering rams in them  so the doors could be knocked down at the same time. Tower – towers were built into castle walls, or around the outside of the keep; they were first built square, but then people found that round towers were actually harder to destroy because they didn’t have corners Trebuchet – a big slingshot that could throw rocks, or even fireballs over the castle walls; it could shoot things farther than a catapult could Turret – a small tower on top of one of the main towers of the castle, which provided a good lookout point for people to see any approaching enemies Wall walk – a passageway along the top of the castle walls

Related Videos

Just for fun...

• Download literacy and STEM castle education resources for KS2
• Explore some virtual reality castles
• Find out about about medieval castles, including castle design, how to defend and attack a castle and what your perfect castle job would be, in an English Heritage kids' magazine about castles
• Print off and colour in these castle pictures
• Build your own medieval castle out of cardboard
• Create your own coat of arms
• Try your hand at archery, dodge burning oil and become a knight in Windsor Castle
• Dress an online knight in his armour , ready for a joust!
• Colour in pictures, play spot the difference and more in Skipton Castle
• Make a cardboard sword , a cardboard shield , a cardboard helmet and  design your own heraldric coat of arms with English Heritage's guides
• Make your own medieval castle model (and the right accessories to go with it, a medieval hat and  coat of arms ) with step-by-step instructions and a video tutorial from Hobbycraft
• Construct a Minecraft castle with video tutorials and guides from English Heritage
• Complete some BBC History activities about castles
• Take a castles quiz to show off how much you know
• Cook a delicious pie with a crust shaped like castle battlements !

Best books about castles for children

Find out more

• Find out more about life inside a castle in a BBC Bitesize guide
• Learn to identify a Norman motte and bailey castle
• A children's guide to motte and bailey castles
• See BBC video clips of Barnaby Bear visiting a castle and going to Edinburgh Castle
• Life in a medieval castle
• See a diagram of the three main castle types : motte and bailey, stone keep, concentric
• A list of important castle terminology
• Norman stone castles
• How castle designs changed through history
• Lots of information about castle toilets
• Could you  build a medieval castle from scratch ? Guédelon is the world’s biggest experimental archaeological site, where 21st century people use tools and techniques of the 13th century to understand more about medieval construction
• Understand how castles were besieged  and  how trebuchets were built
• Find out more about the worst jobs children had to do in castles
• Learn about Norman castles in a BBC Castles Workbook
• Information about how lords and ladies, archers and engineers, cooks and carpenters lived their lives behind the walls of a castle
• Look at an illustrated castle diagram and hear a drawbridge raising

See for yourself

There are lots of amazing castles to visit in the United Kingdom. Consult  Historic UK’s interactive map of castles in England , castles in Scotland  and  castles in Wales to find out where your nearest castle might be!

• The Tower of London
• Windsor Castle in England
• Warwick Castle in England – you can also take  a 360 degree tour of the castle online!
• Dover Castle in England
• Caerphilly Castle in Wales
• Chepstow Castle in Wales
• Edinburgh Castle in Scotland
• Eilean Donan Castle in Scotland

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Castles In Britain

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Design And Build A Castle

• Castle Design Criteria Sheet
• Cardboard box
• Craft sticks
• Toilet rolls / recycling
• Tape / glue
• Coloured pens

Castle Characters

• Who Lived In Castles Video
• Who Lived In Castles Activity Sheet

Heraldry Design

• Heraldry and Coat of Arms Video
• Heraldry Design Activity Sheet

Illuminating Letters

• The Art Of Illuminating Letters Video
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• Water colour paints

• Cooking In Castles Video
• Appropriate ingredients
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Bayeux Tapestry Story

• About The Bayeux Tapestry Video
• Roll of paper / A3 paper
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Design And Make A Catapult

• About Catapults Video
• Catapult Design Criteria Sheet
• Cardboard box from recycling
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Castle Fieldtrip And Observation

• Castle Fieldtrip Activity Sheet

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What historical aspects are explored in the Castle History KS1 lessons of the Castles Topic?

In this engaging Castle History KS1 series, your child will embark on an exciting journey through the captivating history of castles. Through designing and constructing their own castle, creating vivid castle characters, and tracing the timeline of these majestic structures, your child will immerse themselves in a world of medieval wonders. Delve into the fascinating realms of illuminating letters, heraldry design, and castle cuisine, providing a rich exploration of the historical significance of castles. This resource thoughtfully aligns with the National Curriculum of England, encompassing elements of Art, Design & Technology, Geography, and History, ensuring a comprehensive educational experience for your child.

What is the overall focus and objective of each lesson included in the curriculum?

The overall focus of each lesson is to engage students in thinking about the geographical aspects of castles, including their locations, features, and influences on strength, while also developing their map reading skills and understanding of human and physical geography features.

How are the lessons differentiated to support children in their learning?

The lessons include a range of differentiated activities and printable resources to cater to varying learning needs and abilities, ensuring that all children are supported in their learning and engagement with the material.

What skills and concepts will students develop through the Castle Geography KS1 lessons?

Students will develop skills in map reading, critical thinking about the location and features of castles, understanding human and physical geographical features, and how these features influence the strength of castles.

How are the lessons structured, and what resources are included in each lesson?

Each Castle Geography KS1 lesson comes complete with a detailed lesson plan, a presentation for teaching input, a range of differentiated activities, and printable resources to support children in their learning.

What geography objectives are covered in the resources for teaching about castles and medieval music?

In this topic your child will dive into the history of castles by designing and building one, create castle characters and discover the timeline of castles. Delve into illuminating letters, heraldry design and cooking in castles. This resource meets the following aspects of the National Curriculum of England: Art, Design & Technology, Geography, and History.

Furthermore, the geography objectives covered in the resources for teaching about castles and medieval music encompass a range of key skills for Key Stage 1 (KS1) students. These include naming and locating the world's seven continents and five oceans, identifying characteristics of the four countries and capital cities of the United Kingdom, using basic geographical vocabulary to describe physical features, utilizing world maps, atlases, and globes to identify countries and regions, applying compass directions and locational language to describe features on maps, recognizing landmarks through aerial photographs and plan perspectives, devising simple maps, and using basic symbols in a key. By exploring these geography objectives alongside the rich historical context of castles and medieval music, students can develop a well-rounded understanding of the subject matter

What is included in the Castle KS1 DT lessons related to the Castles Topic?

In the Castle KS1 DT lessons related to the Castles Topic, students will engage in an exciting activity titled 'Design And Build A Castle.' This hands-on project involves watching a Heraldry and Coat of Arms video, using a Castle Design Criteria Sheet, and gathering materials such as pencils, cardboard boxes, craft sticks, toilet rolls, scissors, tape or glue, paint, paintbrushes, and coloured pens. This activity falls under the subjects of Design & Technology and History, offering an interactive learning experience for students. The Castle KS1 DT lessons cover a wide range of topics, providing students with a thorough understanding of medieval tools and the opportunity to design and create their own castle models. Each lesson is thoughtfully designed and includes detailed lesson plans, video presentations, differentiated activities, and printable resources to support children in their learning journey.

What are the Castle Art KS1 lessons included in the Castles Topic?

Castle Art KS1 lessons included in the Castles Topic consist of hands-on activities such as heraldry design, illuminating letters, and designing and building a castle. These activities involve creating a coat of arms, exploring the art of illuminating letters, and constructing a castle using various materials like cardboard, craft sticks, and paint. The lessons also cover topics like castle characters, castle field trip and observation, and the Bayeux Tapestry story, integrating elements of history, art & design, and design & technology into the curriculum.

Furthermore, the Castle Art KS1 lessons provide a holistic learning experience for Year 1 and Year 2 students. Students will engage in practical tasks that encourage creativity and critical thinking. By participating in activities such as heraldry design and castle construction, students will not only learn about art but also deepen their understanding of historical concepts related to castles. These hands-on lessons aim to foster a multidisciplinary approach to learning, incorporating elements of history, art, design, and technology to create an immersive educational experience for young learners.

How can the Castles activities be utilized in the classroom?

In this topic your child will dive into the history of castles by designing and building one, create castle characters and discover the timeline of castles. Delve into illuminating letters, heraldry design and cooking in castles. This resource meets the following aspects of the National Curriculum of England: Art, Design & Technology, Geography and History. Don’t forget to check out the rest of our key stage one topics where you will find great curriculum standard activities for your classroom or home educated children. There are plenty of subjects for you to choose from, so you’ll be delighted with the wide range when planning your day.

Explore a wide array of engaging activities related to castles, including hands-on experiences in art, design & technology, geography, and history. Your child will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the fascinating world of castles by designing and building their own castle models, creating captivating castle characters, and uncovering the rich timeline of castles throughout history. Dive into the art of illuminating letters, delve into the intricate world of heraldry design, and even try your hand at cooking in castles.

Aligned with the National Curriculum of England, this resource offers a comprehensive approach to learning, incorporating key elements of art, design & technology, geography, and history into a fun and educational experience. Whether you are a teacher looking to enhance your classroom activities or a parent seeking engaging educational resources for your home-educated children, this resource provides a wealth of curriculum-standard activities to enrich your learning environment. Explore the vast range of subjects available and discover the exciting possibilities that await when planning your educational journey.

What activities and resources are included in the Bayeux Tapestry KS1 Art lesson plan?

The Bayeux Tapestry KS1 Art lesson plan comprises a detailed plan, a slideshow presentation, various teaching resources, and a range of activity ideas designed to engage young learners. The activities included in the lesson plan aim to introduce students to the historical significance of the Bayeux Tapestry while exploring various art techniques and concepts. Additionally, the resources provided facilitate interactive learning experiences and hands-on projects that help students develop their creative skills and understanding of this historical artifact.

What topics are covered in the Castles Music lessons for exploring medieval instruments and composing music?

The Castles Music lessons for exploring medieval instruments and composing music cover a wide range of topics to engage students in a cross-curricular learning experience. In these lessons, students will listen to authentic medieval music and learn about the unique techniques used to play ancient instruments. They will delve into the similarities and differences between medieval instruments and modern versions, gaining hands-on experience by playing the instruments themselves. Additionally, students will explore the concept of composing music, comparing it to the traditional music they have learned in previous lessons. They will follow simple notations to play different rhythms and will be encouraged to create their own musical pieces using the provided printable resources. Throughout the lessons, students will have the opportunity to expand their musical knowledge, enhance their creativity, and immerse themselves in the rich history of medieval music. The lesson materials include a detailed plan, a video presentation, and various printable teaching resources to support a comprehensive and interactive learning experience.

What music-related lessons are included in the Castles Topic for KS1 students?

The Castles Topic for KS1 students includes music lessons that focus on teaching about medieval musical instruments and how to create their own compositions. These lessons provide a detailed plan, slideshow presentation, various activities, and printable resources to support children in learning about music in the context of castles.

What teaching resources are provided in the Castles Topic pack?

The Castles Topic pack offers a comprehensive range of teaching resources aimed at engaging students in the intriguing world of medieval castles. Specifically designed for Key Stage 1 (KS1) learners, this pack includes ready-to-teach lessons that cover a variety of curriculum subjects. Each lesson plan is detailed, accompanied by a slideshow presentation to aid in teaching, and features differentiated activity ideas to cater to various learning needs. In addition, the pack includes a selection of fun and colorful printable worksheets and resources that can be used in the classroom. For those interested in Castle Art lessons, the pack also includes three complete art lessons centered around castles. These lessons are designed to introduce Year 1 or Year 2 students to art featuring castles, allowing them to create their own castle-inspired art projects. Each art lesson is supported by a detailed plan, a slideshow presentation for instructional purposes, and a range of activities and printable resources to facilitate children's learning experience. By downloading the KS1 Castles Topic pack, educators can not only immerse their class in the fascinating world of castles but also save valuable planning time.

How is the Year 2 Castles Non-chronological Reports English Planning Pack related to the Castles Topic?

The Year 2 Castles Non-chronological Reports English Planning Pack is closely linked to the Castles Topic as it provides comprehensive resources to assist Year 2 students in effectively creating non-chronological reports specifically focused on castles. By aligning with the topic of castles, this planning pack offers the necessary tools and guidance for students to confidently research and write detailed reports about castles. It serves as a tailored educational resource that enhances the learning experience by offering targeted support for students exploring the intricate world of castles and their historical significance.

What specific lessons are included in the Castles Topic pack?

The Castles Topic pack includes a wide range of lessons covering various aspects related to castles. Some of the specific lessons included in the pack are as follows:

• Art lessons on the Bayeux Tapestry, Castle Engravings, and Watercolour Castles
• Design and Technology (DT) lessons on designing Medieval tools and designing and making a castle
• Geography lessons on why castles were built on hills, exploring castle land features, capital city castles, and planning a map
• History lessons on The Battle of Hastings and the Norman Conquest, Norman Motte and Bailey Castles, the structure of a Medieval castle, who lived in a Medieval castle, why did the Peasants Revolt, and the history of the Tower of London
• Music lessons on exploring Medieval instruments and composing music

These lessons aim to provide a comprehensive understanding of castles from various perspectives such as art, design, geography, history, and music.

What subjects are covered in the Castles Topic lessons?

The Castles topic lessons cover a range of subjects including Art, Design & Technology, Geography, and History for Key Stage 1 students in Year 1 and Year 2. These lessons delve into events beyond living memory related to the topic, allowing students to explore various cross-curricular themes within the context of Castles.

What is the content of the KS1 Castles Topic for Year 1 and Year 2?

The KS1 Castles Topic for Year 1 and Year 2 covers an array of engaging and inspiring teaching resources focused on igniting the interest of young students in Castles. Throughout this topic, children will delve into the history of medieval castles, particularly revolving around the Normans. They will explore various aspects such as the locations where castles were built, the inhabitants of these fortresses, the architectural structure of castles, and much more.

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14 Cool Facts about Castles

Castles have got to be some of the most fascinating structures from ancient history. Traditionally built to protect, some of the most bizarre and fascinating keeps and towers are those you can still spot around the landscape to this day!

But what are some of the most interesting facts about castles you might not be aware of? What are some truly bizarre castle facts you can share with friends and family who might not be fully up to speed on their medieval trivia? Here’s a stack of fun facts about castles to help you get started.

1. Castles weren’t always used as defenses.

Castles were built for dual purposes – specifically, they were used to help protect the people within them from the threat of invasion – however, they were also used as huge displays of wealth and grandeur. If you owned a castle, you were very big news indeed.

2. Windsor Castle is one of the most famous.

Windsor Castle remains a record-holder in many ways. It’s the biggest castle still standing in the UK , and it remains Europe’s oldest castle still holding occupants. It’s been home to royals for almost a millennium.

3. However, France holds the records for ancient castles.

The oldest castle still standing today is French – it’s the Chateau de Doue-la-Fontaine, and it’s been part of the landscape since 950.

Mont St. Michel, France

4. Fancy taking up your own castle?

It’s completely possible to rent your own castle for the night! For example, you might wish to rent Forter Castle, a Scottish keep once built for the fifth Lord of Airlie in the 16th Century. It boasts mod cons thanks to a full restoration.

5. You’d normally need a monarch’s permission.

In many cases, anyone wishing to build a castle of their own across Europe and beyond would need the permission of a reigning monarch to go ahead.

6. Castle stairs have a specific design.

Castle stairwells run clockwise for a reason. The reason is that most people likely to be attacking up the stairs were right-handed and would therefore be at a disadvantage when charging up them. Castle builders really did think of everything!

7. Are castles haunted?

There are plenty of ancient castles across the world which are thought to be haunted. One of the most famous examples is that of Edinburgh Castle, which is even thought to be haunted by a dog!

However, the world’s most haunted castle is said to be Leap Castle, which you will find over in the Republic of Ireland. The ghost here doesn’t have any specific form but is referred to by locals as The Elemental.

8. Hold your nose…

Castles, traditionally, have no toilets built-in. That’s what a moat is for – disgustingly enough! You’d normally have to use a hole in your bedroom called a garderobe, which is both gross and draughty.

9. England really is castle country.

England is absolutely awash with castles . In fact, there are said to be more than 1,500 of them across the country.

Then again, there might be more, there might be fewer. That’s because there has always been some debate over what a castle actually is. If you go by the traditional definition, there are still impressive numbers of them countrywide.

Windsor Castle, England

10. Castle wells weren’t always helpful…

Most castles, traditionally, had wells – to provide water. However, the location of the well was often the first port of call for any would-be invaders. That’s because they could easily poison wells with very little effort. In fact, if the well wasn’t protected, or topped up, the rest of the castle would be liable to fall pretty easily.

11. Where is the biggest castle on the planet?

The world’s biggest castle can be found in Prague. Prague Castle is around 570m in length and 130m in width on average.

12. Castles lend a lot to Gothic lore.

If you’re a fan of Gothic literature, it’s likely you’ll find plenty of it based in and around castles. That’s because they are fantastically imposing!

Castle Neuschwanstein, Germany

13. Pull up the drawbridge!

Drawbridges often served as the only way for people to access a castle, and even then, they’d still need to get past a heavy gate called a portcullis. However, this would often separate castle inhabitants from certain grounds, too. Not all castles have drawbridges, but the best-protected certainly made use of them!

14. Castles weren’t always made of stone.

Believe it or not, the first castles in history were made from wood, not stone. These belonged to the invading Normans, who set up castles on mounts. While making good use of the ground, these battlements were, of course, at risk of burning down. Back to the drawing board!

Breaemar Castle, Scotland

FAQs about Castles

What’s the oldest castle in the world.

The Chateau de Doue-la-Fontaine in France is said to be the oldest castle that’s still standing, but the remaining fortress of the Citadel of Aleppo may be even older - by a few thousand years!

Does the US have any castles?

Yes - but they are largely private buildings and mansions!

What are the main types of castle?

Castles generally divide into three types - concentric, stone keep, and motte and bailey.

Do you know any fun facts about castles?  Share them in the comments below!

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This page was last modified on July 29, 2023. Suggest an edit

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Castles in the history classroom

Australia and new zealand, international schools, tes resources team.

Explore medieval history through castles using this collection of resources including lessons, schemes of work and on-site castle studies 

Castles are one of the most renowned historical features that this nation has to offer. The remnants of castles sprinkled across the British Isles today were once beacons of strength and power supporting lords and kings alike to maintain control of the land they claimed as their own. It is no wonder that these long-standing, iconic landmarks have stood fast in the secondary history curriculum through the ages! So, why not check out this fantastic collection of secondary history resources from the Tes community?

One of the staple teachings in every secondary history classroom is that of castles. Investigate how William kept control of England using castles following his invasion in 1066 and treat your students to the delights of castle evolution starting with Motte and Bailey castles using these featured resources.

Square keep / stone keep

Defending a Castle

Castles Introduction

1066 9. Castles Motte and Bailey Attack Role Play - Norman Invasion (with Online Learning World)

Motte & Bailey Castles

Stone Castles Worksheet

Siege of Rochester Castle

The Development of Castles - How and why did castles change over time?

With castles now featuring in the new GCSE thematic and depth study specifications, why not consider lightening your workload with these pre-prepared GCSE materials.

Pevensey Castle Lesson Pack

Normans History GCSE Flashcards

Anglo-Saxon & Norman Eng: Castle Building GCSE History Edexcel - (Lesson 13)

OCR Castles Form and Function Revision- Exam Style Questions

Medieval Castles

OCR B History GCSE - Kenilworth Castle Knowledge organiser

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Woodlands Junior School, Hunt Road Tonbridge Kent TN10 4BB UK