Castles

Castles are large, strong buildings made mostly of stone. They were built during the Middle Ages to protect people from enemy attacks. Kings, queens, and lords lived inside castles with their families and soldiers. Many castles had thick walls, tall towers, and a deep ditch of water called a moat.

Parts of a Castle

Most castles had several layers of defense. The outer wall kept enemies out. The drawbridge could be pulled up to block the entrance. Inside, the keep was the strongest tower where the lord's family lived. Arrow slits in the walls let defenders shoot at attackers without being hit.

Life in a Castle

Life in a castle was not always comfortable. The stone rooms were cold and drafty. Fireplaces provided the only heat. The great hall was the biggest room, where everyone ate meals together. Castles often had their own wells, kitchens, and even chapels inside the walls.

Fun Facts

• There are about 1,500 castle ruins in Wales, more per square mile than any other country in Europe.
• Some castles had secret tunnels that the lord could use to escape during an attack.
• The Tower of London has been a castle, a prison, a zoo, and a place to store the Crown Jewels.

Did You Know?

The word 'castle' comes from the Latin word 'castellum,' which means 'little fort.' But many castles grew to be enormous!