A Short History of Castles

A Short History of Castles

Castles first emerged in Western Europe around the turn of the first millennium, marking a distinct shift from earlier forms of fortification. Unlike the communal strongholds of the early first millennium A.D., which were built to shelter thousands, these new structures were private fortresses. Lords across regions such as Anjou, Normandy, and Flanders began constructing castles to defend themselves and their immediate households. These fortifications quickly spread across the landscape but did not appear in England until after the Norman Conquest of 1066. Following William the Conqueror’s arrival, castles began to rise throughout the country, transforming the British landscape.

What William does is march royal armies into new regions. Wherever he goes, wherever there's a population centre, a town, or a city, he plants a new royal castle.

Marc Morris, historian and author of Castles: A History of the Buildings that Shaped Medieval Britain.

Exeter, Cambridge, Lincoln, York – wherever there was a rebellion against William’s rule, a castle soon appeared. After suppressing the insurrection, William appointed one of his lords to stay in the castle and maintain law and order over the surrounding area with a retinue of knights. Approximately 500 castles were built during his reign alone, mostly simple motte-and-bailey structures constructed of timber and earth.

Soon, motte-and-bailey castles fell out of favour. The wealthy nobles who lived there, who had the time, money, and inclination to renovate and strengthen their homes, unsurprisingly opted for a more permanent material than wood. They now built their castles out of stone, some of which remain iconic.

By erecting stone towers, the Norman lords sent out a clear message to the English: that they were here to stay.

Below is a look at five of the most famous castles in Britain.

1. Windsor Castle

Located in Berkshire, Windsor Castle is the oldest and largest inhabited castle in the world. Originally built by William the Conqueror in the 11th century, it has served as a royal residence for over 1,000 years. It played a significant role during the English Civil War, when it served as a headquarters for Parliamentary forces. More recently, it was where Queen Elizabeth II spent much of her time in her later years. Its stunning St George’s Chapel was also the venue for royal weddings, including that of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in 2018.

2. Edinburgh Castle

Perched dramatically on Castle Rock, Edinburgh Castle dominates the skyline of Scotland’s capital. It has been central to many pivotal events in Scottish history, from the Wars of Scottish Independence to the Jacobite Risings. In 1566, Mary, Queen of Scots, gave birth to James VI here, who would later unite the crowns of Scotland and England. The castle also houses the Scottish Crown Jewels and the Stone of Destiny, used in the coronation of Scottish monarchs.

3. Caernarfon Castle

Caernarfon Castle, in North Wales, was built by Edward I in the late 13th century as part of his campaign to conquer Wales. Designed with imposing walls and polygonal towers, it was meant not only for defence but as a symbol of English power.

After being snubbed by Llewellyn, the Prince of Wales, Edward went on to construct castles at Flint, Rhuddlan, Aberystwyth, Conwy, Anglesey and another further inland at Builth. The presence of these fortresses was a humbling reminder to Llewellyn of his defeat. But Edward didn’t stop there. Installing royal officers in these castles to act as feudal overlords, he introduced English governmental structures to Wales, and enforced English laws. Edward didn’t just want to humiliate Llewellyn; he wanted to eradicate all traces of Welsh independence.

By the time you get to the late 13th century, English claims to Overlordship of Britain and Ireland have become so intense that they're utterly incompatible with the claims of Welsh rulers.

Marc Morris, historian and author of Castles: A History of the Buildings that Shaped Medieval Britain.

4. Dover Castle

Known as the “Key to England,” Dover Castle has guarded the English Channel for over nine centuries. Built in the 12th century and continually updated, it played critical roles during various conflicts, including the Napoleonic Wars and both World Wars. During WWII, its underground tunnels were used as a military command centre. It was from here that the Dunkirk evacuation (Operation Dynamo) was coordinated in 1940, marking one of Britain's most dramatic wartime efforts.

5. Tower of London

Perhaps Britain’s most infamous castle, the Tower of London has served as a royal palace, prison, armoury, and execution site. Constructed by William the Conqueror in the 11th century, it became notorious for its role in political imprisonment and execution, most famously of Anne Boleyn in 1536. The Princes in the Tower, Edward V and his brother Richard, also mysteriously vanished here in the 15th century. Today, it is home to the Crown Jewels and Yeoman Warders, better known as Beefeaters.