Castle (Building constructed)

Collier's New Encyclopedia (1921)

a building constructed for the purpose of repelling attack. The castella left by the Romans in Great Britain and elsewhere were constructed on the general model of their stationary encampments (castra stativa), and though they may have suggested the castles of the Middle Ages, they differed from them in being designed for military purposes only, and not also as places of permanent residence. The Norman castles were generally surrounded by a moat or ditch; and in order that the ditch might be readily filled with water the site chosen was usually either on the banks of a river or on a peninsula running into a lake; on the inner side of the ditch mounds were constructed, which were surmounted with walls and towers, both of which, but particularly the latter, were supplied with battlements and bastions. The entrance-gates were also protected by towers, which were usually of great strength. The communication was by a bridge, sometimes of stone, but usually of wood, County Mayo, Ireland. It is on the Casdown: river, 10 miles N. E. of Westport; which was made to draw up and down; and the entrance, in addition to thick has linen manufactures. In 1641 ocfolding-doors, was protected by a portcullis, which was dropped down through grooves in the masonry at the sides. The gate-way, in the castles of the larger sort, was further defended by a barba- On passing the external wall one can. entered the bailey, which sometimes consisted of several courts, and contained the barracks, magazines, well, a chapel, and sometimes even a monastery. The keep was a species of internal castle, more strongly defended than any other portion of the fortress, and placed in the most advantageous position, so as to afford a last chance to the garrison when driven from the external works. As the keep had the same design as the castle itself, it contained most of its appliances, even to a chapel, when large and complete. The keep was also called the dungeon or donjon.