What was the keep used for?
The Keep was the inner stronghold of the castle. It was usually either square or round. The keep was the center of castle life, often serving as the lord’s residence, and was usually the place of last refuge when defending the castle.
Why were stone keeps built?
Stone is more durable and resistant than wood and so it became the preferred building materials for castles. Stone castles were built taller and gave better protection against attack, fire and cold rainy weather. Stone castles replaced the motte and bailey castles but the stone castles also changed over time.
What are the advantages of a stone keep?
Stone castles had a number of advantages over wooden motte and bailey structures: They could be built inside the walls of the motte and bailey castle, this meant that the castle was still operational whilst it was being rebuilt. Unlike a wooden castle the new stone keeps did not rot or go up in flames.
Did Stone keep castles have moats?
They weren’t designed for entertainment, however. The purpose of a moat was primarily to protect the castle from attack. As a defense mechanism, moats were very effective. While some fancy moats may have had stone sides, most moats had simple banks of earth left over from when they were dug.
What does Stone keep mean?
A stone keep was the central feature, with thick walls and few windows. Entrance to the keep was by stone steps leading to the first floor. Foremost for the castle’s defense was its keep, a fortified tower built within the castles, used as a refuge of last resort if the castle fell to an enemy.
What are the disadvantages of concentric castles?
At a glance: the disadvantages of concentric castles
- They were phenomenally expensive to build – this can’t be overstated!
- They took significant time to build – they needed years, rather than just weeks for basic motte-and-bailey castle.
Who survived stone keep castles?
the Normans
A Stone Keep Castle is a type of castle built in the 11th and 12th Centuries by the Normans who originally came from France. The people who built them and lived in them were typically rich noblemen and their families who wanted to show their power and status.
What are the strengths and weaknesses of a stone keep castle?
Stone keep castles were a lot bigger than motte and bailey castles and were able to hold more soldiers. Because of their vast size they were much harder to attack. However, they had two main weaknesses – there was nothing to be done if the enemy surrounded except remain in the castle.
Who lived in a stone keep castle?
The Normans were master castle builders. After 1066, England witnessed a massive castle building programme on the orders of William the Conqueror. First, motte and bailey castles were built. Once William had firmly established his rule in England, he built huge stone keep castles.
Why did they stop making castles?
Why did they stop building castles? Castles were great defences against the enemy. However, when gunpowder was invented the castles stopped being an effective form of defence. The medieval castle with its high vertical walls was no longer the invincible fortification it had been.
What was the weakest part of a castle?
The entrance to the castle was always its weakest point. Drawbridges could be pulled up, preventing access across moats. Tall gate towers meant that defenders could shoot down in safety at attacks below. The main gate or door to the castle was usually a thick, iron-studded wooden door, that was hard to break through.
How does Stonekeep work on GOG.com?
Immerse yourself in an epic experience more powerful and realistic than anything you’ve imagined. Using innovative technology Stonekeep draws you into its dark reaches so completely you’ll forget it’s just a game. Your feet will walk the ancient corridors. Your hands will wield weapons of metal and magic.
Which is better a stone castle or a stone keep?
This type of stone keep castl soon replaced the Motte and Bailey castles as it offered a better form of defense. A stone keep was the central feature, with thick walls and few windows. Entrance to the keep was by stone steps leading to the first floor.
What do you do with your feet in Stonekeep?
Your feet will walk the ancient corridors. Your hands will wield weapons of metal and magic. You’ll battle disembodied foes, rescue your allies from evil, liberate a massive dragon from bondage and discover an experience more realistic than you expected.
Where do you go in the mystery of Stonekeep?
Step into the mystery of Stonekeep and begin a quest through dark corridors, treacherous sewers and subterranean realms of faeries, magic and the living dead. You’ll discover a world where darkness reigns and where you become part of a detailed story line that unfolds at your command.
