Buzz
Castles may no longer be the top choice for living quarters, mainly because the evolution of society has made them less practical. But there was a time when these majestic fortresses were not only a status symbol but also an effective way to secure one's wealth. Today, lavish living spaces are more subtle, yet there are still many ways to show off your success without building an enormous stone structure visible from miles away (Donald Trump aside). Let's take a step back to a time when castles were the norm and technology had yet to catch up. Here are ten fascinating facts about castles.
10. Toilets
Fact: No Toilets (at least not as we know them).
Arguably one of the most uncomfortable aspects of castles, if not the most, was the lack of proper toilets. Instead, there were small structures known as 'garderobes,' which featured a hole through which waste was directed. This waste would then travel through shoots that emptied into the surrounding moats. To make matters worse, these 'bathrooms' were often cold and drafty, far from ideal for comfort. A particularly unpleasant detail: the 'garderobe' was named as such because residents would store their clothes inside, since the odor helped keep insects away (and likely any human with a functioning nose).
9. Construction Materials
Fact: The First Castles Were Wooden.
Nearly a thousand years ago, when the Normans, hailing from Normandy, France, arrived in England, they built motte-and-bailey-style castles. These castles were constructed on elevated mounds, and anyone from lower altitudes, including enemies, had to climb steep inclines to reach them. Although this was a clever use of the landscape, the walls that enclosed the castle, as well as the castle itself, were made of wood, a material that was easily susceptible to being burned down.
8. The Oldest Occupied Castle
Did you know? Windsor Castle is the Oldest European Castle Still in Use.
Windsor Castle, which has stood for about 900 years, remains the residence of Queen Elizabeth II, one of the many places she calls home. Initially constructed as a wooden motte-and-bailey by William I, it was the first in a series of nine castles. Over time, it was rebuilt with stone and received various upgrades, such as outer walls and a round tower, thanks to King Henry II’s generosity. It’s somewhat similar to how each U.S. President has added a unique feature to the White House, with Obama even installing a basketball court. After all, a home is what you make of it...
7. Fortification
Did you know? Castles Were Built Solely for Protection.
A glance at the features and design of a castle immediately reveals its primary function: moats, turrets, ramparts, murder holes, and arrow or gun slits. Every element was created to keep intruders at bay. Notable examples include murder holes, where boiling liquids would be poured from above onto attackers, and gun or arrow loops, narrow openings designed for launching projectiles with minimal exposure. Approaching a castle without a formal invitation was simply unwise.
6. Spiral Staircases
Did you know? Stairs Were Always Designed to Turn in a Clockwise Direction.
In castles, the staircases were always designed to spiral in a clockwise direction. This design was deliberate and had a tactical purpose. The idea was that attackers ascending the stairs would face a disadvantage, as their sword arm (usually the right hand) would be obstructed by the wall. Meanwhile, defenders descending would have the upper hand, with the stairs crafted to accommodate their sword arm. However, they would have been at a significant disadvantage if they faced an entire unit of left-handed soldiers.
5. A Castle for Every Corner
Fun Fact: England is Home to 1500 Castle Sites.
According to the Castellarium Anglicanum, which is regarded as the definitive guide to castles in England and Wales, it's important to recognize the term 'site.' Many of these castles are so dilapidated that they are nearly invisible, yet over 800 still have some remnants, and more than 300 are largely intact and standing. Additionally, there's ongoing debate over what qualifies as a 'castle,' with some claiming to be castles despite not meeting the traditional criteria.
4. Uncomfortable
Contrary to what you might imagine, castles used to be extremely uncomfortable. Despite their imposing appearance, they were often cold, dimly lit, and poorly ventilated. The small windows only allowed minimal sunlight, and the interiors were damp, with body heat circulating throughout. Castles were designed for defense, not comfort. However, over time, people began to make them more livable, adding luxurious touches such as rugs and stained-glass windows to reflect wealth inside as well as outside.
When you picture a castle, you likely envision opulent surroundings and grandeur. But in reality, castles were far from comfortable—imagine a vast structure built of stone, often covered in mud, with an unpleasant smell from animal waste. They were poorly lit, and the air circulation was inadequate. While initially built for defense, the focus eventually shifted to making them more hospitable, with decorative touches that reflected both the owner's wealth and their evolving needs.
3. The Source of Strength
Did Achilles' weakness lie in the well? The Source of Strength.
The well resembled a fatal flaw, much like the Death Star’s one weakness; a critical vulnerability. While there were numerous defenses, such as pouring molten substances on foes and the fortress' solid structure, none of it mattered if the well wasn't protected or ran dry. An unguarded well could lead to poison in the water supply, ensuring defeat for those who failed to manage it.
2. The Lives of Servants
Fact: Some Personal Servants Enjoyed Luxurious Comfort.
In the Middle Ages, personal servants were often treated somewhat like the family pet—though that wasn't entirely a negative comparison. They slept in the same private quarters as the noble owners, with the warmth of a personal fireplace, making it the coziest place in the entire castle. Although they rested on the floor, they had warm blankets, unlike others in the castle who had to rely on body heat and thin bedding for warmth. They could only dream of being pampered as the noble pets.
1. Eating for Pleasure
Fact: Eating Was the Main Form of Entertainment.
The castle was incredibly dull. For the most part, people just stayed around guarding their belongings. Outdoors, activities involved hunting and intense combat training—certainly quite manly pursuits. However, indoors was far more dreary. Chess was one of the few games played, but the ultimate remedy for boredom was food (which remains a popular solution to this day). Feast after feast filled with food, drinks (lots of booze), jesters, and minstrels. Today, we settle for TV dinners and six-packs, and you don’t need noble status to enjoy them—most of us don’t.
