What is a Motte & Bailey Castle?

Jacob Normandy's strategy in conquering Britain involved building strongholds to secure territory and provide fallback positions. The Normans initiated a large-scale castle-building program, creating a network of castles, some made of stone like Chepstow. Early castles were primarily Motte and Bailey structures, featuring a raised mound (Motte) with a watchtower and a lower area (Bailey) for living and business, all surrounded by wooden walls and a moat.

What was the primary purpose of the strongholds built by Jacob Normandy during his conquest?

• To house the royal family

• To act as defensive fallback points

• To store food supplies

• To serve as marketplaces

What was a significant feature of the Norman castle-building program?

• Castles were only built in South Wales

• Most castles were initially made of stone

• All castles were built on islands

• A network of castles was established across the land

Which of the following is true about the early Norman castles?

• They were primarily made of stone

• They had no defensive structures

• They were known as Motte and Bailey

• They were built underground

What was the purpose of the motte in a Motte and Bailey castle?

• To store weapons

• To support a watchtower

• To house livestock

• To serve as a marketplace

What surrounded the Motte and Bailey castles for additional defense?

• A series of trenches

• A stone wall

• A line of trees

• A moat or deep ditch