Medieval and Middle Ages History Timelines - Virtual Motte and Bailey Castle

3D / VR

Please note that the TimeRef website is currently being redesigned.

The Motte and Bailey Castle - a Reconstruction

The Norman Conquerors built their castles in locations where they could keep control of the local populations of Saxons or at important locations such as river crossings or on key roads. Many motte and bailey castles were built on the border with Wales to try and keep the Welsh at bay. The advantage of this type of castle was that it was quick to construct. Making a fortification from wood was much easier than making one of stone.

Please contact me on Discord if you have any questions, issues or suggestions regarding these reconstructions.

Desktop/Laptop Versions

If you are using Chrome, Firefox or Microsoft Edge for Windows 10 explore a virtual motte and bailey castle.

For best results when exploring the reconstruction press 'L' to go full screen. Press 'Shift' to run.

Select the version you want to explore.

There are several versions available, a simplified version for slower computers and a couple of detailed version for faster computers.

Fast Computers

People, Trees, Shadows & Extra detail (New)

Slower Computers

No People or Shadows

Images from this reconstruction

During the early part of the Norman invasion, the designers of these early castles built wooden towers on the top of a mound for protection. They either used an existing mound where one was available, enlarged an existing natural hill or more usually built their own mound on which they then constructed the tower or keep. At the top of the mound, around its edge, they built a wooden wall or palisade.