arly Saxon and Norman earthwork castles can be divided into two main types, ringwork castles and motte and bailey castles. The main difference between the two types is the existance of the motte (or mound) on which the keep is located.

Ringwork Castles

The key characteristic parts of late Saxon and early Norman castles were: -

• Outer ditches and banks
• Wooden palisades
• Roughly circular enclosure (bailey)
• Central stronghold (keep) for added defence

The primary defences of a ringwork type of castle were the ditch, bank and palisade. One ditch or a series of ditches were dug around the edge of the bailey (the open area within the castle's structure) and the earth taken out was piled up inside to form banks. Where possible the ditches were allowed to fill with water from a nearby river or stream to provide extra defence.

On top of the banks a palisade of wooden planks or logs were constructed to add extra height. A wall-walk was usually built behind the palisade to allow the defenders to see over the top and fire missiles down on attackers below who were attempting the climb up. The palisade continued all the way around the edge of the bailey and its only real threat was from fire. This threat eventually lead to the introduction of stone for building material.

The area within the palisade is called a bailey and are mostly circular or kidney-shaped. If attackers did manage to cross the ditch and get over the palisade, the people inside the castle needed a last line of defence. The keep was designed as this last line of defence. Made usually of wood, the keep needed to be large enough to hold the baron's family and household. Space could also be required to hold soldiers and local villagers at times of attack.

Simplified Layout

Types of Keep

• The Gatehouse Keep
• The Hall Keep
• The Tower Keep