Timber Castles
The timber castle was called a motte-and-bailey castle; the keep was built on top of a mound, called a motte. A keep is a strong tower used to live in or store valuables. There was a ditch surrounding the castle; it was man-made. Walls surrounded the castle on two or more sides, at a distance from the castle. The open area became known as a bailey. This castle was inexpensive because timber was everywhere making the castle quicker and it needed less skill than the stone castle. However this castle was short lived; the downside of this castle was that it could rot, be set on fire, and, or be broken down. As time passed the walls became thicker and were topped with guard towers. No two castles were alike.