Medieval

Rich home

Larger and more complicated castles were built for rich lords through medieval times. However, Birmingham's medieval castle, Weoley Castle, is more like one of the fortified manor houses which developed side by side with other types of castles. Through medieval times lords were taking steps towards more space and greater comfort. Nevertheless, remembering the times could still be violent, they made sure they still had protection.

The chief room, the Hall, was for centuries the main area where everybody lived, ate and, excepting the lord and grand visitors, where everybody slept. Other domestic features included a kitchen, pantry and buttery to one side of the hall and the lord's solar (private rooms) and chapel were on the other. A brewhouse and bakehouse were essential for ale and bread.

Fishponds and a vegetable garden were further sources of fresh food. A well supplied water. By the early fifteenth century chimneys were becoming more common to take away smoke rather than just a vent in the roof. Some of the windows may have had glass panes and thought was being given to decorative features.

Defensive features similar to those of larger castles are evident - wall towers battlements, thick stone walls, a batter (widening of lower part of outer walls), arrow slits, a gatehouse and drawbridge.

A moat surrounds the castle to deter attackers. It was originally fed by means of a leat (a ditch) from the River Bourn which runs along its north side.

Can you identify the different parts of this castle?

Click the picture for an answer and to find out how this reconstruction drawing was planned.