However, the design of the castle still included many defensive elements, such as towers, a barbican, a gatehouse and a moat. Farleigh Hungerford has many traditional features of Medieval castles.Īlthough it’s not a totally perfect example (I struggled to find the ‘perfect’ one!), it’s still a very typical demonstration of the conventions and features of Medieval castle layout.įarleigh Hungerford Castle was, first and foremost, a grand residence for the Hungerford family. So let’s look at the layout of an excellent example of a Medieval castle – Farleigh Hungerford castle, in Somerset, UK. The Medieval Castle Layout of Farleigh Hungerford Castle A Medieval Castle layout – of the old castle in York, England. This is a plan of York Castle, which shows many of the key elements.

However, many Medieval castles shared similar features – defensive barbicans and deep moats, with a kitchen and a great hall and a Keep (or donjon) at their heart. Well, there wasn’t a carbon-copy plan that was rolled-out across Europe.Ĭastle layout depended upon local demands, and the purpose and function of each castle.įor example, a castle built on the turbulent borders of England and Wales might have been built to be as strong and as defensive as possible.Īlternatively, castle in a more peaceful, prosperous part of Southern England may have been designed to culture an air of luxury and magnificence for a local Lord and Lady.