1. Castles

2. The Keep
The castle’s keep is easy to find. The largest building
standing in the heart of the castle. It was built higher
than the rest of the castle so people inside could see out.

3. Moat
The moat of a castle is a large ditch, filled with water to
keep the enemy at a distance.

4. Great Hall
• A place where banquets were held and people ate
together.

5. Gatehouse
The gatehouse guarded the entrance of the castle or its
town. The portcullis inside the gatehouse was extremely
heavy and was used to close the entrance. Behind the
portcullis would usually be a thick, heavy wooden door.

6. Curtain wall
Castles had thick, stone walls.
The walls would have parapets on top, where the defending
soldiers would patrol.

7. Drawbridge
The drawbridge was often made of wood and would swing
up and down like a see-saw to let people in or out of the
castle entrance.

8. Portcullis
A strong gate that hangs above the entrance
to a castle. It can be closed to keep out
enemies. It was made of wood and metal
and had points at the bottom.

9. Bailey
• The bailey was an enclosed courtyard

10. Battlements
• These were pathways built around the top of a castle
with regular gaps for firing arrows. The gaps between
them were used for firing arrows through.