Castle Life in the 12th century

Supported by the brawn and taxes of the peasants, the feudal baron and his wife would seem to have had a comfortable life. In many ways they did, despite the lack of creature comforts and refinements. Around the 12th century, fortified manor dwellings began to give way to stone castles. Some of these, with their great outer walls and courtyard buildings, covered around 15 acres and were built for defensive warfare. Even during the hot summer …

…make a foray, or raid, of it. The peasants, in quilted battle coats, trudged along to fight on foot with their pikes and poleaxes. Despite the incalculable outbreaks, casualties were surprisingly few, as long, exhausting battles, were rare. Warring lords usually just burned the fields and villages of their enemies. After an encounter, the defending lord and his vassals usually fled to the safety of the castle. The castle could withstand many a stubborn siege.