How were wooden castles made during the Middle Ages?

The most common design for wooden castles: Motte-and-bailey The motte-and-bailey design consisted of the motte, which was the mound topped with a keep or tower on top, and at least one fortified enclosure called the bailey. read more

The bad thing with wood is that it can be burned. So wooden castles were more or less temporary - once a wooden fortification had been built and secured, a stone castle was soon built in place. The motte-and-bailey fort had already been discussed. read more

During the Middle Ages much of Europe was divided up between lords and princes. They would rule the local land and all the people who lived there. In order to defend themselves, they built their homes as large castles in the center of the land they ruled. read more