Who built medieval castles?

The Normans were master castle builders. After 1066, England witnessed a massive castle building programme on the orders of William the Conqueror. First, motte and bailey castles were built. Once William had firmly established his rule in England, he built huge stone keep castles. read more

The medieval period, also called the Middle Ages, lasted from the 5th century CE to the end of the 15th century. During this time, many castles were built in Europe and the Middle East. They ranged from simple wooden enclosures to vast stone palaces. A castle allowed a lord to control the surrounding land. read more

Basically to answer the question though, it was nobles that owned castles and had them built, for defensive and/or living. They could also be used on the offensive too in a way. William the Conquerer built well fortified castles whereever he went, literally. read more

Some true castles were built in the Americas by the Spanish and French colonies. The first stage of Spanish fort construction has been termed the "castle period", which lasted from 1492 until the end of the 16th century. Starting with Fortaleza Ozama, "these castles were essentially European medieval castles transposed to America". read more