Life Under Siege in a Medieval Castle
How did the English prepare to face an enemy camped in their own front yard?
When William the Conqueror took over England in 1066, there was one thing he knew he was really going to need: Castles. A land without castles was just plain indefensible, especially when you’ve just taken over a country and people don’t really like you. William got busy and by the end of his reign, he had added around 500 castles to the English landscape.
As the number of castles multiplied, the nature of fighting changed. The idea of war without battles was emerging. Instead, importance was placed on how many castles you won or lost. As the 12th century wore on, battlefield actions were reduced. Now when things got hot and the war-cry went out, it took the shape of a siege. If the wind carried the cry in your direction, you better be prepared.
Can what you get and get what you can
“The main and principal point in war is to secure plenty of provisions for oneself and to destroy the enemy by famine. Famine is more terrible than the sword.” -Vegetius
