All 10 parts, explained
1. Moat
A moat is a deep ditch dug all the way around the castle. It made it very hard for enemies to reach the walls.
Fun fact Many moats had no water at all. A deep, dry ditch could stop attackers too.
2. Drawbridge
The drawbridge is a wooden bridge over the moat. It could be pulled up with chains to close the way in.
Fun fact When the drawbridge was pulled up, it also covered the gate like a big wooden door.
3. Gatehouse
The gatehouse is the building around the castle's main entrance. Guards watched everyone who came in and out.
Fun fact Some gatehouses had holes in the ceiling called murder holes. Guards could drop stones or pour water through them.
4. Portcullis
A portcullis is a heavy gate made of wood and iron bars. It slid down from above to block the entrance.
Fun fact The portcullis was so heavy that it took several people, or a big wheel, to lift it.
5. Curtain wall
The curtain wall is the tall stone wall that goes around the castle, like a giant fence made of rock.
Fun fact Some castle walls were more than 3 meters (10 feet) thick.
6. Battlements
Battlements are the bumpy tops of the walls. Soldiers could hide behind the tall parts and look out through the gaps.
Fun fact The gaps are called crenels and the tall parts are called merlons.
7. Tower
Towers stood along the walls. From up high, soldiers could see enemies coming from far away.
Fun fact Round towers were harder to knock down than square ones, because they had no corners to dig under.
8. Arrow slit
An arrow slit is a long, thin window in the wall. Archers could shoot arrows out, but it was very hard to hit them back.
Fun fact Arrow slits are narrow on the outside but wide on the inside, so the archer had room to move and aim.
9. Bailey
The bailey is the big courtyard inside the walls. It had stables, workshops, gardens and a well.
Fun fact A busy bailey was like a small village, with blacksmiths, bakers and animals all inside the walls.
10. Keep
The keep is the biggest and strongest building in the castle. It was the safest place to be during an attack.
Fun fact In many keeps, the front door was up a flight of stairs, high above the ground, to make it harder to break in.
