RomanceEverAfter

Romantic Tales - Medieval

The Castle - Overview

A castle is simply a fortified structure or group of buildings used for the residence of a king, lord or noble.  Although we are familiar with the use of castles during the medieval period, archeology has provided evidence that fortified structures existed early in history.  Turkey and Mesopotamia by 5,000 BC had examples of fortification that would be reflected in castles centuries later.  Men of war recognized that round towers constructed within walls would work effectively to ward off fire-lit arrows, spears and slings.

The architectural and structural design of the castle reached its zenith during the medieval period.  The medieval period also evidenced the need for a reigning lord to display his wealth lavishly, particularly as castles increased in size and number of rooms.  He endeavored to provide excellence in hospitality for any high-ranking guest(s) that was to grace his residence.  However, before reaching this station, the castle had its beginnings whereby survival and safety was an important purpose for the castle.

Castle Definitions

Castles - The Great Hall

In the early period of castles, the great hall was the location where the lord, his family and others living in residence would eat and sleep.  The knight would also utilize the great hall for entertaining his guests.

Sleeping Accommodations

The knight and his family would have their own sleeping area at the far end of the hall.  This area was called the "solar."  Other residents slept on the floor where they could find a spot.  Beds at that time were pallets* filled with straw.  (Could you imagine the volume of little bugs that lived in those pallets?)

*a small makeshift bed or mattress made of straw

When castle design had the great hall constructed as a separate structure in the inner bailey, the family was able to enjoy a suite of rooms in a divided part of the structure.  (Also see "A Good Night's Sleep at Medieval Castles & Their Decor). In addition to the lord's living area, other accommodations could be located in different towers throughout the castle.

Examples of this can be found in royal castles.  The constable would have his accommodations in the gatehouse.  Large castles also needed space for a garrison of soldiers and knights who were called for duty.  

It's Time To Eat

The great hall was the place where meals were taken by castle residents.  Makeshift tables were created by crossing wood boards over trestles.  A trestle table was also put along the wall for serving dishes. 

The floors of the great hall were aligned with rushes* to keep the floors sweetly fragranced.  Food was often tossed down to the dogs and rushes helped in cleanliness and allay any odors.

*rush: a grasslike marsh herb that has hollow stems used for making mats and baskets

What's on the Menu?

Two meals a day were served.  The main meal of the day was late in the morning and the second meal in mid-late afternoon.  Breakfast was served, but only to children and the invalid.  

The Kitchen
Fear of fire kept the wooden kitchen separate from the living quarters.  When stone or brick was used, the kitchen was brought inside the castle.  Feeding a large number of people living in the castle was no small task.  

Foods were never fried as animal fat products were highly valued for the making of candles, soap and other lubricants.  As a result, the typical method of cooking was roasting, stewing and boiling. 

The kitchen would include a large fireplace for roasting.  When a feast was held, an entire oxen would be placed over a spit and roasted.   Large cauldrons were hung over the fire for boiling.  Sauces were prepared by using a long-handled pan placed over the fire. Bread was baked in a separate location (bakehouse) because of the concern for fire. The kitchen also included a pantry to house provisions and a buttery*.

*buttery: the storeroom for liquor

Meat & Vegetables
The variety of items on the menu were more interesting than those reserved for the peasants whose primary nourishment was gruel or flat pancakes made from grain, peas or beans.  The hospitality of the wealthy was lavish and the preparation of food played an important part in that display.

Residents of the castle had a wide selection of items for consumption and seemed a feast compared to the poor peasants.  In England, the wealthy enjoyed bread, fish, meat (pork, chicken), cheese, birds, rabbit, deer, wild boar, beans, eggs and dairy products.  Meat pies and pastries were also readily enjoyed.  

The primary vegetables consumed by castle residents were peas, cabbage, leeks, onions, turnips, carrots, and lettuce.  Later in the Middle Ages, garlic and sage were added to food for seasoning. 

Table Manners 

How one conducted oneself at the table displayed whether you were of good breeding.   The aristocracy and prosperous middle class were concerned about cleanliness, good manners and courteous behavior.  

Plates and personal knives were not used when eating at the table.  In lieu of plates, large, thick slices of bread were used.  Guests who sat on the dais* with the lord of the castle received the top of the first loaf.  (Therefore, the coined name of "upper crust.")  Knives and bowls were shared among those at the table.  The wealthy were fortunate to have silver spoons. 

*Dais: a raised platform 

Prior to a meal, the servants poured water over the hands of the guests.  In this way, they were cleaned and ready for the meal.