How does the site of Sandal Castle.................

Essay by ffets June 2004

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How far does the site of Sandal Castle and other sources help you to understand the way in which Castles changed and developed over time?

Castles were built in Britain for a number of reasons. One of them was so kings and other members of royalty could stay there whilst they travelled around the country. Another reason is that castles were good because they were an established base in times of war. For example, King Richard III used Sandal Castle as a base in the War of the Roses. Earls, Soldiers and many others also used them. As the population of the area grew, the castle became part of the community. For example it was allowed to hold two fairs so castles were also needed for this.

Over time castles changed appearance significantly. Some had dramatic changes like motte and bailey castles, some were built out of wood and as they became more important they were built out of stone.

However, others made small changes that could improve the castles defence. Like a polygon tower which would have been a circle originally but was re-shaped for defence.

The third Earl Warenne built sandal castle in 1138. It all began in 1067 and 1069 as people rebelled against the new king. He believed that his people needed teaching a lesson. William the conqueror wanted to reward the people of Yorkshire who helped him in the Battle of Hastings. In 1086, the king asked the people of Yorkshire to record what was left and write it in the Domesday Book. William of Warenne was given parts of Wakefield and when he died; his son became the second Earl. The first castle was built in 1100 at Lowe Hill, when Wakefield was allowed to hold it two fairs. However, it was the third...