What is a bailey castle?

Answer 1

A Motte and Bailey castle consisted of a wooden tower, on top of a large man made mound or motte, they were sometimes based on solid rock. It provided a look-out post, as well as adding tactically important height if the castle was attacked. The bailey was a large, level, enclosed area beside the motte, surrounded by an earth work bank and ditch, topped with a timber palisade. The bailey often contained a hall, buildings for livestock, a forge and armoury, and a chapel. Due to the use of wood in their construction, these castles were particularly vulnerable to fire.