Why did castles decline at the end of the middle ages?

Answer 1

There were several reasons for the decline in castle-building around the end of the 15th century.

Castles were cold, draughty, uncomfortable places since their primary role was as a stronghold, not as living accommodation. Wealthy nobles wanted huge, magnificent, comfortable living places that would impress others, so they began to build "castles" with less emphasis on defence and more emphasis on comfort. Windows became larger as the price of glass reduced, huge fireplaces and chimneys were incorporated, gardens, arbours and terraces included in the grounds and comfortable rooms became a priority. These "castles" were essentially stately homes and were often impossible to defend, sited more for the picturesque setting rather than for military defensibilty.

Another factor was the development of cannon and mortars. These became gradually larger in scale and capable of destroying castle walls from a distance, or lobbing huge missiles into the castle interior. Stone walls and towers were no match for gunpowder.

Castles were replaced by grand houses and (as defensive structures) by artillery forts equipped with cannon - those built by Henry VIII at Deal and elsewhere are typical. They have very low, curved walls and earthworks to deflect incoming cannonballs and layers of artillery arranged to fire in all directions.

Answer 2

There were a lot of reasons, but one of the most significant reasons was because of the introduction of Gun Powder. It effectively rendered defenses useless. So Castles became an expression of wealth, power, and prestige, but Palaces were much better for those displays and so during the time of Gun Powder Palaces became the more important displays.

Answer 3

The development of gunpowder and artillery meant that they were much more easy to attack.

Answer 4

Castles became less useful with the new technologies that were being created. Gunpowder really made giant stone walls ineffective.