Why did William I build castles?

Answer 1

William the I built them to protect his army, he built 500 castles made of wood, and when he had total control of England and the opposition was destroyed, he replaced these wooden castles with stronger, more stable stone castles.

William the Conqueror built castles to protect him and his men from attack by the Anglo-Saxons he had beaten in battle of Hastings. During the first few years he spent over ruling the English he ordered 500 castles to be built. These were of the Motte and Bailey variety which is a bailey (wooden stronghold) on top of a motte (man-made hill.)

Once the country was totally under his control and all of his opposition were crushed, that's when he then he replaced the "temporary" castles with more permanent stone structures. Most of these can still be visited today.

Also he needed it to show the people of England that he was in control.

Answer 2

William built castles for protection for him and his army. Some people say just to show the English who was in charge. From these castles the Normans control their own land. Without the castles the Saxons would have regrouped and driven him into the channel.

William and his men were vastly outnumbered on the island, so castles were a major factor in him continiung to hold on to his throne.

Answer 3

It was mainly for protection and weapons store but the bigger the castle the more tough you look. Treasure was also stored in castles.

Answer 4

William the 1st of England ruled because he defeated the previous king in battle. He and his aristocracy were subduing and pacifying a population that often did not accept their authority.