What was the motte for in a castle?

Answer 1

The motte was the mound or hill upon which the main keep was typically sited, and was typically surrounded by a ditch (which was usually a side-effect from digging up enough earth to create the motte in the first place). It served as a defensive feature - not only did it give defenders high ground, but placing it on a hill, surrounded by a ditch, slowed the advance of any attackers. As well as this, it also gave a high vantage point from which to sight anybody trying to approach.

Answer 2

a motte castle is a castle without a large yard with store room kitchens stables and gaurdrooms

Answer 3

A Motte is a round, often artificial mound, topped with a wooden or stone structure known as a Keep. The earth would be taken from a ditch which would surround the Keep

Answer 4

In a Motte and Bailey Castle, the Bailey is the surrounding castle walls, while the Motte is the 'Keep' or main refuge tower, build usually on a raised mound within the Bailey.

Answer 5

A motte is the hill under the keep.