Did the Anglo-Saxons and Welsh build stone castles prior to the Norman Conquest? Contrary to popular belief, their fortifications were primarily earthworks and wooden structures, with only sporadic stone usage for religious and administrative buildings. This article explores the architectural landscape of these early British societies and the role of stone in their fortifications.

Anglo-Saxons

The Anglo-Saxons constructed fortified settlements known as burhs, which were typically made of earth and wood. These served as defensive structures and were often surrounded by ditches and banks. Some evidence suggests that there were stone structures, particularly in the form of churches and larger buildings, but these were not castles in the traditional sense. Noteworthy examples include the fortifications of Winchester, where an extensive network of burhs was established by Alfred the Great in the 9th century.

Alfred the Great built a network of burhs in southern England to defend against Viking attacks. Burhs were constructed on sites of pre-existing fortifications. Sometimes, they were built on old Iron Age forts such as Dover, utilizing the old ditches and ramparts. At other times, old Roman fortifications were repaired and repurposed in towns such as Winchester, Exeter, York, Burgh Castle, and Porchester. For instance, the walled defense around Winchester, Alfred's capital, was a prime example of such adaptation.

Do Reused, Repurposed, Repaired Roman Forts Count as Stone Castles?

While the term "castle" in the traditional sense is specific to Norman constructions, structures that utilized or repaired Roman fortifications should not be overlooked. These adaptations were more akin to fortifications or strongholds rather than full-fledged castles. Roman-era walls and fortifications were repurposed and fortified to meet the new defensive needs of the Anglo-Saxons, creating semi-planned urban centers with enhanced defenses.

Celtic Monasteries and Centres of Learning

While the Anglo-Saxons and Welsh did not typically build stone castles, they did construct numerous stone structures for religious and educational purposes. Many monasteries and abbeys from the 4th century onwards were built using limestone, stone, and bricks from the Roman period. These locations served not only as centers of religious practice but also as centers of learning and education.

For instance, from the 4th century, bells were distributed to monasteries across Europe, including those in Ireland and Britain. Notable Irish monasteries such as Iona, which became a center of Celtic Christianity and education, played a crucial role in preserving and spreading knowledge. The language used in these monasteries, often termed Hiberno-Latin, was used by Celtic Christians and greatly influenced the development of languages and Christian practices in Britain and Europe.

The term Dál Riatan or Scots, used to refer to the inhabitants of Dál Riata, includes the Irish Gaels who raided and colonized Roman Britain. These Gaelic peoples later came to be known as the Scots and their influence was significant in the cultural and architectural landscape. Examples of stone constructions from this period include the churches and cathedrals built by Celtic Christians.

Conclusion

The characteristic stone castles that emerged in Britain in the aftermath of the Norman Conquest were largely a result of the Normans' architectural influence. The Normans introduced a style of stone castle building that included features such as keeps, curtain walls, and towers, which were not present in Anglo-Saxon or early Welsh fortifications. While the Anglo-Saxons and Welsh did not build castles in the traditional Norman sense, they did construct fortified settlements and religious edifices that contributed to the rich architectural history of their respective regions.

The period of Celtic Christianity from the 4th century to the 16th century (with earlier roots) was marked by a proliferation of stone structures used in monasteries, abbeys, and cathedrals. These buildings, while not castles in the strictest sense, were integral to the development of education, religion, and architectural techniques in the British Isles.