Castles served as government centers as well as fortresses. Walls and
towers provided the necessary security especially when a ruler attempted
to control rebellious subjects. Within the walls, however, were increasingly
splendid residences, especially a great hall where the ruler or local
lord sat in state to administer justice and hear petitions. Towers served
as strong rooms to protect treasure and documents. Increasing reliance
on money and laws required a treasury and legal archives for records and
charters. Whereas once the scribes worked in monastic scriptoria, now
they labored in chancery halls. Not only the king but also his great vassals
and their vassals in turn, right down to the local officials, needed imposing
and secure headquarters. Chapter 3 explores the castle’s political
and economic role.
World History
