An expedient, quickly erected, medieval fortification consisting of an artificially constructed earthen mound — the motte — with a flattened top, surrounded by a ditch with an adjoining separately defended enclosure, the bailey. Several classic examples of motte and bailey castles are illustrated in the Bayeaux tapestry, with wooden towers and palisades on top of the motte. The motte was connected by wooden drawbridge and gate to the bailey, which contained all the ancillary buildings, usually constructed in timber. It seems likely that the motte and bailey idea originated in the Rhineland during the 10th century and the concept was eventually adopted in central and northern France in the 11th century. It is often regarded as an archaeological expression of feudalism, and this kind of private fortification was certainly used by the Normans to reinforce their political conquests of the British Isles, southern Italy and Sicily. As a result of its widespread use, it is hardly surprising that excavations have revealed many different mound constructions and a variety of timber and stone buildings on the top of the motte.
The Macmillan dictionary of archaeology, Ruth D. Whitehouse, 1983Copied