Medieval Castle Security

One of the most important aspects of a medieval castle was the security. They were with the utmost safety and security into mind and that is when a maze or labyrinth to this need. It is the theory, and it makes sense that labyrinths were often a way to confuse attacking forces. Soldiers in a maze can be easily confused and lost.

Another use of the labyrinth is the labyrinth under the castle in Budapest, Hungary. An extensive network as well as a protection in times of an attack and a good place to secretly.

In the twelfth century, the purpose and the construction of mazes changed and many churches and castles were labyrinths, in the floor or wall. This kind of maze or labyrinth was very popular in the twelfth century in Italy and France. The oldest surviving labyrinth of this kind is the Chatres Cathedral labyrinth in France, is in the stone floor of the cathedral to the twelfth century.

In Britain, the religious style of the maze was never very popular, but they have their own form and style of outdoor labyrinth that hedgerows, trees and grass. This means a multitude of functions, including recreation and test riding skills. Some of the best known are the Hampton Court Palace Maze and the Leeds Castle Maze.

Turf mazes are another kind of outdoor labyrinth, which is very popular in Britain. One of the famous turf mazes, which still exists, the Saffron Walden Maze is located on the grounds of the ruins of Walden in England.

Medieval castles have a long history of places of safety, security and secrecy, and it is only natural that this mystery is through the use of mazes and labyrinths.