moated castles
Water-encircled strongholds
Moated castles are fortifications surrounded by a water-filled ditch.
The moat served as a defensive barrier against attack, making siege more difficult.
The phrase evokes medieval Europe and romantic imagery of drawbridges and stone walls: The moated castles of England draw thousands of tourists each year.
- arrow slitsNarrow openings for archers
- drawbridgeHinged castle entrance span
- murder holesFortification ceiling openings for attack
- battlementsNotched defensive wall top
- stone wallsRefuses to cooperate
feudalism · keep · fairy tales · damsel in distress · gatehouse · chivalry · royal court · curtain wall · barbican · portcullis · fortified walls · literary symbolism · medieval knights · knight in shining armor · siege warfare · noble lineage · coat of arms · towers
moated castlesopen fields
Unenclosed expanses of land
open houses · public buildings · hospices · inns · community centers
moated castlesvillage greens
Communal grassy town centers
town halls · community centers · public markets · agoras · forums