Life in castles
A castle could house a noble's family, their servants and staff, priests, a company of soldiers, and horses, pigs, and other animals. Most castles had a great hall, in which castle life centered; a kitchen; a chapel; toilets (called garderobes); and places to sleep. Heat was provided by fires in the middle of the hall and, later, by fireplaces. Candles and torches provided light. For nobles, living in a castle could be exciting at times. But there were also long periods during which they had no communication with people from the outside. In addition, castles could be uncomfortable. In winter, the stone walls became damp and cold, and the rooms were drafty.
Excerpt adapted from the "Castle" article in The World Book Encyclopedia © 1999