An artificial or improved natural mound on which a castle was built. See also motte-and-bailey.
For more detail: "An artificial round mound on which in the original Norman castles a wooden (later, stone) keep was constructed. Outside of this was an embanked bailey containing the great hall, stables, chapel, kitchen, etc. These were easily and cheaply constructed (they conscripted the local peasants to do the digging) by the Normans to subdue the native populace after the Conquest."
An artificial or improved natural mound on which a castle was built. See also motte-and-bailey.
For more detail: "An artificial round mound on which in the original Norman castles a wooden (later, stone) keep was constructed. Outside of this was an embanked bailey containing the great hall, stables, chapel, kitchen, etc. These were easily and cheaply constructed (they conscripted the local peasants to do the digging) by the Normans to subdue the native populace after the Conquest."