ABSTRACT
The Tower of London is the most complete example of a concentric castle, and Windsor is the largest British castle on the motte and bailey plan. During the troubles of King Stephen’s reign, in 1153, there was an agreement to place the Tower of London and the motte of Windsor in the custody of the Justiciar. One of the grandest of the Crusading castles in Syria, Krak des Chevaliers, had been converted into a very complete concentric castle early in the thirteenth century; but it does not show anything corresponding to the splendid English keep-gatehouses. Windsor is probably the greatest castle in Europe designed upon the mount-and-bailey plan. In 1216, during the civil war between King John and his barons, Windsor Castle was besieged and much damaged by battering engines. Repairs on a large scale were undertaken by Henry III, who completed the walling round the western or Lower Ward.
