Castleforts

Castleforts are a type of medieval fortified settlement or walled town, typically located in Scotland, England, and Wales. These fortified townships were built during the late medieval period, often with the purpose of providing a secure and protected area for local residents.

Characteristics of castleforts include a strong defensive wall, sometimes reinforced with towers, and often with a gatehouse or entrance. They may also feature a church or other community buildings, such as a hall or a blacksmith's forge. Castleforts typically span a small area, accommodating a small to moderate-sized population.

Historically, many castleforts were established by local landowners or nobles to control the movement of people, goods, and armies. They served as strategic trading points and fortified strongholds against external threats, often sited at key intersections or territorial boundaries.

While the name "castlefort" suggests a direct connection to castles, castleforts share some but not all characteristics of traditional castles. Unlike castles, which were typically built by nobility and royal families for defensive and symbolic purposes, castleforts were often erected by squires, yeomen, and other landowners.

Some well-known examples of castleforts include Foulden, Roxburghshire, in Scotland, and Ormskirk, Lancashire, in England. Archaeological excavations have revealed various castlefort sites, showcasing the craftsmanship and ingenuity that went into their construction.