Rock castle

A rock castle (German: Felsenburg) is a type of medieval castle that directly incorporates natural rock outcrops into its defences to such an extent that the rock formations define the structure of the castle. Topographically rock castles are classified as hill castles.

Layout

By contrast with the usual hill castles, that utilize the bedrock as a foundation for the individual buildings, the entire structure of rock castles is shaped by natural, often isolated rock formations, such as rock towers or crags. Typically a rock castle was built on a rock that was able to provide a fortified position without any great additions. In simple fortifications of this type the rock could be climbed on simple ladders that were hoisted up in times of danger. Rock castles would also have wooden and stone structures built on or against them. The morphological characteristics of the rock were crucial to the extent and nature of any structures.

The rock on which the castle stands is always incorporated into its design. If the rock is easy to work (e.g. sandstone), rooms, passages, steps, well shafts and cisterns were invariably hacked out of it. The buildings, made of wood or stone, stood on or next to the rock and used it as a foundation or walls. The remains of wooden structures are not usually preserved today, but their location and appearance can be partially gauged by the joist bearings and joist holes still visible in the rock.

Rock Castle

Rock Castle or Rockcastle may refer to:

in the United States (by state)

Rock Castle (Virginia)

Rock Castle is a historic estate located at Rock Castle, Goochland County, Virginia. Located on the Rock Castle property is the Queen Anne Cottage. It is a small, five-bay, 1 1/2-story frame structure with clipped gable ends and two interior end chimneys. The house was built prior to 1732. In 1843 Rock Castle was purchased by John Rutherfoord, Governor of Virginia from 1841 to 1842.

It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1970.

References