As castle design developed, the importance of having a single keep became less. Another strategy was to build a number of towers, close enough together that each provided support for its neighbours. Attackers concentrating on one tower could be shot at from the others.

The towers were linked by a strong stone curtain wall.

As in the early days of stone castle building, some designers preferred the simplicity of building towers with a square or rectangular plan.

Castle Bolton, North Yorkshire

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