What Is an Inner Bailey?

From housing prisoners in the most secure part of the grounds to housing guests, the inner bailey is an important part of many castles. Knowledge of this component of a castle's design may make visiting it even more interesting.

Definition

A castle bailey is simply a courtyard within the boundary of the castle walls. It follows that the inner bailey is a courtyard within the castle as well. Naturally, this made the inner bailey stronger against possible attacks.

Significance

The purpose of the inner bailey was to provide an extra layer of protection by way of a keep. Within the inner bailey might have been storage rooms and guest houses. This varies between castles, however. For example, in Carlisle Castle, the inner ward (another term for the inner bailey) contained a great hall and a kitchen.

Construction

The construction of an inner bailey may have varied between castles. At Portchester Castle, for example, the keep was built by combining the functions of several smaller buildings surrounding what became the inner bailey. This then changed over time. Other castles, however, built their inner bailey with a specific purpose.

References

• Portchester Castle - Inner Bailey
• Castle Wales - The Bailey
• English Heritage - The Inner Ward of Carlisle Castle