What did people have instead of castles?

Motte-and-bailey castles were the earliest form of castles built in Europe, and they were used from the 10th to the 13th centuries. They consisted of a raised mound (the motte) surrounded by a ditch and a wooden palisade. On top of the motte was a wooden tower (the keep). The bailey was a courtyard that was also surrounded by a ditch and a palisade. The bailey was used for storing food and supplies, and it also provided a place for the lord and his men to live.

Ringwork castles

Ringwork castles were a later development than motte-and-bailey castles, and they were used from the 12th to the 14th centuries. Ringwork castles consisted of a circular or oval enclosure surrounded by a ditch and a bank of earth. The enclosure was usually divided into two parts: an inner bailey and an outer bailey. The inner bailey was used for the same purposes as the motte in a motte-and-bailey castle, and the outer bailey was used for storing food and supplies.

Stone castles

Stone castles were the most advanced type of castle, and they were used from the 13th to the 16th centuries. Stone castles were made of stone, and they were much more difficult to attack than motte-and-bailey castles or ringwork castles. Stone castles also had a number of advantages over earlier types of castles, such as better living conditions and more space for storage.