a. Fireplaces: Castles commonly featured large fireplaces in their great halls, kitchens, and private chambers. These fireplaces were constructed from stone or brick and often adorned with intricate carvings. Wood, the primary fuel source, would be burned in these fireplaces to provide heat and a source of light.
b. Hearths: Open hearths were also utilized to generate warmth. Often located in communal areas like the great hall, these hearths consisted of a raised platform or stone structure where wood or other combustible materials were burnt.
c. Braziers and Pans: Portable braziers and pans filled with hot coals were used to supplement heat within individual chambers. These could be placed strategically in rooms or carried around to provide localized warmth.
d. Heated Wall Flues: Some castles employed a clever system of heated wall flues. They constructed hollow spaces within walls and ran hot smoke and fumes from the fireplaces or hearths through these flues, radiating heat into the surrounding rooms.
e. Embrasures: Embrasures, the openings in castle walls for archers, could also serve a dual purpose as sources of heat. By closing the shutters of the embrasure, the heat generated from the indoor fireplaces could be retained more efficiently.
It's important to note that the efficiency of heating methods varied depending on the available resources, architectural design, and period of time. Medieval castles were susceptible to drafts and heat loss through their numerous windows and doorways, making it challenging to maintain a consistent and comfortable temperature throughout.