Though its primary aim was defense, Dalyngrigge made sure that Bodiam was also a comfortable abode, as much a fortified residence as a military stronghold. He built in grand style, creating at the same time a deterrent and a personal statement of wealth and power.
Bodiam was built to a simple rectangular plan with great drum towers at the corners, but this was complemented by the series of drawbridges built at angles to each other, and a massive barbican, forcing a potential adversary to overcome each defense in turn. The interior design of Bodiam is no less intriguing than the exterior defenses; Dalyngrigge knew that he would have to rely on essentially unreliable mercenary troops to man his fortress. So he built a completely self-contained retainer's hall and left both entrances and three of the four angle towers in direct control of the lord and his family. Thus Bodiam was defended from within and without!
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