In the following essay I will compare the functions and forms of Bodiam and Bolton Castles. The two castles were built in the second half of the 14th century and their builders were granted a license to build battlements by Richard II. Since both are part of a transitional phase in the history of castle construction, I will try to illustrate their functions both as defensive systems and as comfortable and sophisticated residences. By analyzing their plans, I would examine the differences and similarities in the layout and design of the two castles. Bodiam Castle is a late medieval castle built in East Sussex between 1385 and 1386 by Sir Edward Dalyngrigge (Fig. 1). Bolton Castle was built by Sir Richard le Scrope in 1379 (Fig. 2). Both castles were built at a developmental stage in the history of castle building. They were built in an era when the nobility were looking for comfortable residences that offered them not only security, but also spacious and pleasant places to live. Following the invention of firearms and gunpowder, which made many of their defensive measures impractical, castles were in decline at that time. Furthermore, the weakening of military feudalism granted the king greater authority at the expense of the power, possessed by the lords and barons. Therefore, the structures of the military castles were no longer as adequate as in the past. A newfound desire emerged among the gentlemen to demonstrate the authority they still had; thus, castles became comfortable residences that displayed wealth, rank, and status. The massive towers of the stunningly beautiful Bodiam Castle and the wide moat that surrounds it appear as the perfect example of the medieval castle. However, this fortress served as both a stronghold and......middle of paper......g castles. They impress with their sense of symmetry. Although the two castles were truly different in size and planning, both impress with their sense of symmetry and are centered on a courtyard and served as living quarters not only for their lord, but also for their families and visitors. Works Cited Curzon,. Bodiam Castle, Sussex: A Historical and Descriptive Survey (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1925); Goodall, J., The English Castle (London: Yale University Press, 2011) Jackson, G., The Story of Bolton Castle (Clapham: Dalesman Publishing Company Ltd., 1966); Morris, M., Castle (London: Pan Books, 2004); Platt, C., The Castle in Medieval England and Wales (London: Secker & Warburg, 1982); Thackray, D., Bodiam Castle, (London: The National Trust, 1991); Toy S., The Castles of Great Britain (London: William Heinemann Ltd., 1953);