In the following essay I will compare the functions and forms of Bodiam Castle and Bolton Castle. Both castles were built in the second part of the 14th century and their builders obtained crenellation authorization from Richard II. As they are both part of a transition in the history of castle building, I will attempt to illustrate their functions both as defensive systems and as comfortable, 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 an evolutionary stage in the history of castle building. They were built at a time when the nobility sought comfortable residences that not only offered them security, but also spacious and pleasant living spaces. Following the invention of guns and gunpowder, which made many of their defensive measures impractical, castles at this time were in decline. Furthermore, the weakening of military feudalism gave the king greater authority at the expense of the power held by lords and barons. Therefore, military castle structures were no longer as suitable as before. A new desire appears among the lords to demonstrate the authority they still have; thus, castles became comfortable residences that displayed wealth, rank and status. The massive towers of Bodiam Castle, of remarkable beauty, and the large moat that surrounds it appear to be the perfect example of the medieval castle. Nevertheless, this fortress served both as a stronghold and...... middle of paper ......g on the castles. They impress with their sense of symmetry. Although the two castles are truly different in size and planning, they both impress with their sense of symmetry and are centered on a courtyard and served as a dwelling not only for their lord, but also for their households and visitors. Works CitedCurzon,. 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 & 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);