Illustrating roughly the 14th-15 centuries, the changes which castles underwent become clear. Europeans had become more adept at building, and had gained more wealth to invest. 

While much more elaborate by this time compared to Restormel, the castle now was seldom used as a defensive instrument of war, since there was no more than an occasional Scottish threat in this area. 

More often, 14th-15th century castles were used as administrative and political centers, or gathering points for the tournament. 

 

         During the Hundred Years' War, Warwick was also used for holding French prisoners-of-war until they were ransomed, or they died in the dungeon -- or worse, came into the embrace of the Iron Maiden. 

 
      The knight also had come a long way from the simple armor and style of just a couple centuries ago. Here the knight in shining -- even dazzling -- armor rode into more romance stories than actual battle by the 14th-15 centuries. The Long-Bow was putting this armored tank out of business. (Do consider the point of the Long-Bow essay.) 

      Instead of feudal lords, the owners of these castles were becoming land-lords, complete with mills like this one to the right which generated income as they ground wheat into flour. Lords needed new sources of income to support the cost of upkeep of the grounds and elaborate rooms like the Great Hall. Click here to see a 16th century chateau, Chambord.