What Were White Norman Fortified Manors Covered With?

[History888]

The exterior of Acton Burnell castle is said to have been white in exterior. What was used to achieve this?

[Mamyalynne]

Limewash.

[Hopkirk]

I don't suppose many ever saw pure brilliant white in those days

[Tilly2]

Blue was another colour they didn't see much of, I believe.

[sandyRoe]

I don't suppose they could have coated their houses with woad.

[Tilly2]

I meant material/clothes, Sandy.

[Tilly2]

...which I should have specified, I suppose.

[Togo]

Conwy and Harlech castles were also a brilliant white, lime wash finish when first constructed. Must have been a breathtaking sight back then.

[aelmpvw]

looking at the pictures i think it's due another coat

[Togo]

Lol Ael, need the roofers in too.

[Tilly2]

It was Hoppy who set me off thinking about clothes. No brilliant white washing! I realise that it has absolutely nothing to do with the question. I'll shut up now. :-)

[mikey4444]

Mamy has the answer here....paint as we know it today did not exist in ancient times.

And lime wash was used primarily as a waterproofing layer, not as a decorative coating.

[History888]

Thanks. Would the limewash have been applied directly onto the stone?

[Mamyalynne]

I'm sure it's documented somewhere - I would guess it was yes.

[Hopkirk]

Did they nip down to B&Q for a barrel of limewash?

[Togo]

To find out about lime wash you will need to research lime kilns and the process of manufacture H888. A dangerous occupation. Very unpleasant conditions and not what could be called environmentally friendly.

[Togo]

It was also I believe, mixed with cow pats to facilitate ease of application using horse hair brushes.