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A castle is a type of fortified structure, developed in Europe during the Middle Ages. The first castles appeared in France in the 10th century,[3] and in England during the 11th century. A few castles are known to have been built in England before the Normans invaded in 1066;[4] a great many were built in the years following, the principal mechanism by means of which the Normans were able to consolidate their control over the country.Whilst a few important castles, such as the White Tower in the Tower of London, were built of stone, most early castles were motte-and-bailey castles of earthwork and timber, which could be constructed quickly. Some were later rebuilt in stone, but there are a great many castle sites in England where all that is visible today are traces of earthworks.