so square and austere, medieval. what would life have been like there?

It's an empty shell now, but I think the interior would have been rather grand. The upper classes would have lived very comfortably. Great feasting and all that sort of thing.

But it's a real castle. It was besieged several times.

it looks to have 5 or 6 levels, minus the dungeon
early condo living..
; )

I think it would depend on whether you were servant or master.

Certainly. The high status folk would have had a grand life. And maybe their servants wouldn't have done too badly either. To be in the service of a great lord would have been a pretty good gig- secure anyway.

It's still a magnificent place. I see it's an English Heritage site. They keep their properties up beautifully. Have you visited it inside?

Nice castle!