Easy to defend. Over 70 were built during William's reign as King of England. On average a Motte was no higher than 5 metres. There are some examples of Motte's that were much higher than this though, Clifford's Tower at York for example. The ditches around both the Motte and the bailey would prove a difficult obstacle to overcome for any attackers, with the fence and possibly a drawbridge to overcome immediately after the ditch the castle becomes a very strong fortress.
Wooden fortifications are also susceptible to simple methods of attack.
They burn for example and given time would rot due to inclement weather. Given the number of weaknesses of the Motte and bailey Castle, explain why the Normans built so many of these structures. Other pages in this section.