Both a fore- and stern-castle is a structure at the bow of a ship.
It is derived from the free-standing tower-like additions on northern European vessels of the Viking tradition and the raised platforms employed on Mediterranean “round” ships, and at a later stage also galleys.

Overtime the design of these constructions became more integrated with the hull top sides developing into the multi- decked defensive structures of carracks and galleons.

However, the difference between these is that stern castles developed into a half-decks, quarterdecks and poop arrangements of carracks and galleons.

Examples of these structures will later be posted in association to known vessels.