What do we call the stronghold where a lord lives?

The story behind the answer

The medieval lord’s residence was a fortified complex designed for defense and rule. Unlike a manor (an agricultural estate house) or a generic fortress (purely military), it combined living quarters with strong defenses. The keep is just the inner strong tower, one part of the whole complex.

These structures evolved from early motte-and-bailey earthworks to stone keeps and concentric designs with curtain walls, moats, and gatehouses. Beyond warfare, they served as administrative centers, courts, and storerooms, projecting feudal authority over surrounding lands. Iconic examples include the Tower of London and Carcassonne.