Public Politics
They say to never discuss politics openly, and this might be why. Those who were imprisoned were ones with conflicting political beliefs. Torture for those taken in was subjecting them to capturing rats in a basket, then tying it to said imprisoned person, and finally letting the rats eat their way out of the body.
Feeling Freezing
Castles were beautiful to look at, but those big lofty rooms left a lot of cold air to hang around. The mansions were often freezing cold, making fireplaces a necessity in nearly every room. The stone walls didn't hold heat, so make sure you get under a blanket before sleeping over!