What were the first castles like Learning Objectives

What were the first castles like?

Learning Objectives • Ask and answer relevant questions about the past using a range of sources. • Express opinions about topics including some supporting reasons (using connectives) • Communicate ideas, opinions and conclusions with increasing independence

Wooden Tower Bailey Motte Wet Moat Drawbridge Wooden fence

starter activity When the Normans arrived the first castles they built were wooden, motte & bailey castles. Make a list of the advantages & disadvantages of this type of castle.

Bailey – larger area protected by a ditch around it and used for living accommodation and storage of goods and animals. Motte – mound of earth with steep sides and flat on top. The top of the motte was the safest place and hardest to attack. Wooden Tower – safest part of the castle. Stockade - fence Drawbridge

Positive - Motte and Bailey castles were quick to build – William built one at Hastings in 17 days! Within a few years there were castles all over England. These castles were also cheap to build because of the cheap materials. Can you think of any disadvantages of motte and bailey castles?

Minus – Very easy to attack by fire (wood) Not much living space in the tower or keep Wood would rot over time.

Statement: Motte and Bailey Castles were effective castles. Plus Minus The palisade fence was 8 feet high and pointed, The wood was easy to set fire to. so it was difficult to get into the castle. The wood would rot over time, so it was not a permanent structure. The Motte was hard to climb for attackers. Ask and answer relevant questions about the past using a range of sources Express opinions about topics including some supporting reasons Communicate ideas, opinions and conclusions with increasing independence The drawbridge would be lifted up when under attack. There was guard patrol around the tower. Gates could shut off the walkway. Soldiers guarded the gateway. The moat was difficult to get over. It only took 7 -14 days to build. They were cheap to build. Wood was easy to find. Supplies of food were kept safe. It was high, so you could see your attacker. Interesting The tower was very small. Who would have been saved from attack? How big could a Motte and Bailey castle be? Not much living space in the keep if under attack. What was the biggest one every recorded? It cannot hold large numbers of soldiers. How many Motte and Bailey castles did the Normans build after 1066? The Motte could be tunnelled under.

PM chart Positive points Minus points • Made of wood which was easy to find and cheap. • Quick to build. • Advantage of height – Normans could see the Anglo. Saxons all day. • Keep animals inside as a food supply. • Defence good…moat, drawbridge, motte, palisade fence all difficult to get in. • Wood is a weak building materials – castles could not be too big • Wood can rot with rain • Wood can burn • Motte can be tunnelled under • Cannot hold large numbers of troops

What is your opinion on the Motte and Bailey castle? • I think that the Motte and bailey castle is effective because • Develop your opinion with full sentences and the use of connectives. • I think that the Motte and bailey castle is not effective because

Sentences with connectives. • I think the Motte and Bailey castle was effective as a defence because it had a moat, palisade fence, soldiers on patrol and a drawbridge. • From sources historians suggest that the Motte was difficult to climb and attack because it had steep sides. • I think the castle was an effective castle. The Motte and Bailey castle was easy to build out of wood, but wood could be easily burned. • Because the Motte and Bailey castle was tall, the Normans could see their attackers before they attacked. • I think that the Motte and Bailey castle was not effective. This type of castle was quick to build out of wood, however it was also quick to be burned. • I think that the Motte and Bailey castle was not effective. This type of castle was quick to build out of wood, however the wood would rot over time.