CASTLE

PROGRAMME 1: THE NORMANS AND THEIR CASTLES

ACTIVITIES

Guidance

This programme introduces the concept of 'castle' and is the basis for the subsequent programmes in this series. It will be very useful in order to explain the Norman invasion to students in an exciting way, with just enough detail. Of all the programmes in the series this one is the most important for students to watch all the way through.

General activities

Alongside the programme students could:

• Research the Battle of Hastings in more detail using the internet
• Produce a newspaper page or poster outlining the York rebellion and the 'Harrying of the North'
• Write a diary page for the monk who first saw the Normans building a castle
• Look up the Bayeux Tapestry on the internet and note down any images that tell us more about the Norman invasion in general or, more specifically, about castles at that time.

Programme-related activities

• The following tasks can be undertaken individually or in pairs
• Usually one copy of each worksheet is needed per student
• Encourage whole-class discussion and feedback after each activity.

Task 1: The Normans and their castles
Students need to watch the whole programme.

Download activity sheet [Word document, 44KB]

Task 2: How William became King of England
Students need to focus on section 12.58 – 21.59.

Download activity sheet [Word document, 40KB]

Task 3: Motte-and-bailey castles
Students need to focus on section 22.00 – 26.12 and can use the internet.

Download activity sheet [Word document, 160KB]

Task 4: Life in a motte-and-bailey castle
Students need to focus on section 22.00 – 26.12.

Download activity sheet [Word document, 44KB]

Task 5: Sources of evidence
Students need to watch the whole programme.

Download activity sheet [Word document, 44KB]