CASTLE

PROGRAMME 1: THE NORMANS AND THEIR CASTLES

This programme introduces us to the concept of the 'castle', which before the Norman invasion was a term that had never been used. After their success at the Battle of Hastings, the Normans built motte-and-bailey castles as a way of controlling their new lands and protecting themselves against attackers. These castles, such as those at Dover and Pevensey, consisted of a wooden tower on top of a man-made mount of earth (motte), surrounded by a flat area of land for other buildings and animals (bailey), and all enclosed by wooden fences and ditches. These early constructions were very different from later stone castles, and similar examples can be seen in the Bayeux Tapestry.

William the Conqueror allowed his followers to build their own castles all over the land, and to manage these areas themselves in order to keep control of the English. There were an estimated 500-600 castles built during William's reign.

The main example featured in this programme is Hen Domen in Shropshire, built by a friend of William's – Roger of Montgomery. Analysis of the archaeological evidence reveals the structure of Hen Domen, with features such as a flying bridge and double palisade (fence), and it becomes clear how useful these castles were in defending against cavalry.

PROGRAMME AIMS

The programme should enable students to:

• Describe chronologically the major events of the Norman invasion and conquest of England
• Understand how significant the Bayeux Tapestry is as a source of evidence, but that it is a partial view
• Use the evidence of a range of modern-day experts in coming to conclusions about this period
• Explain the structure and significance of motte-and-bailey castles.