CASTLE

PROGRAMME 2: ROCHESTER SIEGE

ACTIVITIES

Guidance

This programme is particularly useful for explaining to students what happened in a siege and how difficult conditions would have been for both sides. Ideally students should watch the whole programme, but if this isn't possible then the siege is shown in section 24.12 – 45.37.

General activities

Alongside the programme students could:

• Draw a diagram of a trebuchet
• Use the internet to investigate a different siege and compare it with the siege at Rochester
• Investigate the history and importance of the Tower of London
• Produce a timeline of kings since the Norman invasion.

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: Why was the stone keep such an excellent defensive and building and home?
Students need to focus on 01.00 – 06.09 and 06.20 – 08.29.

Download activity sheet [Word document, 40KB]

Task 2: Evidence is vital
Students need to watch section 24.12 – 45.37.

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Task 3: Money, money, money!
Students need to focus on section 08.30 – 11.12.

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Task 4: Modern-day experts
Students need to focus on section 22.00 – 26.12.

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Task 5: The 1215 Siege at Rochester Castle
Students need to focus on section 15.15 – 48.15.

Download activity sheet [Word document, 40KB]

Task 6: Weapons and armour
Students need to focus on the section starting at 12.35 (armour) and 24.12 – 45.37 (siege).

Download activity sheet [Word document, 44KB]