a motte-and-bailey castle is a fortress in which there is a motte (small hill) surrounded by a bailey (courtyard) inside an outer wall

to oppress is to govern people in an unfair and cruel way and prevent them from having opportunities and freedom

a keep is the strong main tower of a castle which acted as a watchtower and a final point of defence

a palisade is a strong fence made out of solid wooden poles that is used to protect people or a place from being attacked

Establishing control: motte-and-bailey castles

History

In this unit, pupils learnt about the reaction of the Anglo-Saxons to Norman rule and how William consolidated his 1066 victories. In 'Norman England: how far did Norman government change England?', pupils will consider the nature of the changes that Norman rule brought to England and review the extent to which some things remained the same.

In 'Norman England: why did William conquer England?', pupils began their British depth study by considering the causes and methods William the Conqueror used to take control of England. In 'Norman England: how did William the Conqueror subdue England?', pupils will learn about the reaction of the Anglo-Saxons to Norman rule and how William consolidated his 1066 victories.

In this unit, pupils learn about the measures taken by William I to subdue his new kingdom. They examine the various techniques he used in response to English rebellions, and reflect on William's consolidation of power by 1070.

Norman England: how did William the Conqueror subdue England?

Depiction or discussion of violence or fighting, including threats of violence or the aftermath of violence.

Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering

Most Norman castles were variations in what type of castle design?

acted as new homes for Normans in England

terrified the local population and dominated the landscape

acted as bases for Norman nobles to administer an area

How did Norman castles have a psychological impact on the Anglo-Saxons?

How many castles are estimated to have been built by the Normans within 20 years?

to govern people in a cruel way and prevent them from having freedoms

the strong main tower of a castle which acted as a watchtower

a strong fence made out of solid wooden poles that is used for defence

Match keywords to their correct definitions.

Castles were almost {{ }} to Anglo-Saxon England, who had previously relied on burhs for protection.

What material were many castles later rebuilt using?

Which word describes when you pay money and declare loyalty/submission to your ruler, especially on a formal occasion?

Which important lands did William give to his half-brother, the Bishop of Bayeux?

Who did William take back to Normandy with him as hostages in 1067?

William returns to Normandy with hostages

William creates new Marcher earldoms to defend the Marches

Put the following events in chronological order.

It was a risk to give such extensive powers as they may try to become king.

He only ever appointed family members to positions of power.

They had previous experience fighting against the Welsh rebels.

They were Anglo-Saxons so they were good negotiators with the Welsh.

Why did William only appoint his most trustworthy followers to be Marcher earls?

What word describes a person who rules a country for a limited period, because the monarch is absent or too young or too ill?

Content guidance

Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering

Adult supervision recommended

This lesson will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.

Establishing control: motte-and-bailey castles

Lesson outcome

Content guidance

This lesson will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.