Pevensey and the Bayeux Tapestry
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can describe how the Bayeux Tapestry shows the Norman landing at Pevensey.
Key learning points
- Pevensey is named in the Bayeux Tapestry.
- The first Norman motte-and-bailey castle was built at Pevensey.
- The Normans were well-prepared for their invasion of England.
- After landing at Pevensey, the Normans devastated the towns of Sussex.
- Robert, Count of Mortain, was given control of Pevensey Castle and the surrounding land.
Keywords
Motte-and-bailey castle - a type of castle built by the Normans, with a high earthen mound (motte) and a courtyard (bailey) protected by a strong timber palisade (fence)
Pillaging - robbing a place using violence, especially in wartime
Common misconception
The Bayeux Tapestry was created by Franco-Normans in Bayeux.
The Bayeux Tapestry was commissioned by Odo, the Bishop of Bayeux, for Bayeux Cathedral, but historians are now almost certain that it was created in Canterbury by English seamstresses.
Teacher tip
Encourage students to think of the Bayeux Tapestry like a cartoon strip telling a story for people who probably could not read. You can print off sections of the tapestry and get them to draw vertical lines through the tapestry to indicate the ending of one scene and the beginning of the next.
Content guidance
Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What natural features made Pevensey Castle a difficult site to attack?
Q2.How did William the Conqueror reinforce Pevensey Castle upon his arrival?
Q3.What role did Pevensey Castle play during the Rebellion of 1088?
Q4.Which of the following best describes the reason why William’s half-brother, Robert, was given control over Pevensey Castle?
Q5.What effect did the sight of the Norman castle within the Roman fort at Pevensey have on the local Anglo-Saxon population?
Q6.Pevensey Castle was part of the former earldom of , which had been the domain of the Anglo-Saxon king Harold II.
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Who commissioned the Bayeux Tapestry?
Q2.What was the primary purpose of the Bayeux Tapestry?
Q3.Which of the following towns is mentioned in the later part of the Bayeux Tapestry?
Q4.How many transport ships did the Normans build for their invasion of England?
Q5.The Normans transported approximately specially-trained warhorses across the Channel for the invasion.
Q6.What was the impact of the Norman pillaging on Sussex during the Conquest?
To help you plan your 10 history lesson on: Pevensey and the Bayeux Tapestry, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 10 history lesson on: Pevensey and the Bayeux Tapestry, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 4 history lessons from the Pevensey Castle unit, dive into the full secondary history curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.