The construction of Pevensey Castle
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can explain how and why Pevensey Castle was constructed as it was.
Key learning points
- Pevensey Castle was originally a Roman fort.
- Pevensey Castle was a motte-and-bailey castle.
- Pevensey Castle was initially built from wood and a mound of earth.
- Pevensey was strengthened further after the Norman Conquest.
Keywords
Fort - a defensive structure
Castle - a defensive structure which is also designed to be a place of permanent residence
Motte-and-bailey - 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)
Common misconception
Motte-and-bailey castles took years to build.
Stone castles could take several years to build; however, the Normans could erect the main defences of a motte-and-bailey castle in as little as a week, usually using large amounts of local labour.
Teacher tip
As part of their revision, encourage students to write model paragraphs for different aspects of Pevensey Castle that questions could be asked about; for instance, a model paragraph explaining how the architecture of Pevensey Castle helped the Normans to maintain control.
Content guidance
Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which word means the exchange of goods?
Q2.Which word means a powerful English landholder?
Q3.How many mints did Sussex have?
Q4.Where have coins minted in Sussex been found?
Q5.Which of the follow industries did Sussex have?
Q6.How many churches were there in Sussex on the eve of the Norman Conquest?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which word describes a defensive structure which is also designed to be a place of permanent residence?
Q2.Which word describes a defensive structure?
Q3.What happened to ‘Anderitum’ after the Romans left Britain?
Q4.What was one of William the Conqueror’s initial actions upon landing at Pevensey in 1066?
Q5.How did William the Conqueror manage to complete the castle so quickly at Pevensey?
Q6.What were some of the improvements made to Pevensey Castle by Robert, Count of Mortain?
To help you plan your 10 history lesson on: The construction of Pevensey Castle, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 10 history lesson on: The construction of Pevensey Castle, 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.