The function of Pevensey Castle
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can explain the different functions of Pevensey Castle.
Key learning points
- Pevensey was an administrative centre.
- Pevensey was one of the most important locations in Sussex.
- Pevensey could serve as a garrison.
- Pevensey may have intimidated the local Anglo-Saxons.
- Pevensey was in a strategic location between London and Normandy.
Keywords
Administrative - relating to the running of a business or government
Rebellion - an armed uprising against a ruler
Common misconception
Castles were purely defensive structures.
Norman castles were effective defensive structures, but they also performed other essential tasks. They were the administrative centre of the local area, the home for the local lord or sheriff and a symbol of Norman power over the Anglo-Saxons.
Teacher tip
Before students write their answer to the second question, they could verbalise their arguments in order to get their thoughts in order. Organise students into pairs, with one arguing for the administrative function and the other the garrison. Give them time to discuss before writing their ideas.
Content guidance
Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which term describes a type of castle built by the Normans, with a high earthen mound and a courtyard protected by a strong timber palisade?
Q2.Complete the sentence: Pevensey Castle was originally a Roman ...
Q3.What was one of the main advantages of William using the existing Roman structure at Pevensey for his landing in 1066?
Q4.What was the purpose of raising the Roman D-tower in the northwest corner of Pevensey Castle?
Q5.Why did William repair the Roman walls at Pevensey Castle?
Q6.What was a major factor in the effectiveness of William's pre-built castle at Pevensey?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which word means relating to the running of a business or government?
Q2.Which word means an armed uprising against a ruler?
Q3.What was the primary reason William the Conqueror built castles in England?
Q4.How did the Normans ensure that their castles were always within reach of each other?
Q5.Which of the following statements about the motte-and-bailey castles is true?
Q6.Match each term with its correct description.
A traditional name for an administrative district in Sussex
A type of Norman castle with a mound and enclosed courtyard
A Norman official responsible for local administration and taxes
A Roman fort in Pevensey where William chose to build his castle
To help you plan your 10 history lesson on: The function 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 function 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.
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