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Year 10 - History

The construction of Pevensey Castle

Pevensey Castle

Unit Summary

In this unit, pupils learn about the historical environment, choosing the relevant site study to complement their understanding of Norman England.

Lesson Summary

You will learn to explain how and why Pevensey Castle was constructed as it was.

Key Notes

  • 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.

Vocabulary To Learn

  • 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 Mistakes To Avoid

  • Motte-and-bailey castles took years to build.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

1. Summarise this historical learning in two key ideas.

Pevensey Castle was originally a Roman fort. Pevensey Castle was a motte-and-bailey castle.

2. Define this history term and explain why it matters in this topic. 'fort'

a defensive structure.

3. Correct this common history misconception using evidence language.

Mistake: Motte-and-bailey castles took years to build. Correction: 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.

More Lessons In This Unit

Browse all guides in the Year 10 History guide library.