Study Guides

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 the key design features of the White Tower.

Key Notes

• The Normans loved an architectural style known now as Romanesque which looked back to features of Roman architecture.
• Castles changed the landscape of Norman England.
• Stone keeps and walls began to replace the wooden castle buildings and fortifications in the 12th century.
• The architect of the White Tower was a monk from Normandy, called Gundulf.
• The White Tower was built as a massive rectangular structure, with four corner turrets.

Vocabulary To Learn

• Romanesque: the style of building that was fashionable in Western Europe which recalled the power of the Roman Empire
• architecture: the design and construction of buildings
• motte-and-bailey: a type of fortification built by the Normans
• keep: a fortified tower in a castle
• mason: somebody who constructs things from stone

Common Mistakes To Avoid

• All Norman castles were built to the same design.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

More Lessons In This Unit

• London and the events of 1066 Study Guide
• London before the Norman Conquest Study Guide
• St John's Chapel Study Guide
• The function of the White Tower Study Guide
• The residents of the White Tower Study Guide
• The site of the White Tower Study Guide
• The White Tower: structuring your answer to the historic environment question Study Guide
• White Tower - historical context themes Study Guide
• White Tower - sources and historical context Study Guide