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The Significance of Castles: Motte & Bailey in Norman Control

History
Year 9 / GCSE / Grade 8
8 questions
~16 mins
1 views0 downloads

About This Worksheet

A worksheet exploring the factors that made castles, specifically motte and bailey designs, significant in Norman control of England.

Topics covered:

#History
#History
#Norman Control
#Standard
#Significance & Factors
#Castles (Motte & Bailey)
#Identify different factors influencing the construction of motte and bailey castles
#Compare the importance of political, social, economic, and religious factors
#Explain how these factors contributed to Norman control

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The Significance of Castles: Motte & Bailey in Norman Control

Subject: HistoryGrade: Year 9 / GCSE / Grade 8
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Untitled Worksheet

Grade Year 9 / GCSE / Grade 8
A

Introduction to Motte & Bailey Castles

The Normans built motte and bailey castles after 1066 to establish control over England. These castles featured a large earth mound (motte) with a wooden or stone tower on top, surrounded by a protective courtyard (bailey). They served as symbols of Norman power, military strongholds, and administrative centers.

Source A: Historian's View

'Motte and bailey castles were quick to build and served immediate military and political purposes, helping Normans control newly conquered lands.' Provenance: Excerpt from a historical overview by Dr. Jane Smith, 2010.

1.
Categorize the following factors as Political, Social, Economic, or Religious: The castles demonstrated Norman authority; They helped control local populations; They attracted trade and settlers; They reinforced Norman religious dominance.
[4 marks]
2.
Compare the significance of military and political factors in the building of motte and bailey castles. (6 marks)
[6 marks]
3.
Explain why the economic factors were important in the Norman building of castles. (4 marks)
[4 marks]
4.
Outline the religious reasons for building motte and bailey castles in Norman England.
[3 marks]
5.
Which factor do you think was MORE significant in the Norman use of castles: political control or military defense? Justify your answer with evidence. (8 marks)
[8 marks]
6.
Compare the construction speed and purpose of motte and bailey castles during Norman England.
[4 marks]
7.
Analyze how social factors influenced the Norman decision to build motte and bailey castles.
[6 marks]
8.
Outline the main reasons why the Normans built motte and bailey castles after 1066.
[3 marks]

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Details

Created
1/1/2026
Updated
1/1/2026
Type
worksheet
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