Source A: Excerpt from a Medieval Chronicle

'Following the conquest of England in 1066, the Normans swiftly built many castles to control the land. The earliest castles were made of wood and built on strategic sites.'

Provenance: Medieval chronicle written by William of Malmesbury, 1120.

Source B: Description of a Motte & Bailey

'A typical Motte and Bailey castle consisted of a large earth mound (motte) topped with a wooden tower, and an enclosed courtyard (bailey) surrounded by a fence.'

Provenance: Historical record from a 12th-century survey.

Source C: Timeline of Norman Castle Construction

• 1066: William the Conqueror invades England
• 1067-1087: Rapid construction of wooden Motte and Bailey castles
• 1080s: Transition to stone castles for greater strength
• 12th century: Development of more complex castle designs

Provenance: Historical timeline from a university history textbook.

Source D: Medieval historian’s view

'The rapid construction of Motte and Bailey castles allowed the Normans to secure their hold on England swiftly, but many of these wooden structures were replaced over time with more durable stone castles.'

Provenance: Modern historian’s analysis from a published book.