Where to build a castle?
© GJT2004
MW NGfL 2004
© Photolibrarywales.com
© Photolibrarywales.com
Where to build a castle?
Lesson Objective
To consider different locations in which to build a
castle
To come to a conclusion as to the best sites on
which to build a castle
Where to build a castle was a very important decision for a King.
He had to think about many important factors.
‘Click’ on the screen for factors
Is my castle near a
village so I can keep
protect the locals?
Does my castle have a
supply of fresh water
nearby?
Image used courtesy of Burger King
Are there good
foundations or will
my castle fall down?
Is my castle in a good
defensive position?
Examine the sites labelled A-E on the map below.
Discuss the advantages and the disadvantages of each with a partner.
When Edward I built his magnificent castles
in North Wales he has his friend James of
St. George to help him build them.
These castles had to be built quickly but
built well. Conwy castle cost King Edward
£15,000 a lot of money back then.
©BBC
Let’s see what Bob thinks of each site as he looks at the advantages and
disadvantages of each one
Click your way through the possibilities
Site A is high up which will offer
plenty of defence from attack.
You can also see your enemy
approaching from a long way away.
Site A is high up so it will be
difficult to carry equipment
up the mountain. Also, the
weather up here will be
more severe and there is no
drinking water.
Let’s see what Bob thinks of each site as he looks at the advantages and
disadvantages of each one
At SiteClick
B there
plenty
of wood
yourisway
through
the possibilities
available to help build parts of the
castle and because you are nicely
sheltered.
Site B is surrounded by
trees so you can’t see you
enemy if they are planning
an attack. Fresh running
water is not found nearby.
Let’s see what Bob thinks of each site as he looks at the advantages and
disadvantages of each one
Click your way through the possibilities
Site C is near a road which will
allow you to transport goods and
soldiers. It is also near water for
drinking.
Site C is in the open – it is
exposed. It could be very
easy for an enemy to attack
you by moving soldiers along
the road.
Let’s see what Bob thinks of each site as he looks at the advantages and
disadvantages of each one
Click your way through the possibilities
Site D is found on marshy land.
Would the marsh take the weight of
a castle? The castle walls could start
to collapse within a few years.
Site D seems a little
exposed and is not near to
a road or woodland.
Let’s see what Bob thinks of each site as he looks at the advantages and
disadvantages of each one
Click your way through the possibilities
Site E is near a village. This will allow
the Lord to keep a close eye on the
locals and make sure they are
protected. He is also close at hand to
crush any potential rebellions.
Site E is out in the open
and you’d be vulnerable if
attacked. There is little
fresh running water nearby.
After much advice and though I have
decided to build my castle on site ____.
This is because…
Where to build a castle?
Lesson Objective
To consider different locations in which to build a
castle
To come to a conclusion as to the best sites on
which to build a castle
End