Video summary
Historian Ruth Goodman and archaeologists Tom Pinfold and Peter Ginn explore medieval castle building on site at the modern-day reconstruction project of Guédelon Castle in France.
The film showcases medieval materials, techniques and skills.
Many of the tools would be recognisable to modern builders: wooden rollers, the treadmill winch, compasses, a chisel and wedge, and plumb lines for accurate measurement.
This clip is from the 鶹Լ Two series, Secrets of the Castle.
Teacher Notes
In groups, pupils could view the piece, before they construct their own model castle.
The steps are outlined:
- design (selecting features to include)
- plan the tasks
- allocate tasks within the group
- build
- reflect on what went well and what may have gone even better in the project (from teamwork to materials used).
This series is suitable for teaching history at Key Stage 3 in England, Wales and Northern Ireland and at 3rd Level in Scotland.
Medieval daily life. video
Not everyone in the 13th century lived in castles. Ruth Goodman, Tom Pinfold and Peter Ginn visit a much humbler home to see how medieval peasants lived.
Inside a medieval castle. video
Those cold stone walls need some cheering up! Ruth Goodman, Tom Pinfold and Peter Ginn discover that medieval castles were lavishly decorated inside.
Medieval trades and skills. video
A medieval castle needed many skilled personnel to function. Ruth Goodman, Tom Pinfold and Peter Ginn meet some of the most important including the blacksmith and carpenter.
Medieval warfare. video
Once you have built your castle, how do you defend it? Ruth Goodman, Tom Pinfold and Peter Ginn find out how attackers and defenders conducted medieval warfare.
The medieval world. video
Medieval life was not completely static. Ruth Goodman, Tom Pinfold and Peter Ginn discover the effects trade, travel and pilgrimage had on daily life in the 13th century.
