Video summary
Historian Ruth Goodman and archaeologists Tom Pinfold and Peter Ginn discover castle interior design and decoration, from the great hall to the toilets.
Medieval castles were not bare stone inside like today's ruins. Instead, walls were plastered and decorated with paint, while floors were tiled.
This clip is from the 鶹Լ Two series, Secrets of the Castle.
Teacher Notes
After watching this short film, pupils could study source examples of decorations similar to those shown.
They could then design their own to convey prestige or reflect the relevant uses of the castle room.
An example might be the design of the great hall to impress visiting barons and give political messages about the household of the castle.
This series is suitable for teaching history at Key Stage 3 in England, Wales and Northern Ireland and at 3rd Level in Scotland.
Building a medieval castle. video
Historian Ruth Goodman and archaeologists Tom Pinfold and Peter Ginn rediscover medieval castle-building techniques.
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.
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.
