Video summary
Historian Ruth Goodman and archaeologists Tom Pinfold and Peter Ginn help demonstrate different methods of attacking and defending a medieval castle.
They assess the strengths and weaknesses of the trebuchet, spears, crossbows and arrow loops.
This clip is from the 鶹Լ Two series, Secrets of the Castle.
Teacher Notes
Ask your pupils to try and identify military features from this video before recognising them in contemporary medieval sources.
Then they may devise in pairs, plans of castle attack and defence.
If possible, a visit to a local castle might be a useful follow up to explore primary evidence and local history.
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.
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 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.
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.
