The development of castles- from the Norman Conquest to the medieval period under Henry II

1. The development of castles- from the Norman Conquest to the medieval period under Henry II Key Issue- development of castles STARTER- How did towers strengthen the castle defenses? EXTENSION:why do you think the base of the tower was much thicker? Explain?

2. Key words/concepts (summarise in your own words) • Background to the stone keep at Dover- William marched through Dover following his success at the Battle of Hastings in 1066, and built a motte and bailey castle. • Sometime in the century following the Norman invasion the town of Dover moved from the hilltop to the low-lying land by the harbour. Whether this move was voluntary or enforced by the Normans we simply don't know, but when Henry II decided to create his magnificent new stone castle here in 1080, the hilltop site was largely empty aside from the church and lighthouse. • Henry built a huge stone keep, protected by a ringwork inner curtain wall to the north west of the original ringwork. 

3. William the Conqueror • As soon as William won at Hastings he set off and made sure he had control of Dover. • ‘Dover was an early target for the Normans after Hastings. According to William of Poitiers’ account of the Norman Conquest, ‘[Dover was] situated on a rock adjoining the sea ... it stands like a straight wall as high as an arrow’s flight, our men, greedy for booty, set fire to the castle while the inhabitants were preparing to surrender’. William offered compensation - then set about rebuilding the walls.’

4. What are the different types of castles? The Motte and Bailey The Curtain Wall Castle with round towers The Concentric Castle- Dover changed to this type of Castle under Henry III The Stone Keep

5. How has Dover changed overtime? • Early Iron Age Hill Top • Anglo- Saxon Burgh • Motte and Bailey Castle • Stone Keep • Concentric castle

6. First Development • This is the first development made on the site of Dover Castle. It is built on the highest point of the hill looking out to the English Channel. • What could it be?

7. Pharos • This is a Roman Pharos (lighthouse) It was developed in AD79 as part of a pair. The other located on the Western Heights. The Pharos guided ships into the port of Dover. What does this say about the importance the Romans placed on Dover?

8. A Painted picture from the 17th c showing ships being guided in by the lighthouses located by the arrows. (Left – Western Heights, Right – Dover Castle site).

9. Mini Plenary ‘What does your site reveal about the people at the time in which it was created and/or developed?’

10. Answer in full/clear sentences • Why were Motte and Bailey Castles first developed? • Advantages and disadvantages of Motte and Bailey Castles • Key features and purpose of Stone Keeps

11. Why were Motte and Bailey Castles first developed? • Motte and bailey castles appeared in England after the Norman Conquest of 1066. Motte and bailey castles were a common feature in England by the death of William the Conqueror in 1087. Their construction was the start of what was to become a massive castle building programme in England and Wales. • When William landed at Pevensey in 1066, he immediately set about building a castle to protect himself and his most important men. • French kings had gained a reputation for building castles. This was their way of coping with the constant attacks by Vikings from Scandinavia.  these served as private fortifications in which people and animals were protected from these feared invaders. • The motte and bailey castle at Dover took just eight days to build – according to William of Poitiers who was William’s chaplain.

12. A TYPICAL MOTTE AND BAILEY CASTLE WATCH TOWER BAILEY STOCKADE MOTTE DRAWBRIDGE DITCH BRIDGE What were the advantages and disadvantages of thistype of castle? They were used to keep the Saxons tamed. After William’s response to the rebellion in the north of England, many areas were simply too scared to rebel. Motte and bailey castles were a sign that feared Norman soldiers were never too far away

13. Advantages and disadvantages of Motte and Bailey Castles Could be built quickly, in a matter of 4 to 7 days. Being made of wood of meant motte and baileys could be burnt down. Cheap to build. Used local resources eg, peasants to do the work and trees for materials The timbers of motte and baileys would have to be replaced every ten years or so – due to rotting. Only needed a few soldiers to defend the castle. A few soldiers in a motte and bailey could dominate a large area A castle could be surrounded and their food supply could be cut off.

15. Key features and purpose of stone keeps • The timber motte and bailey were only built to secure Norman power- they were replaced with Stone Keeps • Keeps were large powerful towers which also served as home for the lord, his family and their servants. A CROSS-SECTION OF A CASTLE KEEP- Why do you think the entrance was at first floor level?

16. THE GATEHOUSE GUARD TOWERS ARROW SLITS BATTLEMENTS PORTCULLIS DRAWBRIDGE

17. Your task • Read the cards you have been given and sort them into the appropriate factor box on your table. • Write a judgement on what factor was the most important for the developments made by William. What could be the reasons for little evidence of the motte and bailey remaining today?

18. Henry II • Henry II was King of England and was in trouble with the Church after the murder of Thomas Becket. Becket had become a saint. • He had made amends with the Church by committing penance on himself. • The relationship was strained still and Henry II looked weak. •  What would you do to make yourself look strong if you looked weak?

19. Your task • Read the hand-out and take notes on what was developed on the site and why. • Complete the column on your factor sheet. Note down how the Castle has changed from the Norman period. How much has the history of Britain influenced the developments made?

20. THE END OF THE AGE OF CASTLES 1550 The use of gunpowder and the introduction of the cannon from the 13th century AD onwards, spelt the end for the age of castles. From the 14th century onwards castles began to fall into disuse or were converted into mansion houses for the lords.

21. Using your knowledge gained today Write a paragraph to explain Changes to Dover Castle overtime Include the following keywords: • Early Iron Age Hill Top • Anglo- Saxon Burgh • Motte and Bailey Castle • Stone Keep (Henry II) • Concentric castle (Henry III) Extension- which period saw the most extensive changes and why?

22. Plenary • What changes did the site go under in the Middle Ages under Henry II? • Name 2 reasons for changes at the site • What factor played the greatest role in developments at the site in this period? • Which period has made the greatest changes to the site and why so far? Roman / Saxon / Norman / Medieval

23.  Homework (due in one week) • Who built on the site after the Romans. Hint is that it’s located right next to the Pharos. What does this say about influences of on the period? • What did William the Conqueror add around the church? • Create a mini fact-file on this development. • This will help you gain Level 4 knowledge of the site!