Castles
History: KS3, topic 2.2.8
Castles
Although William had won the Battle of Hastings, his position as king was still very insecure. He used several methods to secure his throne and establish himself as king.
Control
- Another key way that William kept control of England was through his use of castles (another idea that he brought over from Normandy).
- William had been an invader and many of the English did not want him as their king, so he had to find a way to keep them under control.
Castles
- In many towns across the country, William had castles built.
- They were usually built on the top of a hill so that they looked out for miles into the distance.
Motte and bailey castles
- These early castles were known as ‘motte and bailey’ castles.
- Soldiers lived within the castle grounds and would defend it if necessary.
- William placed a loyal knight in the castle (either Norman or English) to keep control.
- The knight would oversee the soldiers in the castle and collect taxes from them.
Test yourself on Castles
Who did William place in each castle to oversee the soldiers and collect taxes?
Which of the following was NOT a responsibility of the loyal knight in each castle?