So you’re in a

Norman castle.
How do you know
it’s Norman?
2. 2. A big,
1. stone ‘Keep’
1. The ‘Motte’ – the – the lookout
mound where the castle tower and central
was built. This had steep strong-point.
sides to make it tricky for
the enemy to run up.
4.
3. Large, stone 3.
4. Curved, arched
building blocks doorways – arches were
and thick walls in fashion back then.
– they didn’t have
bricks in 1066.
6. The ‘Bailey’ – this is
the area at the bottom of
5. Small, narrow the ‘motte’. In Norman times
windows – great workers would have
6.
for shooting arrows lived here in small huts.
5. out at the enemy.

7. A moat and
at your castle?
Can’t find everything drawbridge – that’s
in 1066, nearly one tho
usand to keep people out!
The Normans invaded ed by
es have had parts replac 7.
years ago, so most castl
ruins.
now and some are just
what it
imagination to find out
You’ll need to use your re are some
in Norman times; the
would have been like
help you get started.
pointers in this guide to

Supported by
You’re living in
a Norman castle
– what’s it like inside?

It’s dark
That’s because of the small windows.

It’s cramped
Because you’ve got your Lord, his family,
his steward, his servants, his soldiers,
dogs, hawks, horses and probably some
chickens too, all cooped up behind those
large, thick walls.

It’s noisy
Well it would be with all those people
and animals inside!

It’s smelly
The floors are covered with straw,
which has soaked up spilt wine,
food, dog-wee and worse...
sometimes the straw isn’t changed
for months, or even years – yeuch!

It’s smoky
Have you been asked to look
out for chimneys? No, that’s
because there aren’t many –
so lots of the smoke from fires
keeping the castle warm has
stayed inside the castle.

How do you feel?

times! Look around
Safe, most of the time... but quite nervous some
ing enem y forces – the
you, imagine looking out at the approach
they aren’t happy
Anglo-Saxons. You’ve invaded their land and
about it!
le want to come
As a Norman, you’re living in a time when peop
here they are
and take what you’ve got by fire and sword, and
mail on and get to
now, about to besiege you. Put your chain
your post!