The Middle Ages was an exciting period in history – a time between the fall of the Roman Empire and the advent of the Renaissance in 1600 – a time referred to by many historians as the ‘dark ages’, a time of war, famine and plague and a time that saw a Norman duke, William the Conqueror, crowned king of England after the Battle of Hastings in 1066.
William the Conqueror reigned until his death in 1087, brutally putting down rebellions, introducing the feudal system and ordering a survey of all lands and holdings in the country which became known as the Doomsday Book. Undoubtedly the key to the defence of his kingdom – the estates, the farms and the countryside, was its castles, and William was a great castle builder.
The history mystery video explores the mysteries of medieval times by visiting the famous Warwick Castle in Warwickshire in the United Kingdom and sets up specific investigations for you to explore in truly interactive ways through map analysis, interactive timelines, weather charts, empathy games, picture analysis, museum presentations, battleground analysis, social class pyramids and reflection activities.
The resources challenge you to sift through the evidence of time, make decisions, and solve historical mysteries for yourselves!
Case Study unit of work inquiry structure
ACTIVITY 1 Video visit to Warwick Castle
Follow Tim Gurry as he explores what it was like to live in a medieval castle – its people, purpose, location, battle and defences.
ACTIVITY 2 A timeline of the Middle Ages
Create a timeline of key events from 1066 Battle of Hastings until 1545 Battle of the Solent.
ACTIVITY 3 What was feudalism?
Investigate the class structure of the times, and the roles and responsibilities of people living on a feudal manor.
ACTIVITY 4 Farming and the farming year
Identify specific seasonal task on a feudal manor.
ACTIVITY 5 How important were castles in medieval society?
Play the interactive decision-maker – what sort of castle would you build?
ACTIVITY 6 Exploring Warwick Castle
Investigate Warwick Castle’s location, defences, rooms, residents and use of the surrounding environment.
ACTIVITY 7 A medieval castle at work
Explore the myriad daily roles people performed in castle life and the special preparations for Richard Neville the 16thEarl of Warwick before the battle of Barnet in 1471.
ACTIVITY 8 Who won the Battle of Barnet?
Having investigated the preparations for a historic battle, you can now explore what happened when the earl and his Lancastrian army went up against King Edward IV and his Yorkist army.
ACTIVITY 9 What was the role of the church in medieval society?
Examine the social structure of the Catholic Church and its role in medieval society.
ACTIVITY 10 Reflection Activity
Create a table of the skills and activity outcomes that have resulted from the activities in this unit.
