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Year 10
AQA

The function of Pevensey Castle

I can explain the different functions of Pevensey Castle.

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Year 10
AQA

The function of Pevensey Castle

I can explain the different functions of Pevensey Castle.

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Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Pevensey was an administrative centre.
  2. Pevensey was one of the most important locations in Sussex.
  3. Pevensey could serve as a garrison.
  4. Pevensey may have intimidated the local Anglo-Saxons.
  5. Pevensey was in a strategic location between London and Normandy.

Keywords

  • Administrative - relating to the running of a business or government

  • Rebellion - an armed uprising against a ruler

Common misconception

Castles were purely defensive structures.

Norman castles were effective defensive structures, but they also performed other essential tasks. They were the administrative centre of the local area, the home for the local lord or sheriff and a symbol of Norman power over the Anglo-Saxons.


To help you plan your year 10 history lesson on: The function of Pevensey Castle, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...

Before students write their answer to the second question, they could verbalise their arguments in order to get their thoughts in order. Organise students into pairs, with one arguing for the administrative function and the other the garrison. Give them time to discuss before writing their ideas.
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Adult supervision recommended

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This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).

Lesson video

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Starter quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.
Which term describes a type of castle built by the Normans, with a high earthen mound and a courtyard protected by a strong timber palisade?
Correct Answer: motte-and-bailey, motte-and-bailey castle
Q2.
Complete the sentence: Pevensey Castle was originally a Roman ...
Correct Answer: fort
Q3.
What was one of the main advantages of William using the existing Roman structure at Pevensey for his landing in 1066?
It provided a location for a marketplace to trade with local people.
It was a known site for celebrating local festivals and ceremonies.
It was already equipped with supplies and weapons for his army.
Correct answer: It offered a well-defended position with thick walls.
Q4.
What was the purpose of raising the Roman D-tower in the northwest corner of Pevensey Castle?
Correct answer: To create a higher observation point to watch for Anglo-Saxon attack
To provide space for storing supplies and equipment
To serve as a royal residence for William the Conqueror
To build a watchtower for spotting incoming ships
Q5.
Why did William repair the Roman walls at Pevensey Castle?
To make the castle more impressive for visitors
To prepare the walls for decorative painting
Correct answer: To enhance the fortifications against attack
To provide space for additional buildings
Q6.
What was a major factor in the effectiveness of William's pre-built castle at Pevensey?
Its large size made it easy to spot from a distance.
Correct answer: Its rapid construction time of only one day.
Its large motte was designed to intimidate enemies.
Its use of advanced Roman engineering techniques.

Exit quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.
Which word means relating to the running of a business or government?
Correct Answer: administrative, administration
Q2.
Which word means an armed uprising against a ruler?
Correct Answer: rebellion, revolt
Q3.
What was the primary reason William the Conqueror built castles in England?
To create grand palaces for his court
Correct answer: To maintain control over the rebellious population
To host festivals and celebrations
To provide residences for Anglo-Saxon nobles
Q4.
How did the Normans ensure that their castles were always within reach of each other?
Correct answer: By ensuring they were within a day’s march of each other
By building them in isolated locations
By constructing castles in major cities only
By using a network of underground tunnels between castles
Q5.
Which of the following statements about the motte-and-bailey castles is true?
They were known for their elaborate interiors and luxurious furnishings.
They were frequently built on flat ground with no natural defences.
They were used mainly as government offices and royal residences.
Correct answer: They were often built on high ground with walls and ditches.
Q6.
Match each term with its correct description.
Correct Answer:rape,A traditional name for an administrative district in Sussex
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A traditional name for an administrative district in Sussex

Correct Answer:motte-and-bailey castle,A type of Norman castle with a mound and enclosed courtyard
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A type of Norman castle with a mound and enclosed courtyard

Correct Answer:sheriff,A Norman official responsible for local administration and taxes
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A Norman official responsible for local administration and taxes

Correct Answer:Anderitum,A Roman fort in Pevensey where William chose to build his castle
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A Roman fort in Pevensey where William chose to build his castle

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