Skip to content
Oak National Academy
Oak National Academy
Teachers
Pupils
icon-background-square
New
New
Year 10
AQA

The siege of Pevensey

I can explain how Pevensey Castle was captured during a siege.

Download all resources
arrow-right
Share activities with pupils
arrow-right
icon-background-square
New
New
Year 10
AQA

The siege of Pevensey

I can explain how Pevensey Castle was captured during a siege.

Download all resources
arrow-right
Share activities with pupils
arrow-right
warning

These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.

Switch to our new teaching resources now - designed by teachers and leading subject experts, and tested in classrooms.
View new resources
arrow-right

Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. William II Rufus fought with his brother, Robert Curthose, for the throne.
  2. Some Norman nobles supported William's brother Robert.
  3. Odo of Bayeux held Pevensey against William.
  4. William Rufus laid siege to Pevensey.
  5. William Rufus' siege was successful.

Keywords

  • Rebellion - an armed uprising against a ruler

  • Siege - military tactic of surrounding a settlement or fortification in order to cut off supplies and weaken troops

Common misconception

Kings have always passed on their whole kingdoms to one successor.

Throughout history, there have been many examples of rulers dividing their lands amongst their sons. Quite frequently, this led to war between the sons in an attempt to reunite the realm.


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

Encourage students to keep a list of the different key individuals who feature in this unit: the repetition of common first names can become quite confusing otherwise.
speech-bubble
Teacher tip
content-guidance

Content guidance

  • Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
supervision-level

Supervision

Adult supervision recommended

copyright

Licence

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

Skip lesson video

Loading...

Starter quiz

Download starter quiz

6 Questions

Q1.
Complete the sentence: The Normans built castles primarily to prevent by the Anglo-Saxons.
Correct Answer: rebellions, revolts
Q2.
Complete the sentence: Pevensey was an centre.
Correct Answer: administrative, administration
Q3.
Why did William the Conqueror build castles in strategic locations like Sussex?
Correct answer: To manage England's vast resources
To provide leisure facilities for his soldiers
To establish new trade routes and economic hubs
To create centres for cultural development
Correct answer: To secure weak points in England’s defences
Q4.
What role did the sheriff play in the management of a rape in Sussex?
To oversee the construction of new castles
Correct answer: To collect taxes and call up men for the king’s army
To manage the education system in the local area
To organise public festivals and entertainments
Q5.
What was a significant feature of Pevensey Castle that made it particularly strong?
Its location in the centre of a large forest
Its construction from locally sourced sandstone
Its proximity to major Roman roads
Correct answer: Its position within the Roman fort’s walls
Q6.
Why was Pevensey Castle strategically important for William?
It was a major trade center with valuable resources.
It was the site of a major Anglo-Saxon rebellion.
Correct answer: It was located halfway between London and Normandy.
It was situated in a large, fertile agricultural area.

Exit quiz

Download exit quiz

6 Questions

Q1.
Which word describes a military tactic of surrounding a settlement or fortification in order to cut off supplies and weaken troops?
Correct Answer: siege, besiege
Q2.
When did William the Conqueror die?
10th February 1134
1st December 1135
Correct answer: 9th September 1087
2nd August 1100
Q3.
Match the son to their inheritance from William I.
Correct Answer:Robert Curthose,the Duchy of Normandy
tick

the Duchy of Normandy

Correct Answer:William Rufus,the kingdom of England
tick

the kingdom of England

Correct Answer:Henry Beauclerc,given £5000 to buy land of his own
tick

given £5000 to buy land of his own

Q4.
Why did many Norman nobles initially support Robert Curthose over William Rufus?
Robert was seen as more capable and experienced than William.
Correct answer: Robert was seen as weaker-minded, so nobles thought they could gain more power.
Robert promised to immediately increase their lands and wealth.
William was known for his poor leadership and lack of military skill.
Q5.
What was one of William Rufus' strategies to counter the rebellion against him?
He increased the taxes on his loyal supporters to fund the defence.
He abandoned his castles and retreated to Normandy for safety.
Correct answer: He promised nobles who rebelled an increase in lands and wealth.
He invited foreign armies to England to help him regain control.
Q6.
What was a major factor in the failure of the Rebellion of 1088?
The rebellion leaders ran out of money and supplies quickly.
William Rufus immediately captured all the rebel leaders.
The local English people strongly supported Robert Curthose’s cause.
Correct answer: Poor weather prevented Robert Curthose's army from crossing to England.

Additional material

Download additional material