New
New
Year 10
AQA
The siege of Pevensey
I can explain how Pevensey Castle was captured during a siege.
New
New
Year 10
AQA
The siege of Pevensey
I can explain how Pevensey Castle was captured during a siege.
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Lesson details
Key learning points
- William II Rufus fought with his brother, Robert Curthose, for the throne.
- Some Norman nobles supported William's brother Robert.
- Odo of Bayeux held Pevensey against William.
- William Rufus laid siege to Pevensey.
- 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.
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.
Teacher tip
Content guidance
- Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
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
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Starter quiz
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6 Questions
Q1.
Complete the sentence: The Normans built castles primarily to prevent by the Anglo-Saxons.
Q2.
Complete the sentence: Pevensey was an centre.
Q3.
Why did William the Conqueror build castles in strategic locations like Sussex?
To provide leisure facilities for his soldiers
To establish new trade routes and economic hubs
To create centres for cultural development
Q4.
What role did the sheriff play in the management of a rape in Sussex?
To oversee the construction of new castles
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
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.
It was situated in a large, fertile agricultural area.
Exit quiz
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6 Questions
Q1.
Which word describes a military tactic of surrounding a settlement or fortification in order to cut off supplies and weaken troops?
Q2.
When did William the Conqueror die?
10th February 1134
1st December 1135
2nd August 1100
Q3.
Match the son to their inheritance from William I.
the Duchy of Normandy
the kingdom of England
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.
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.
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.
Additional material
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