New
New
Year 10
AQA
The residents of the White Tower
I can describe the different people who lived in the White Tower.
New
New
Year 10
AQA
The residents of the White Tower
I can describe the different people who lived in the White Tower.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- The White Tower could accommodate royals and nobles.
- In the king's absence, the keeper (castellan) was the most important resident of the White Tower.
- The White Tower housed a garrison who likely stayed in barracks in the bailey or in the first floor hall.
- The White Tower also housed craftsmen to create and maintain weapons and a chaplain or priest to serve St John's Chapel.
Common misconception
The White Tower was always bustling with royal activity.
Royal residents were seldom present. Most of the time, the White Tower was managed by the keeper and housed a garrison of soldiers.
Keywords
Noble - a member of the ruling elite
Castellan - the governor of a castle
Chapel - a small church, or a room used as a church in a larger building
Encourage students to think critically about the dual roles of historical buildings like the White Tower. Highlight the balance between their function as defensive strongholds and as residences for royalty.
Teacher tip
Content guidance
- Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
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Starter quiz
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6 Questions
Q1.
Complete the sentence: The White Tower had multiple ; as a military defence, administrative centre and royal residence.
Q2.
Complete the sentence: The White Tower was designed to defend a against attack.
Q3.
How many years was it until the motte-and-bailey castle on the site of the White Tower was replaced with a stone structure?
one year
five years
15 years
Q4.
Which of the following are examples of the White Tower's defences?
inclusion of St John’s Chapel
a well in the basement to get fresh water
riverside location meant that trade on the river came under its control
Q5.
What was the purpose of the tower's fireplaces built in a sloped style?
ensured the best heat retention in each room
meant that inhabitants did not get soot and ash on their clothes
Q6.
What did William's Charter of 1067 declare?
that all "French Londoners" would be safe under his rule
that all "English Londoners" would be safe under his rule
Exit quiz
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6 Questions
Q1.
Which word describes the governor of a castle?
Q2.
Which word describes a small church, or a room used as a church in a larger building?
Q3.
Which of the following would have provided some comfort for the royal residents of the White Tower?
small windows
large kitchen
Q4.
Which of the following was the role of the keeper at the White Tower?
leading the defence in the case of an attack
preparing the food for the royal residents
Q5.
Which of the following would have been part of the White Tower's garrison?
fryd
housecarls
Q6.
Which of the following occupations were also employed at the White Tower?
teachers
artists
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