Fourteenth Century AD

Worksheet 3

‘A Life for a Life’

Anglo-Norman castle

Fact File

King John’s Castle was built in the twelfth century in order to protect the Normans in Limerick from the O’Brien clan. This was successful for over a hundred-and-fifty years, but in 1369 the O’Briens and the MacNamaras captured the castle, though they only held it for a brief time.

King John’s Castle was unique for the time because of its towers which were round, rather than square. This meant a stronger tower that could not be easily attacked.

The position of King John’s Castle, built on an island also added to its strength. The only way of approaching it was through the front door and a ditch, and a bridge that could be raised, and an iron-clad portcullis defended that.

Read &Write:

1 Chapter 7 How many towers in King John's castle?

2 Chapter 7 Where was King John’s Castle built?

3 Chapter 7 What does 'crenellated' mean?

4 Chapter 7 What was the only way into the castle?

5 Chapter 7 What is a portcullis?

6 Chapter 7 Why did the cellar of the Constable's Tower have a fireplace?

 

 

Draw…!

Draw a picture of the crenellated walls of King John’s Castle.

Or

Draw a picture of a portcullis.

Explore…!

Make a class model of King John’s Castle. Divide up the work between eight groups: one group to make the gate and portcullis, one to make the curtain walls joining the towers and the other six groups to make one of the towers each. The towers could be made from the inner tubes of toilet rolls or paper towels.

Imagine…!

Imagine you are one of the O’Brien clan attacking King John’s castle; write the story.

Imagine that you are trying to set a prisoner free from the castle; write what you would do.