1. Lesson 8: How did castles die out?
Knowledge: To examine how the purpose of castles changed at the end of the middle ages
Understanding: To explain why there was no longer a need for strong keeps
Skill: To develop writing an account
Last Lesson
Pick the odd one out
Baron, soldier, marshall, sheriff, steward
Last Week
What does a trebuchet do?
During a siege a trebuchet….
Last Term
What caused the Black Death?
It was caused by….which spread….

2. The massive walls of Constantinople guarded the city for 1000 years.
Why did they fall in 1453?
Discuss with your partner. Find 3 reasons.

3. Castles changed greatly over the years but at one point they began to decline. There are several reasons for this. First was the use of gunpowder in battle. Many of the castles were no match for the highly explosive impact of gunpowder on their walls. Also, after 1500 Britain became more peaceful and there was less fighting going on. So the rich barons no longer needed to live in big, cold, damp buildings made of stone. Some lords made their castles into big comfortable homes with large windows and gardens Other lords moved out of their castles into smaller homes. Today most castles are abandoned and are either ruins or have become museums.
EASY
Can you infer (guess) from the text what decline means?
MEDIUM
Find 4 changes that impacted castles and note them down in your book.
(Full sentences)
CHALLENGING
What was the most important change that made an impact on castles?
The most important change was… becase...

4. Write an account of how castles declined (8 marks)
Must have 4/ 5 events in chronological order.
1.How did the invention of gunpowder impact castles?
2.How did Britain change after 1500?
3.How did the purpose of castles change later on?
4.What has happened to most castles today?
Firstly gunpowder had a ….effect on castles. This is because castle walls….
Secondly after 1500 Britain became...This meant that castles were no longer….
Thirdly the purpose of castles...Some lords turned their castles into...Others...
Finally today most castles are...Some have become...while others are….

5. Firstly gunpowder had a negative effect on castles
Firstly gunpowder had a negative effect on castles. This is because castle walls could not withstand the explosive gunpowder on their walls.
Secondly after 1500 Britain became more peaceful. This meant that castles were no longer needed to protect people.
Thirdly the purpose of castles changed. Some lords turned their castles into large palaces or comfortable homes. Others moved out of their castles into smaller homes.
Finally today most castles are abandoned. Some have become ruins while others are museums.
Peer Assessment
Band 1
You have identified one or two events of the story.
Band 2
You have identified two events and explained them using facts and examples.
Band 3
You have a clear story with 4 events. You have explained them in detail using facts and evidence.