The West Coast's historic sites

• Engels
• Secundair onderwijs

The West Coast's historic sites

GWP 2024-2025

4 Doorstroom

4 Dubbele Finaliteit

Uncover what makes a medieval castle

How to defend your castle

How to defend your castle

Today, we embark on a journey through time to learn the art of castle defense. Imagine standing atop the mighty Dover Castle in the 12th century, gazing out over the landscape, ready to protect your fortress from invaders. 

Uncover what makes a medieval castle

How to defend your castle

Picture the scene of a siege, with soldiers, trebuchets, and battlements under attack. This is the world we will explore.

Uncover what makes a medieval castle

How do you defend your castle?

What features of Dover Castle make it a strong defensive structure?

1. High walls and towers
2. Large open courtyards
3. Decorative gardens
4. Spacious banquet halls

During a siege, what would be the primary goal of the attackers?

1. To admire the architecture
2. To capture the castle
3. To host a feast
4. To plant flowers

Which of the following is a common defensive tactic used in medieval castles?

1. Inviting the enemy for tea
2. Strengthening the walls and gates
3. Removing all weapons
4. Opening all doors

Uncover what makes a medieval castle
and how to take one...

Introduction to the Castles we'll visit

Glastonbury Tor 

Cardiff Castle 

Dover Castle

Bristol Castle

Glastonbury Tor

Known for its mystical significance and ancient legends, Glastonbury Tor offers a glimpse into the spiritual and historical past of England. Also known as St. Michael's Church Tower

Glastonbury Tor

Glastonbury Tor & King Arthur

460-560

King Arthur's defence

Common weapons from that era, used for hunting and combat:

Spears - Swords - Axes - Knives

Shields

Bows and Arrow (Long bow and Cross bow)

Slings (trebuchet)

King Arthur's defence

c. 460 CE - c. 560 CE

What is Glastonbury Tor most famous for?

1. Its medieval castle
2. Its association with King Arthur and Avalon
3. Its Roman ruins
4. Its modern architecture

What structure is found at the top of Glastonbury Tor?

1. A lighthouse
2. A church tower
3. A windmill
4. A statue

Introduction to the Castles we'll visit

Glastonbury Tor 

Cardiff Castle 

Dover Castle

Bristol Castle

Bristol Castle

Originally built in the 11th century. 

Though largely demolished, Bristol Castle's history during the Anarchy and its role in the English Civil War 1642-1651 provide fascinating insights into medieval warfare. The Storming of Bristol in 1643 was a key moment in the English Civil War. It saw the King seize England's second city and port.
The Anarchy was a civil war in England and Normandy between 1138 and 1153, which resulted in a widespread breakdown in law and order.

Bristol Castle

11th Century

Bristol Castle

1642-1651

17th century weaponry

Muskets

Pikes

Swords

Cannons

Armor

When was Bristol Castle originally built?

1. 11th century
2. 14th century
3. 16th century
4. 18th century

What happened to Bristol Castle in the 17th century?

1. It was expanded
2. It was turned into a royal residence
3. It was destroyed
4. It was converted into a museum

Introduction to the Castles we'll visit

Glastonbury Tor 

Cardiff Castle 

Dover Castle

Bristol Castle

Cardiff Castle

A fortress with a rich history and located in Wales, Cardiff Castle has seen transformations from a Roman fort to a Norman stronghold, and later a lavish Victorian mansion. Constructions started in 1881. The architect was William Burges. Jack The Ripper probably was never invited (killings 1888)!  Known for its strategic importance and wartime shelters.

Cardiff Castle

Victorian Gothic revival

William Burges

www.google.com

17th century weaponry

Rifles - Revolvers - Machine Guns - Artillery - Bayonets - Swords: Officers continued to carry swords as symbols of rank and for ceremonial purposes. - Naval Weapons: Ironclad warships equipped with heavy cannons and torpedoes marked significant advancements in naval warfare. - Grenades - Sabres: cavalry

Which architectural style is prominent in Cardiff Castle?

1. Gothic
2. Baroque
3. Renaissance
4. Victorian Gothic Revival

Who was responsible for the major renovations of Cardiff Castle in the 19th century?

1. Christopher Wren
2. John Nash
3. William Burges
4. Augustus Pugin

Introduction to the Castles we'll visit

Glastonbury Tor 

Cardiff Castle 

Dover Castle

Bristol Castle

Dover Castle

The key to England

Dover Castle

Often referred to as the "Key to England," Dover Castle has been a pivotal stronghold in the defense of the realm. From the Middle Ages through the Civil War and the Victorian Era, this fortress has stood as a bastion against invaders. Even during the Napoleonic Wars, Napoleon Bonaparte planned an invasion of England with Dover as the primary landing point. 

Dover Castle

The Grand Shaft

3 spiral staircases
constructed between 1806 and 1809
Napoleon's plans to invade England

Dover Castle

The Grand Shaft & Napoleon

WW2 weaponry

During World War II, weaponry advanced rapidly, with powerful aircraft, submarines, and aircraft carriers transforming air and naval combat. The war ended with the introduction of the atomic bomb—used by the U.S. on Hiroshima and Nagasaki—marking a new and terrifying era in warfare.

Dover Castle

Dover Castle

WW2

During World War II, Dover Castle became a vital command center, especially during Operation Dynamo in 1940, when Vice Admiral Bertram Ramsay directed the rescue of over 330,000 Allied soldiers from Dunkirk using the secret tunnels beneath the castle. Positioned at the narrowest point of the English Channel, the fortress was key to spotting enemy forces and coordinating defense, making it once again the "Key to England" in the face of invasion.

Admiral Ramsey

1941 - Operation Dynamo

The Dunkirk evacuation

Which historical event is Dover Castle closely associated with?

1. The Battle of Hastings
2. The Dunkirk evacuation
3. The signing of the Magna Carta
4. The Norman Conquest

Which of these castles is located in Wales?

1. Glastonbury Tor
2. Dover Castle
3. Bristol Castle
4. Cardiff Castle

Which castle is known for its extensive underground tunnels used during World War II?

1. Glastonbury Tor
2. Dover Castle
3. Bristol Castle
4. Cardiff Castle

Hand-out for students (print)

Work in pairs

Research 3 historical events that happened between 400 AD and today – anywhere in the world! Choose events that you find interesting, surprising, or important. Add these events to your timeline.

For each event, write: 

• The year or period
• A short description (1–2 sentences)
• Why it’s worth adding to our timeline

Be ready to share your facts in class and explain how they connect or contrast with the castle events on our timeline.

🎯 Goal: Create a broader perspective by placing our West Coast Castles in global historical context!hem on your timeline