Noble Task
Your task is to recreate your Gothic castle as it looks in 1322 C.E.
You and/or your group will create it first on paper and then as a 3D model, which you will present to the rest of the class.
Step 1 - Daily Life
To begin your research look at the Internet site "Castles" which
will give you a good look at the types of castles in England in the
Middle Ages. Keep a "Nobles Journal" in which you record all of
the important aspects of daily life on a castle so you can identify
these features in the model of the Castle. Use the following guide
questions to help you take notes on certain important areas:
When researching, look for:
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What is the importance of a "Great Hall" in a castle?
What did a typical hall look like? Flooring? Lighting?
What were squints used for?
Describe how heating was accomplished in the Medieval halls.
Describe the kitchens usually found in Medieval castles.
Explain how the main bedrooms and guest rooms were laid out
in the castle.
Where did one go to the bathroom?
Did castles have water accessible on all floors? Explain.
Where was the chapel located in early castles?
How are guests seated when they come for dinner?
List four things you learned about knights.
Where are the gardens?
Be sure to plan how you can show all of the above components in
your model so they demonstrate your understanding of life in a
castle. How will you construct it? Who will present which part?
How will you explain your life in the castle?
Step 2 - The Manorial Estate
Once you have taken notes on daily life of the Middle Ages, you
are ready to review specific layout of a medieval manor. Use the
Internet's "Middle Ages Castle" website to identify the significance
of a Gothic castle. Write the definition of each word on a sheet of
paper and keep it next to the computer for your reference. Be
sure you do not leave anything out as you must ensure you can
defend your castle during a lengthy siege!
Buildings/structures found in the castle
 What construction materials are used?
 What buildings would be necessary?
Services needed within the Castle
 What would be needed to keep the castle running
smoothly?
 Who was in charge of making sure these things were
done?
Role of religion in the Castle and in medieval society
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What buildings would that include?
Trading
 Did it occur?
 With whom?
 What did they trade?
 How did they travel?
Step 3 - Castle Research
Once you have made a list of all the features, you may begin
researching other castles for design ideas. Be sure you stay focused
on castles from the same approximate time frame - 1200 to 1400. A
good place to begin your search is at the Exploring-Castles
Internet site or the History on the Net Medieval Life Types of Castles
site.
As you browse through various Castles, be sure to look for
features that will help you make your Castle as impenetrable and
self-sufficient as possible. In other words, it must be able to live
through a lengthy siege!
Step 4 - Castle Layout and Design
Now that you have researched several different castle designs, it
is time to begin a model of your castle. Begin by establishing the
dimensions of the castle; be sure it is large enough to
accommodate all of the people living on the fief, with room for the
commoners, nobility, and clergy during a siege.
Make sure your castle has a sound design for defense.
 How can round towers improve the defensive capabilities of
your curtain walls?
 What role does a moat play?
 What is a barbican and what are some of its fortifications?
Make sure your castle has a clear water source and that this
water can be brought into the castle through a well or pipes.
Use a ruler to draw the dimensions of the castle to scale. Drawing
to scale means you must choose a standard scale for measuring
so that each part of the castle is in proportion with the others. For
example, each square meter of castle space may equal 1
centimeter on your drawing. You may choose your own scale.
Be sure that each area of your blueprint is clearly marked with
dimensions and has its function clearly labeled.
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wicket
allure
turret
arch
rampart
aumbry
Postern gate
bailey
paraphet
barbican
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parados
battlement
outer ward
buttery
outer curtain
buttress
murder holes
crosswall
moat
donjon or keep
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Hall
dormer
great chamber
drawbridge
gate house
dungeon
garderobe
gallery
Make sure your model is built to scale and is clearly labeled
Step 5 - The Model
Now that you have completed your design, begin the construction
of the model. Your rendering may take the form of a twodimensional poster, a three-dimensional model, a tour video, or a
sculpture. Your materials will vary depending on the type of
model you produce.
1.
Build a medieval Castle that is a model of the impregnable
fortress.