Here ye, Hear Ye
Ye Olde Castle Activity:
When people think of the Middle Ages or Medieval Era, they inevitably think of
the castles that were so important to the daily life and safety for those on a manor. To
better understand the technology and techniques of the time period, you have been
selected to redesign and fortify our building in the Kingdom of Holdrum School. Please
follow the steps below.
STEP 1:
In order to properly design a castle, you must first study the major techniques and
parts. Please define the following terms below using a dictionary, your text, the plan of a
castle, or the website linked on our class webpage.
1. Keep
2. Postern Gate
3. Moat
4. Portcullis
5. Machicolated Tower 6. Turret
7. Loop Hole
8. Great Hall
9. Inner Ward
10. Outer Ward
11. Gatehouse
12. Wall Walk
13. Murder Holes
14. Wall Drum Tower 15. Drawbridge
16. Barbican
17. Hoarding
18. Curtain Wall
20. Arrow Loop
19. Parapet
STEP 2:
We will now make a rough redesign of Holdrum as a castle employing 18 of the
terms. In order to gain a better understanding of the structure itself, our class will take a
brief walk around part of the building for sketching. Using the outline of the building
only, begin to fortify Holdrum against attack from the nefarious Kingdom of George
White School who can attack at any time!
STEP 3:
Teams will now be devised to create a master blueprint for the new fortification of
Holdrum School. Each team must incorporate 18 of the terms in your group design
and each must be labeled and numbered. The blueprint should be as neat as possible
and must be colored as well. Combine design ideas from the members of the team using
your original sketch.
STEP 4:
Once the design and blueprints are complete, each group must convince the Royal
building department of the Kingdom River Vale to approve the proposed changes. Your
land use proposal must: 1. Give a brief listing of major structural changes to the
building (any additions) you propose. 2. List any changes to the use of land which is
currently approved for recreational use only (agricultural use, constructing moats, etc.).
3. Write a brief persuasive essay (2 paragraphs) convincing the committee that these
changes are vital to protect the kingdom from attack.
The Kingdom is depending on you and your design team to protect us! Your grade
will be determined through the proper use of the vocabulary terms, the quality of your
written explanation, the neatness of the blueprint, and finally the originality
demonstrated. Good luck and have fun!
Kingdom of River Vale Zoning Permit Application
Applicant’s Names:
Project Address: Holdrum School 393 Rivervale Road
Description of Project Proposals:
Major Structural Changes Proposed:
Major Land Use Changes Proposed:
Persuasive Statement to the building department:
Application Must Be Accompanied by:
1) Site plan or property blueprint.
2) List of structural and land use changes proposed.
3) Persuasive statement that changes are necessary.
Signature of
Applicants:______________________________________________________________
Permit: ISSUED___________ DENIED______________
Castle Project Due: 5/4/15
Criteria
Points Possible
Term Accuracy
(All castle terms are
labeled and used
correctly)
Structure of the
School
(Integrity of the HMS
structure is not
changed)
Land Use Proposal
(All parts and
requirements are
completely filled out)
At least 7 castle terms
are included in the
persuasive statement
of the land proposal
15
Grammar and Spelling
(each error results in
one point off)
Neatness
15
Presentation
-clear volume, eye
contact, and speech.
15
Points Earned
15
20
15
5
Final Score:
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