How far does Nottingham Castle fit in the overall
development of castles?
Nottingham Castle is a castle in Nottingham, England. It is located on a large and high
rock in a commanding position known as "'Castle Rock'", with cliffs 130 feet (40 m)
high to the south and west. In the Middle Ages (Medieval times) it was a major royal
(King) fortress and sometimes a royal place of residence. Because of its location close to
the River Trent, Nottingham Castle has been used for many Historic battles for the royal
family over time. It fell into ruins by the 16th century and large parts of it were
demolished in 1649. However there is enough to give an impression of the original
layout of the site. Like many castles it has adapted to the changes of time.
Source A. This sketch of Nottingham and the castle was completed in 1610 by John
Speed.
Source B. William the Conqueror
built 30 Motte and Bailey
castles (1066-87) and one was
Nottingham Castle
Original Gatehouse of Castle
Original Motte of Castle
Source C Nottingham Castle Ariel photograph taken in 2011.
Use Sources A, B and C and your own knowledge to answer the key question;
How typical is Nottingham castle as an example of castle development over time?
What key features of castles over time can you identify from 1066 onwards?
1) What are the similarities and differences between the features of Nottingham
Castle and the Medieval castles features that have developed over time that you
have been learning about?
2) Using your GCSE target grade and above – Eg. A/A* answer the question above.