7th Grade: Recall Your Memory By Taking This History Quiz!
Although castles existed before the medieval period, they were just fortified villages surrounded by a wooden palisade (large strong fence) and one or more ditches. After the Norman invasion of 1066, a new phase of castle building took place. Instead of housing ordinary people, castles were built to house the Norman soldiers and nobles. What do you know about medieval castles?
Questions and Answers
- 1.
Castles were first built in England after which event?
- A.
Julius Caesar's invasion
- B.
The Battle of Agincourt
- C.
The Norman Conquest
- D.
The Spanish Armada
Correct Answer
C. The Norman ConquestExplanation
The Norman Conquest is the correct answer because it refers to the event when William the Conqueror, Duke of Normandy, invaded England in 1066 and successfully established Norman rule. This event marked a significant change in England's history and led to the construction of many castles by the Normans as a way to establish their control and defend against potential rebellions.Rate this question:
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- 2.
Which King had the first castles built?
- A.
Harold II
- B.
Stephen
- C.
William I
- D.
William II
Correct Answer
C. William IExplanation
William I, also known as William the Conqueror, had the first castles built. After successfully invading England in 1066, William I wanted to establish his control over the newly conquered land. He ordered the construction of numerous castles throughout England as a way to consolidate his power and defend against potential rebellions. These castles were strategically built in key locations, serving as military fortresses and administrative centers. William I's castle-building campaign had a lasting impact on the English landscape and laid the foundation for the development of medieval castles in the country.Rate this question:
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- 3.
William was worried about attacks by which people?
- A.
Huns
- B.
Jutes
- C.
Saxons
- D.
Vikings
Correct Answer
C. SaxonsExplanation
William was worried about attacks by the Saxons. The Saxons were a Germanic tribe who posed a threat to William and his kingdom. They were known for their raids and invasions, and their attacks could potentially cause harm to William and his people. Therefore, it is understandable that William would be concerned about the Saxons and take measures to protect his kingdom from their attacks.Rate this question:
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- 4.
What were the earliest castles made of?
- A.
Brick
- B.
Concrete
- C.
Earth and wood
- D.
Sand and pebbles
Correct Answer
C. Earth and woodExplanation
The earliest castles were made of earth and wood. This construction material was readily available and easy to work with during that time period. Earth was used to create mounds or hills, which formed the base of the castle, while wood was used for the framework and walls. This combination provided a strong and durable structure that could withstand attacks and provide protection to the inhabitants. Over time, as advancements in construction techniques and materials were made, castles began to be built using stone and other more permanent materials.Rate this question:
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- 5.
A wooden fort built on top of a mound was called a .......
- A.
Mite
- B.
Moat
- C.
Motte
- D.
Mount
Correct Answer
C. MotteExplanation
A wooden fort built on top of a mound was called a "motte". This term refers to a type of fortification commonly used during the medieval period. The fort would be constructed on an artificial hill or mound, known as the motte, which provided a strategic advantage in terms of defense. The motte would typically be surrounded by a protective fence or wall, creating a fortified structure. This design allowed for better visibility and made it more difficult for enemies to breach the fortification.Rate this question:
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- 6.
The enclosed area around the motte was the .......
- A.
Bailey
- B.
Bailiff
- C.
Bailrigg
- D.
Bewley
Correct Answer
A. BaileyExplanation
The enclosed area around the motte was called the bailey. The bailey was a fortified area that surrounded the motte, which was a raised mound or hill. It served as a defensive structure and provided additional protection for the inhabitants of the castle. The bailey often contained buildings such as stables, workshops, and living quarters for the castle's residents. It was an essential part of medieval castle design and played a crucial role in the defense and daily functioning of the castle.Rate this question:
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- 7.
What usually protected a motte and bailey castle?
- A.
A high hedge
- B.
A line of trees
- C.
A wooden fence
- D.
Electric fences
Correct Answer
C. A wooden fenceExplanation
Motte and bailey castles were typically protected by a wooden fence. This fence acted as a barrier, preventing unauthorized access and providing a level of security for the inhabitants of the castle. The wooden fence would have been constructed around the bailey, which was the enclosed courtyard area of the castle. It served as a defensive structure, deterring potential attackers and providing a sense of protection for those inside the castle.Rate this question:
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- 8.
The wooden fence had what special name?
- A.
Balustrade
- B.
Palisade
- C.
Palister
- D.
Palladio
Correct Answer
B. PalisadeExplanation
A palisade is a special type of wooden fence that is made by placing vertical wooden stakes or logs in the ground. It is commonly used for defensive purposes or to enclose a specific area. The other options, balustrade, palister, and Palladio, do not refer to a type of wooden fence and are therefore incorrect.Rate this question:
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- 9.
As well as the king, castles were symbols of authority for whom?
- A.
Barons
- B.
Lord Mayors
- C.
Priests
- D.
Schoolteachers
Correct Answer
A. BaronsExplanation
Castles were symbols of authority not only for the king but also for barons. Barons were powerful nobles who held land and had significant political and military influence in medieval times. They used castles as a means to demonstrate their wealth, power, and control over their territories. These fortified structures served as a symbol of their social status and authority, showcasing their ability to defend their lands and govern their subjects. Therefore, castles held great importance and were closely associated with the authority of barons.Rate this question:
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- 10.
What was an advantage of motte and bailey castles?
- A.
The wood rotted fairly quickly
- B.
They did not last for very long
- C.
They were cheap and quick to build
- D.
They were easily set on fire
Correct Answer
C. They were cheap and quick to buildExplanation
Motte and bailey castles were advantageous because they were cheap and quick to build. This allowed for the rapid construction of defensive structures, providing protection and security for those within. The affordability and efficiency of these castles made them a practical choice for establishing a stronghold in a short period of time.Rate this question:
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- 11.
What were the earliest castles made of?
- A.
Brick
- B.
Concrete
- C.
Earth and wood
- D.
Sand and pebbles
Correct Answer
C. Earth and woodExplanation
The earliest castles were made of earth and wood. This was due to the availability and ease of obtaining these materials. Earth was used for creating mounds and walls, while wood was used for constructing the framework and supports. This combination provided a relatively strong and durable structure for defense and protection. Over time, advancements in construction techniques and materials led to the use of brick, concrete, and other materials for building castles.Rate this question:
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- 12.
As well as the king, castles were symbols of authority for whom?
- A.
Barons
- B.
Lord Mayors
- C.
Priests
- D.
Schoolteachers
Correct Answer
A. BaronsExplanation
Castles were symbols of authority not only for the king but also for barons. Barons were powerful landowners who held significant political and military power during medieval times. They often built and resided in castles as a display of their wealth and authority. These fortified structures served as a symbol of their social status and dominance over their territories. Therefore, barons can be considered as individuals for whom castles were symbols of authority.Rate this question:
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- 13.
As well as the king, castles were symbols of authority for whom?
- A.
Barons
- B.
Lord Mayors
- C.
Priests
- D.
Schoolteachers
Correct Answer
A. BaronsExplanation
Castles were symbols of authority not only for the king but also for barons. Barons were powerful nobles who held significant land and had their own castles. These castles served as a display of their wealth, power, and status in society. They were responsible for governing their territories and maintaining law and order within their domains. The presence of a castle symbolized their authority and control over the land and the people living in it.Rate this question:
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- 14.
The wooden fence had what special name?
- A.
Balustrade
- B.
Palisade
- C.
Palister
- D.
Palladio
Correct Answer
B. PalisadeExplanation
A palisade is a special name for a wooden fence. It is a type of barrier made by placing vertical wooden stakes or logs side by side to form a sturdy enclosure. Palisades were commonly used for defense purposes in ancient times, providing protection against intruders. They were also used to mark boundaries or enclose livestock.Rate this question:
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