1066 - William of Normandy invades Britain and defeats Harold Godwinson, whose army was depleted and tired after a battle with Harold Hadrada who had invaded from Norway, and history took a new turn as William sent his barons throughout the land to gain order under his rule
We began our new thematic unit with a week of Motte and Bailey making (which incidentally coincided with an English Heritage Motte and Bailey competition, so we entered ours!).
We learnt about how the keep was on a high mound and the Baron's house was within the bailey further down, alongside the blacksmith's house and stables. Away from the castle was the village settlement where villagers who worked on the baron's land kept small-holdings to provide for their families. The village surrounded the local church.
The children spent hours making some smashing details. I love the whole thing.
Pennant flag making
The Feudal System
The King
The clergy
Barons and knights and their families
Freemen - tradesmen, lawyers, farmers and merchants
Serfs and peasants
Another addition to the timeline
Heraldry
Illuminated Manuscripts
The Domesday Book - making our own on teabag parchment
A knight had at least four horses:
A destrier (warhorse) for battle
A palfrey for daily use
A pack-horse for carrying his belongings
A courser for speed
Weapons - these were cool to learn about!
Making our own out of papier mache
Ready for painting
Learning about the Crusades
Making medieval pottage
And bread
