The Normans

Front

bailey

Back

A large area of ground where animals and soldiers lived. It was protected by a stockade.

Front

baron

Back

An important man who was given land and property by the king.

Front

Feudal System

Back

A system of governing a country by giving land to people in exchange for their loyalty and service.

Front

keep

Back

The strongest or most central tower in a castle where the king, baron or knight lived.

Front

knight

Back

A man who served the king or baron as a mounted soldier. He usually wore armour.

Front

moat

Back

A deep ditch, filled with water, that surrounded a castle.

Front

motte

Back

A high mound of earth (man-made if necessary) on which stood the keep. It was connected to the bailey by steps.

Front

Normans

Back

Anyone from Normandy, in northern France. They were a dominant military power in western Europe in the 11th century.

Front

palisade

Back

A fence or barrier made of wood that was used as a defence. It usually surrounded the bailey and keep in a castle.

Front

rebellion

Back

Armed resistance to the government or ruler of a country.