Castles
Welcome to our guide to medieval castles. After the Norman invasion in 1066, the new King William I and his lords began to build castles all over the country, to show off their power and control local people. However, medieval castles weren’t just important centres to rule from and defend – they were also places where many people lived and worked.
On this page, you can discover what life was like inside castles, get involved in some fun craft projects and test your knowledge with our castle quizzes. Scroll down to get started!
Goodrich: life inside a medieval castle
Have you ever wondered what life was like inside a medieval castle?
Take a look inside Goodrich Castle in 1296 to meet the real-life residents of Countess Joan de Valence’s household, discover what they feasted on and where in the castle they all lived.
Enter the castleWhat's for dinner in a medieval castle?
While many of the poor people who worked on the land and in castles had basic meals of bread, vegetables and a bit of meat, the rich and powerful enjoyed vast feasts. Read this page find out what was on the menu at Lord Lovell's feast at Old Wardour Castle, plus make your own medieval pie!
Join the feast!
A Spotter's Guide to... Castles
Castles come in all shapes and sizes, with lots for you and your family to explore! Download and print out our handy spotter's guide to castles, grab your binoculars, clipboard and a pencil, and head out to an English Heritage castle near you!
Download the guideQuiz time!
Could you run a medieval castle? Take our fun quizzes to find out whether you have what it takes, and whether your ideal job would be a Lord, Lady, Steward, Soldier or Jester. Plus, test your knowledge of castles on our Kings of the Castles page!
Can you take the castle?
The fate of Carlisle Castle is in your hands, in this fun game!
Challenge a friend or family member to a race around the board. Can you be the first player to collect all the trebuchet pieces, break through the castle’s gatehouse, reach the keep and win?
Play the game!Become a knight!
Ever dreamt of being a medieval knight? Well here's your chance! Use our cool video tutorials to kit yourself out with a sword, shield and helmet then choose your knight's colours and head to one of our castles to practise your skills!
Colour a castle
Have you ever wondered what life was like inside a medieval castle?
Take a look inside Goodrich Castle in 1296 to meet the real-life residents of Countess Joan de Valence’s household, discover what they feasted on and where in the castle they all lived.
Download your posterRead Kids Rule! magazine online
What was life like in a medieval castle? Read Kids Rule! magazine online to find out. In these issues about castles, discover the stories of real people who lived in them, castle design, battles and sieges, how to attack and defend a castle and much more!
The Kids Rule! magazine series follows the history of England, from prehistory to present. It’s designed to help you discover more about the past, through fun facts, illustrated stories, games, puzzles and competitions.
