Totnes Castle Visit

News - Nov 12

All of Year 7 recently went on their first History trip to Totnes where they visited the motte-and-bailey castle and had a tour around the town to complement their studies on the Battle of Hastings and William the Conqueror’s rule of England.

Miles G in 7A has written the following summary:

"We went to Totnes castle on Thursday 14^th of October because it has the remains of a motte-and-bailey castle and we have been learning about them lately in History. These motte-and-bailey castles were built all over England as William the Conqueror had a rebellious population who didn’t want him as King, so he built these castles to keep the people under control. We also saw St. Mary’s church, which is a large church built in the 1500s. I also got some good pictures of castle. The trip was great fun, and I would love to go again."

Year 7 students were able to experience a motte-and-bailey castle; walking up to the keep, having lunch in the bailey and even trying to attack through the moat! It hopefully demonstrated the powerful image and stance of William the Conqueror and his Norman knights, including Juhel who built Totnes castle.

History Department