The Normans resources

Worksheets & Teacher’s guides


Dundrum Castle Teachers Guide – DfC

Contains an overview of the Normans in Ireland, a timeline, description and illustrations of the Dundrum Castle with ideas for cross-curricular activities.

Let’s explore Carrickfergus Castle – DfC

This teacher’s booklet provides historical information and illustrations of Carrickfergus Castle and a  range of suggested activities.

Inch Abbey – DfC

This teacher’s booklet contains illustrations and detailed historical and architectural information on the Cistercian abbey at Inch, Co. Down.

Hands on History – The Normans – BBC

Images, lesson plans and suggested activities about the Normans, includes guide to building model Motte & Bailey castle.

The Normans Spartacus Educational

Video


Study Ireland – The Normans 1: From Pagans to God’s Warriors– BBC on YouTube

BBC Schools Programme on the Normans in Ireland. Part 1 provides a background to the Norman Invasion of England and Ireland.

Study Ireland – The Normans 2: Ireland – The Land of Opportunity – BBC on YouTube

BBC Schools Programme on the Normans in Ireland. Part 2 explores Gaelic life in Ireland and the subsequent Norman invasion.

Study Ireland – The Normans 3: Everyday Life – BBC on YouTube

BBC Schools Programme on the Normans in Ireland. Part 3 looks at the Norman impact on everyday life in Ireland.

Dundrum Castle – Time Team – Channel 4 on YouTube

The Time Team visit Co. Down for a dig at Dundrum Castle. 

The Normans in Ireland – Lagan College on YouTube

This video covers the reasons form the Norman invasion of Ireland and how they built up their control on the island. The clip also covers a little bit about Norman legacy in Ireland. 

Motte & Bailey Explained – Lagan College on YouTube

This is a short video looks at Motte and Bailey castles and explores their importance and their strengths and weaknesses. The clip also contains some local examples of Motte & Bailey castles. 

Feudal System explained Lagan College on YouTube

This short video aims to describe the Feudal system in the Middle Ages. It describes what it is and why it was used. 

What was the Domesday Book? | Lagan College on YouTube

This short three minute video covers what the Domesday book is ; Why it was written and what was involved in making it

History – Secrets of the Castle – BBC Teach 

Suitable for teaching 11 to 14s. Historian Ruth Goodman and archaeologists Tom Pinfold and Peter Ginn rediscover medieval castle-building techniques. (11 clips)

Build a Norman Castle in Minecraft – English Heritage

English Heritage teamed up with The Yogscast to recreate the iconic Dover Castle in Minecraft.