What is a castle?

History · Medieval Times · ages 5-7

Name ______________________ Date ____________

What is a moat?
- a soft bed
- a deep ditch around a castle
- a type of food
Which of these is a real part of a castle?
- tower
- trampoline
- swimming pool
A castle was only for fighting, never a home.
Circle one: True False
Why did castles have thick walls?
- To stop enemies
- To make the castle heavier
- To grow flowers on them
Look at the parts of the castle. Which one lets people cross the moat?
- Tower
- Wall
- Drawbridge
Count the parts of the castle shown. Type how many parts there are.
Answer: ______________
A king built his castle on a hill, with a moat and thick stone walls. Why did he build it this way?
- To save money on stone
- To get a better view for painting
- To stop enemies getting in
Mia says a castle was only for fighting, never a home. Why is Mia wrong?
- Mia is right, castles were never homes
- Homes and defences together
- Castles were only shops

Answer key

For grown-ups. Fold this page away before handing over the rest.

a deep ditch around a castle · A moat is a deep ditch around a castle. It often has water in it.
tower · A tower is a tall part of a castle. Trampolines and swimming pools are not.
False · A castle was a home and a defence, both at once.
To stop enemies · Thick walls were hard to break. They kept enemies out.
Drawbridge · A drawbridge is a bridge that can lift up. It lets people cross the moat.
5 · Count each part once: tower, wall, moat, drawbridge, gatehouse. That is 5 parts.
To stop enemies getting in · A hill, a moat, and thick walls all make it harder to attack. That kept the king and his people safe.
Homes and defences together · Castles were where lords and families lived. They also kept people safe. Both are true.