LiFe AnD DeAtH In MeDiEvAl TiMeS Life in the castle
Life in the stone castle was grim. There was no central heating so huge fires had to be lit to keep rooms warm. The windows were small slits and had no glass so rooms were dark and damp. Coloured tapestries (1) (large pieces of fabric with scenes or designs woven or embroidered onto them) were hung on the walls to make the rooms more pleasant.
The great hall (2) was located on the middle floor. This was where the noble and his wife ate. During the day, the noble carried out any business he had in the hall. He met with his bailiffs (people responsible for collecting taxes from anyone living on his land) or the estate steward who was responsible for managing the noble’s lands.
Under the great hall there were dungeons (3) where food was stored and prisoners were held.
On the top floor there was a chapel (4) (a small church) so the noble and his family could pray and attend mass. The noble’s apartments (5) were located on this floor along with his wife’s solar (6). The solar was a south-facing room where the lady could sit and weave tapestries and listen to musicians.
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RECALL 1 . What work took place in the bailey of the castle?
1 4 5 2 6
2. Define the meaning of the following words: A Chapel B Keep C Solar D Latrine E Dungeon F Tapestries
3. Name four parts of the castle used for protection and explain how each was used to protect the castle.
4. What activities occurred in the great hall of a castle?