How did William the Conqueror secure control?

Ask students to look at the photograph of York Castle. Although these remains date mostly from the 13th century (1200s), the first castle was built on this site in 1068 by William the Conqueror following his invasion and capture of England. Tell students that castles were introduced to England, along with the Feudal System, by the French after the Norman conquest of 1066. Then ask them to think about the different ways in which a castle could help William to keep control. They may like to split their list into two columns, the ‘physical’ impact of castles and the ‘psychological’ impact of castles. Once they have created a list ask them to look at the images of different castles, then select a different castle that could represent each point on their list, explaining why. Students will be able to investigate the different ways in which William I secured the conquest
by describing and explaining the different ways castles helped to consolidate Norman control of England.