Key stage 1&2 Preparing for Battle 1421 Earl of Warwick supervises trial of Joan of Arc 1445 Henry de Beauchamp becomes Duke of Warwick 1449 Richard Neville becomes Earl of Warwick 1471 Richard Neville (Kingmaker), dies at the Battle of Barnet 1478 George, Duke of Clarence imprisoned and killed 1540 Further development at the Castle - including a new roof for kitchens and building of the spy tower. 914 950 1000 1050 1100 1150 1200 1250 1300 1350 1400 1450 1500 1550 1600 1650 1700 1750 1800 1850 1900 1950 2000 2008 The Earls of Warwick De Newburgh Duplessis Maudult De Beachamp Neville Plantagenet Dudley Rich Greville
Teacher notes Mediaeval Society PREPARING FOR BATTLE This section focuses on the Kingmaker attraction at Warwick Castle. This attraction portrays scenes from mediaeval life at the Castle in March 1471, as Richard Neville, Earl of Warwick, prepares for battle against his one time friend and cousin, King Edward IV (whom he had helped put on the throne). This attraction provides an excellent opportunity to examine Castle life on the eve of battle and introduces pupils to a range of inhabitants. Pupils are also encouraged to interact with our costumed characters who will be seen throughout the Castle. WHO WAS THE KINGMAKER? In 1450, King Henry VI honoured his seemingly loyal subject Richard Neville with the title of 16th Earl of Warwick. Neville s family connections made him a Yorkist and in 1455 he led them to defeat the Lancastrians at the Battle of St Albans where Henry VI was captured. By 1461 the Yorkists had won the first war of succession and Edward, son of the Duke of York, ascended the throne. Warwick was placed in a position of great power as a reward for his efforts. By the end of the decade, Warwick had switched his loyalties from Edward as Warwick found his influence declining. In 1469 Warwick plotted with the King s brother, the Duke of Clarence, to capture and imprison Edward at Warwick Castle. It was only a matter of time before Warwick had restored the long imprisoned Henry to the throne. In March 1471, Edward landed in England aiming to reclaim the Crown. Battle commenced at Barnet on 14th April 1471. Although Warwick s Lancastrian armies had 3000 more troops than the Yorkists, they were defeated and Warwick was killed. Posthumously he was referred to as Kingmaker, in recognition of the powerful influence he wielded over the choice of England s kings. PRE VISIT ACTIVITIES: Explore the Wars of the Roses and Warwick the Kingmaker. This will aid understanding of the Kingmaker attraction. This particular period can be very complex and difficult to follow. Creating a timeline of major events and the major people involved might help consolidate understanding. Ensure your pupils are fully briefed on what they need to do during the visit to complete the post visit activities to ensure they look out for the appropriate details. DURING THE VISIT: Worksheet 1 is designed to be used during the visit. TEACHER S NOTES TO WORKSHEETS 1 This worksheet is designed to be used by the pupils to capture notes for the post visit activities. Pupils should be encouraged to note down what the characters are doing, what they are wearing and any other comments that will help them write a description of a day in the life of the characters. It covers a range of members of society and job roles. The characters are the wax portraits and others job roles you could study are our live costumed characters (Master of the Trebuchet and the Garrison Cook).
TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL VISIT Although our costumed characters are more than happy to answer any questions that your pupils may have they also have to be available to other visitors. Encourage your pupils to ask a couple of key questions per character. This activity can be completed on observation alone should it be difficult to speak to them. Subdued lighting and the layout in the Kingmaker may make it difficult to write full notes whilst in the attraction so please encourage pupils to make brief observations. Pupils are permitted to touch the objects and models in the Kingmaker attraction, provided they do so with care and common sense. POST VISIT ACTIVITIES: Creative Writing: Day in the life of pupils should write an account of a typical day in the life of one of the characters they have met. This should include what they would wear and the activities they would do. This can be done in the style of a letter or diary entry (even if the character they choose might not have been able to write!) Compare and Contrast: Either in groups or as individuals ask pupils to compare two characters they met. For the lower key stages you might want to give them two characters as a starting point. They should explore their appearance and roles/jobs. For example the Earl of Warwick and the blacksmith, the knight and the cook. Group Discussion: Compare Castle life and preparing for Battle with life today. Using the evidence collected from your visit discuss the ways in which the Castle was a) different from and b) similar to life today.
Mediaeval Society: Worksheet 1 Preparing for Battle While visiting Warwick Castle you will meet various characters who would have lived and worked at the Castle. In the boxes below identify the following characters and make notes on them, such as their appearance and what they are doing. PAGE BLACKSMITH CARPENTER STONE MASON
Mediaeval Society: Worksheet 1 Preparing for Battle While visiting Warwick Castle you will meet various characters who would have lived and worked at the Castle. In the boxes below identify the following characters and make notes on them, such as their appearance and what they are doing. SEAMSTRESS RECEIVER GENERAL NAME... NAME...