Castle Life KS2 Activity Booklet
What Will I Learn?On this tour, the History Team will tell you about life during the War of the Roses period, and in particular, the life of the Kingmaker. It will focus on court life in the medieval period, the important people, social roles and key events. They will explore how events and people at the castle played their part in the War of the Roses and the actions of the Kingmaker. There will be a focus on the character and role of the Kingmaker during this period.
Before You ArriveThink about these aspects before you arrive at the castle for your tour. This will help you get the most information out of your visit.
Opposing Houses
Did you know?The War of the Roses was fought between 1455 and 1487, and is sometimes known as the Cousins’ War.
Castle Life
Edward V1483
Richard III1483-1485
Henry VI1422-1461
& 1470-1471
Henry VII1485-1509
Margaret of Anjou (married to Henry VI)
Edward IV
1461-1470 &
1471-1483
Henry V1413-1422
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Name the two rival houses that took part in the Wars of the Roses?Houses of and
Which house did Edward IV belong to?
KingmakerRichard Neville, 16th Earl of Warwick, was known as Warwick the Kingmaker. He was the wealthiest and one of the most powerful English noblemen of his time. He helped to depose Henry VI in favour of Edward IV. His daughter married George Duke of Clarence, the king’s brother. He had hoped this would ensure he was more powerful, but the King favoured the Woodville family more. As a result, the Earl defected to the House of Lancaster. His daughter Anne, married Edward, Prince of Wales. The Earl of Warwick then helped to place Henry VI back on the throne.
Who was the Kingmaker?
Why was he called the Kingmaker?
Choosing SidesColour in the Lancaster and York roses in the correct colours to bring with you on your tour.
After Your Visit Think about all the things you learnt and saw on your tour at the castle to help you complete the following tasks.
Mini-Glossary:Nobleman: a member of the highest class in society
Depose: remove
Defected: changing support and sides
Did you know? Richard Neville died at the Battle of Barnet in 1471.
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York vs Lancaster
Which side would you have chosen and why?
Who won the most battles?
25 Apr 1464
15 May 1464
28 Mar 1461
29 Mar 1461
12 Mar 1470
10 Jul 1460
22 May 1455
17 Feb 1461
14 Apr 1471
30 Dec 1460
23 Sep 1459
12 Oct 1459
2 Feb 1461
5
10
Barnet
First St. Albans
Second St. Albans
Edgecote Moor
Blore Heath
Northampton
Losecote Field
Towton
Ferrybridge
Mortimor’s Cross
Ludford Bridge
Hexham
Hedgeley Moor
26 Jul 1469
Key York Lancaster
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PersonalityHow would you describe the Kingmaker’s personality?
The Kingmaker had a bad reputation. Discuss the reasons why.
PortraitureAs you know from your tour, we have no records of what the Kingmaker actually looked like. Use the information you learnt on your visit to draw your own portrait of the Kingmaker. Send us your drawings to go on our Schools Board of Fame.
Think about what his face would have looked like, for example, shape, eye colour, nose size, ear size, hairstyle, etc.
Think about what clothes he would have worn.
Did you know? Anne, the youngest daughter of Richard Neville, later became Queen of England.
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