Siege Warfare and How Castles Were Attacked Flashcards

1️⃣ Familiarise yourself with the flashcards:

  • Look through all the flashcards to see what's on both sides.
  • Make sure you understand the information on each card. If something's unclear, click the link to the revision notes at the bottom of the page for more details.

2️⃣ Test yourself:

  • Look at the question or prompt on each card and try to remember the answer before flipping it over.
  • Check the answer and make a note of any cards you find challenging and need to go over more.

3️⃣ Consistently Review and Practice:

  • Use spaced repetition: spend more time on the cards you struggle with and go over them more often.
  • Regularly review all the flashcards to help you better understand and retain the information over time.

Note: We may include questions that have multiple correct answers. It's useful to remember specific examples to understand these concepts better.

PERSONALISED 1-TO-1 TUTORING

Need more help on this topic? Get 1-to-1 support

Get support with clear explanations, practice and feedback (Ages 5 to 16).

  • DBS-checked tutors
  • Flexible times
  • Parents can be updated
Book a free 10-min call See pricing

Want an ad-free experience? Subscribe to remove ads

In Edward I’s wars, what was a siege of a castle?

A siege was when an army surrounded a castle and cut it off, to force it to surrender instead of taking it in a quick attack.

Why were sieges more common than direct attacks on castles?

Castles had strong stone walls and high towers, so a direct attack was very risky and costly. It was often safer to trap the defenders and starve them out.

What was usually the first step when starting a siege of a castle?

The attackers surrounded the castle and blocked the roads, rivers and gates, so that no food, water or help could get in or out.

How did attackers use starvation to try to capture a castle?

They set up a blockade to stop supplies reaching the castle. Over time, food and fuel ran out and the defenders might give up rather than die of hunger.

What was a trebuchet and how was it used in sieges under Edward I?

A trebuchet was a large catapult powered by a heavy weight. It was used to hurl huge stones, and sometimes burning or diseased material, at the castle walls and buildings.

How were siege towers and ladders used to attack a castle?

Siege towers were tall wooden structures rolled up to the walls so soldiers could cross onto the battlements. Ladders were put against the walls so men could climb up and try to overrun the defenders.

How did attackers try to break through a castle gate?

They used a battering ram to smash the gate, often protected by a wooden shed. They might also try to set fire to the gate or doors to weaken them.

What was mining (undermining) in siege warfare?

Miners dug tunnels under a castle wall and propped them up with wooden supports. They then set fire to the supports so the tunnel roof collapsed, bringing part of the wall down.

How did attackers try to cross a castle’s moat or ditch?

They could throw in earth, stones or bundles of wood to fill it, or use portable bridges. This gave them a way to get men and siege weapons close to the walls.

How might a siege of a castle end if the attackers did not storm it?

Often the defenders surrendered when food, water or hope of rescue ran out. Sometimes the two sides agreed terms, such as safe passage for the garrison, in return for handing over the castle.

Previous Lesson
Back to Lesson
Next Topic