Year 2 brought their Medieval history lessons to life with an exciting visit to Lewes Castle as part of their Beyond the Beanstalk topic. Inspired by their studies of Jack climbing the beanstalk and encountering a giant in a castle among the clouds, pupils have been learning about the very first castles built by the Normans in Britain.
During their visit, the children explored the castle ruins and its surrounding grounds, showcasing their impressive recall of key architectural features. They identified both mottes, the bailey, and the spot where the portcullis once fell within the barbican. As they navigated the narrow spiral staircases, they gained a firsthand understanding of the castle’s defensive structures, including arrow slits, battlements, and the many layers of protection designed to keep attackers at bay.
In the afternoon, the pupils delved deeper into history at the castle museum, where they discovered fascinating facts about Lewes town, William de Warenne, and the evolution of materials, tools, and weaponry in Sussex over the centuries. The highlight for many was the chance to step into the roles of Medieval castle inhabitants by dressing up as lords, ladies, knights, jesters, and peasants.
