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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