Why is there a castle not too far away from where you live? - Presentation

The educational presentation explores the historical significance of castles in the United Kingdom and their geographical distribution. It begins with a discussion on the strategic reasons behind the construction of castles, particularly focusing on William the Conqueror's era. After his victory at the Battle of Hastings, William aimed to establish strongholds across the UK to maintain control over the newly conquered territory. Teachers are encouraged to use a map of the UK to help students identify the location of well-known castles and to find the one closest to their own locality. This exercise not only connects students to their national heritage but also reinforces their geographical knowledge of the UK.

The presentation lists notable castles within England, such as Leeds Castle in Kent, Dover Castle, Windsor Castle, and Skipton Castle, among others. It also highlights important castles in Wales, including Conway Castle, Caernarfon Castle, Caerphilly Castle, and Carmarthen Castle. Furthermore, the castles in Scotland and Northern Ireland are mentioned, with Balmoral Castle, Stirling Castle, Dunluce Castle (NI), and Belfast Castle (NI) being some of the examples. This comprehensive overview enables students to appreciate the historical landscape of the UK and understand why many communities have a castle situated nearby, serving as a reminder of the country's rich and complex past.