This week an intrepid group of Year 4 children scaled the battlements of Stafford Castle and took on all before them in a day of conquest, discovery and creativity. In Year 4, the children finish the year by learning about William the Conqueror and the Battle of Hastings. Stafford Castle supplements this learning brilliantly as one of the most obvious examples of a Motte and Bailey castle in the region which it is said, William himself once visited.
The children were lucky enough to explore this incredible site, attack the gatehouse, mint a coin and try on various items of clothing worn at the time, such as chain mail, tabards and coifs. Furious weaponry drills were undertaken and some found this a huge challenge, with being weighed down by several kilograms of armour. Lances, swords, axes and bows were all tried and tested, as well as a re-enactment of the infamous shield wall used by the Saxons that failed spectacularly at Hastings. More fun and battles were had in the woods at the foot of the castle before a tired army set off home for tea and medals.
