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Castles and cathedrals of the Middle Ages

Study note

The Middle Ages left behind some of Britain's most impressive buildings. Castles were raised across the land, mainly for defence against attack. Some of these medieval castles are still in use today, two famous examples being Windsor Castle and Edinburgh Castle.

Religion inspired great building too. Magnificent cathedrals went up during this period, such as Lincoln Cathedral, and many are still used for worship centuries later. A number of them were decorated with beautiful stained glass windows that told stories from the Bible to people who often could not read. The stained glass in York Minster is a celebrated example.

The age also produced important writing. In Scotland, the poet John Barbour wrote The Bruce, a poem about the Battle of Bannockburn and Robert the Bruce. For the test, connect Windsor and Edinburgh with castles, York Minster with stained glass, and John Barbour with The Bruce.

Memory tip: Castles (Windsor, Edinburgh) and cathedrals (Lincoln, York Minster glass) built in the Middle Ages.

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Question 1 of 3

The famous stained glass is found in which cathedral?

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Show all questions and answers for Castles and cathedrals of the Middle Ages(3 questions with explanations)

Castles and cathedrals of the Middle Ages: questions, answers and explanations

  1. 1. The famous stained glass is found in which cathedral?

    • Canterbury Cathedral
    • Lincoln Cathedral
    • York Minster
    • St Paul's

    Correct answer: York Minster

    York Minster has famous stained glass windows.

  2. 2. Select TWO castles from the Middle Ages that are still in use today.

    • Edinburgh
    • Maiden Castle
    • Windsor
    • Conwy

    Correct answer: Edinburgh and Windsor

    Windsor and Edinburgh castles are still in use today.

  3. 3. Who wrote The Bruce, a poem about the Battle of Bannockburn?

    • John Barbour
    • William Shakespeare
    • Robert Burns
    • Geoffrey Chaucer

    Correct answer: John Barbour

    John Barbour wrote The Bruce in the Scots language about Bannockburn.

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