Pearson Edexcel · GCSE · History
Course version: 1HI0 · Version from Sept 2016
Key topic 2: Involvements overseas, 1189–1204 - 4 Richard, John and the…
Full specification wording
Option B2: Key topic 2: Involvements overseas, 1189–1204 - 4 Richard, John and the loss of Normandy: Richard and Chateau Gaillard: its cost and importance.
Chateau Gaillard was a formidable fortress built by Richard I between 1196 and 1198 on the River Seine to defend Normandy from the French King, Philip II.
Checked against the Pearson Edexcel 1HI0 specification (opens in a new tab) on .
- Point 2 of 3
- 2 key terms
Study notes
From the checked teaching notes for this specification point.
The idea
Chateau Gaillard was a formidable fortress built by Richard I between 1196 and 1198 on the River Seine to defend Normandy from the French King, Philip II. Its construction was incredibly expensive, costing an estimated £12,000—roughly double what Richard spent on all his castles in England combined. This immense cost reflects its strategic importance. Positioned on a high chalk ridge, it blocked Philip's route to Rouen, the capital of Normandy, and served as a secure base for Richard to launch counter-attacks to reclaim lost Vexin territory. Its innovative design, including concentric walls and a scalloped inner bailey, made it a masterpiece of medieval military engineering, symbolising Richard's power and commitment to his lands.
What earns the marks
- Identify the location of Chateau Gaillard on the River Seine, blocking the route to Rouen.
- Explain the financial burden, noting the £12,000 cost over just two years.
- Describe its strategic importance as both a defensive shield for Normandy and an offensive base to retake the Vexin.
- Detail the innovative defensive features, such as the concentric walls, deep ditches, and scalloped inner bailey.
Common mistakes and how to put them right
Stating that Chateau Gaillard was cheap to build.
Put it right: Emphasise that it was extraordinarily expensive, costing around £12,000, which strained Richard's finances.
Claiming the castle was built in England.
Put it right: Specify that it was built in Normandy, France, on the River Seine.
Believing the castle was purely defensive.
Put it right: Explain that Richard also used it as a strategic base to launch offensive campaigns against Philip II.
Exam tips
- Use the specific cost of £12,000 to demonstrate precise knowledge of the financial strain it caused.
- Link the geographical location on the River Seine directly to its strategic importance in protecting Rouen.
- When discussing Richard's military skill, use the innovative design of Chateau Gaillard as concrete evidence of his expertise.
Try the lesson
The start of the Option B2: Key topic 2: Involvements overseas, 1189–1204 - 4 Richard, John and the loss of Normandy: Richard and Chateau Gaillard: its cost and importance. lesson, made from checked teaching notes for this specification point.
Have a go first
What was significant about the estimated £12,000 cost of building Château Gaillard?
Listen
Chateau Gaillard was a formidable fortress built by Richard I between 1196 and 1198 on the River Seine to defend Normandy from the French King, Philip II. Its construction was incredibly expensive, costing an estimated £12,000—roughly double what Richard spent on all his castles in England combined. This immense cost reflects its strategic importance. Positioned on a high chalk ridge, it blocked Philip's route to Rouen, the capital of Normandy, and served as a secure base for Richard to launch counter-attacks to reclaim lost Vexin territory. Its innovative design, including concentric walls and a scalloped inner bailey, made it a masterpiece of medieval military engineering, symbolising Richard's power and commitment to his lands. A strong answer earns marks for these points. Identify the location of Chateau Gaillard on the River Seine, blocking the route to Rouen. Explain the financial burden, noting the £12,000 cost over just two years. Describe its strategic importance as both a defensive shield for Normandy and an offensive base to retake the Vexin. Detail the innovative defensive features, such as the concentric walls, deep ditches, and scalloped inner bailey. A common slip: Stating that Chateau Gaillard was cheap to build. Instead, Emphasise that it was extraordinarily expensive, costing around £12,000, which strained Richard's finances. Exam tip: Use the specific cost of £12,000 to demonstrate precise knowledge of the financial strain it caused.
Key words
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Chateau Gaillard
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Royal finances
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See every definition
- Chateau Gaillard
- A formidable fortress built by Richard I between 1196 and 1198 on the River Seine to defend Normandy from the French King, Philip II.
- Royal finances
- The money available to the king, strained by the castle's construction, which cost an estimated £12,000, roughly double what Richard spent on all his castles in England combined.
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