Castles and Knights
8 free practice questions with explanations
PassNova has 8 free Kids History practice questions on Castles and Knights, each with a clear explanation. Practise them in the browser with instant feedback — 100% free, no sign-up, on any device. Updated for 2026.
Castles and Knights: example questions & answers
8 worked examples with answers and explanations below. Practise them in the browser with instant feedback on every answer.
What is the deep, water-filled ditch around a castle called?
- AA moat✓
- BA pond
- CA puddle
- DA river
Answer: A moat is a wide ring of water around a castle that made it harder for enemies to get inside.
What did a knight wear to protect his body in battle?
- AA bright yellow raincoat
- BA suit of armour✓
- CA long red party cape
- DA thick woolly jumper
Answer: Knights wore metal armour to protect their bodies from swords and arrows during a fight.
What is the special bridge called that could be pulled up to close a castle's entrance?
- AA footbridge
- BA slide
- CA drawbridge✓
- DA rope bridge
Answer: A drawbridge could be lifted up over the moat to stop enemies from crossing into the castle.
What was the strong central tower of a castle, where people were safest, called?
- AThe garage
- BThe attic
- CThe shed
- DThe keep✓
Answer: The keep was the tallest, strongest part of the castle where people could shelter if enemies attacked.
A young boy who was training to become a knight was first known as what?
- AA page✓
- BA pirate
- CA farmer
- DA jester
Answer: Boys began training to be knights as a page, then became a squire before finally becoming a knight.
What was the sport called where two knights on horseback charged at each other with long poles called lances?
- ASkating
- BBowling
- CJousting✓
- DFishing
Answer: Jousting was an exciting contest where knights on horses tried to knock each other down using lances.
The first castles the Normans built were made from a mound of earth and wood. What are these called?
- ACastles made of ice blocks
- BMotte and bailey castles✓
- CCastles built out of sand
- DCastles made of shiny glass
Answer: Motte and bailey castles had a wooden tower on a raised mound (the motte) next to an enclosed yard (the bailey).
What were the up-and-down tops of castle walls called, where soldiers could hide and then look out?
- ADoorways
- BWindows
- CChimneys
- DBattlements✓
Answer: Battlements were the toothed tops of castle walls that soldiers could shelter behind and shoot arrows through.