Knights and Castles in Europe

1100 – 1400

Knights and castles were important in medieval Europe, especially in defense and feudal society. Castles served as fortresses and homes for the nobility, while knights trained in chivalry to protect their lands and inspired legends like King Arthur.

Picture books

Illustrated Tales of King Arthur

Illustrated King Arthur stories for the youngest readers on up

The Hawk of the Castle: A Story of Medieval Falconry

Medieval falconry through the eyes of a young girl and her father

A Medieval Feast

Award-winning introduction to medieval castle life, via preparation for a feast

Saint George and the Dragon

Award-winning retelling of a fairy tale, gorgeously illustrated

St. Conrad and the Wildfire

Engaging story about a nobleman-turned-saint

The Kitchen Knight: A Tale of King Arthur

Gorgeous retelling of a King Arthur tale

Merlin and the Making of the King

Beautiful retelling of four King Arthur tales

The Making of a Knight

Story of a young boy’s journey to knighthood

A Year in a Castle

Cross-section of life in a castle across eight events

Knight: A Noble Guide for Young Squire

Picture book how-to guide for becoming a knight

The Castle the King Built

Charming intro to all of the jobs that made up castle life

Peep Inside the Castle

Lift-the-flap exploration of castle life

Chapter books and novels

Castle Diary: The Journal of Tobias Burgess

Excellent description of day-to-day castle life through the eyes of a boy

Knights of the Round Table (Stepping Stones)

Early reader version of the King Arthur stories

The Secret Diary of John Drawbridge, a Medieval Knight in Training

Fictional diary from a boy training to be a knight

Non-fiction books

What Are Castles and Knights?

Detailed, comprehensive intro to castles and knights

Eyewitness Castle

Comprehensive reference about castles with great photos

Eyewitness Knight

Comprehensive reference about medieval knights with great photos

You Wouldn’t Want to be a Medieval Knight!

Humorous, informative look at medieval knights

Castle

Beautifully detailed exploration of castle building and use

Stephen Biesty’s Cross-Sections: Castle

Amazing cross-section illustrations of a castle

The Illustrated Book of Knights

Very informative intro to life as a knight

You Wouldn’t Want to Be in a Medieval Dungeon!

Humorous, informative look at medieval dungeons

Horrible Histories Special: Dark Knights and Dingy Castles

Playful introduction to the dark side of knights and castles

Activities

Knights & Castles: 50 Hands-On Activities to Experience the Middle Ages

Activities inspired by medieval life

Make This Medieval Castle

Castle cut-out model for older crafters

Life in a Medieval Castle and Village Coloring Book

Coloring book of scenes from medieval life

Google Sites

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