Question

Read the following passage and then answer the question. Caister Castle was built by Sir John Fastolf between 1432 and 1446, with the permission of the reigning king, Henry VI. Caister was built out of brick, which was considered less durable than stone. However, the entire castle was surrounded by a moat and well equipped with gunports that increased its status as a sturdy, protective, and well-defended structure. What cause-and-effect relationship is implied in the above text? A. The childless Fastolf's will deeded his property to the Paston family. B. The War of the Roses led to a rise in military skills among the middle-class people of the time. C. Constant strife created the need for protective architectural elements in the construction of buildings. D. The British Museum recognizes the value of the Paston letters as a window into an era of British history.

Answer 1

The correct answer is C. Constant strife created the need for protective architectural elements in the construction of buildings.

Indeed, the Paston letters were written during a very troubled and deadly period in English history, when not only its population was being ravaged by the Black Death but the War of the Roses had divided the population and the resulting civil war and spread lawlessness were very imminent dangers and concrete threats to life and property. Since violence was prevalent, any type of housing needed to be fortified since the possibility of an attack was very present, especially considering that the Pastons were in one of the belligerent camps.