Year 10 - History
The Anglo-Saxon monarchy
British depth study: Anglo-Saxon and Norman England, c1060–88
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Study Guides
This pupil-friendly study guide includes a unit summary, clear notes, common mistakes, and quick questions with answers.
Unit Summary
In this unit, pupils study an aspect of British medieval history in depth. They learn about the social, economic, religious and political events that influenced the lives of those who lived in this period.
Lesson Summary
You will learn to explain how powerful Edward the Confessor was.
Key Notes
- The king had a duty to protect the kingdom and had powers over the army, laws, landownership, and money.
- In return, the people had a duty to obey the laws and serve the king through taxes and military service.
- Edward the Confessor's power was balanced by powerful earls who controlled thegns and armies.
- Edward had gained legitimacy through his piety and law-making.
- The Witan advised the king and had a role in selecting his successor.
Vocabulary To Learn
- fyrd: the fyrd was an army which consisted of part-time soldiers called up by thegns and earls when ordered by the king
- shire reeve: a shire reeve (sheriff) was a king's legal officer who enforced laws in a shire
- piety: piety is strong religious faith that is shown in the way someone lives
- Danelaw: The Danelaw was an area in Anglo-Saxon England which had previously been invaded and settled by Danes (Vikings) and had retained some laws and customs that were different from southern England
- Witan: the Witan was a group of leading aristocrats who advised the king
Common Mistakes To Avoid
- Anglo-Saxon monarchs had to be great warriors to be made king.
3 Quick Questions (With Answers)
1. Summarise this historical learning in two key ideas.
The king had a duty to protect the kingdom and had powers over the army, laws, landownership, and money. In return, the people had a duty to obey the laws and serve the king through taxes and military service.
2. Define this history term and explain why it matters in this topic. 'fyrd'
the fyrd was an army which consisted of part-time soldiers called up by thegns and earls when ordered by the king.
3. Correct this common history misconception using evidence language.
Mistake: Anglo-Saxon monarchs had to be great warriors to be made king. Correction: In fact some monarchs, such as Edward the Confessor, were not warriors but instead very religious men whose faith inspired others.
More Lessons In This Unit
- Anglo-Saxon society Study Guide
- Bishop Odo of Bayeux Study Guide
- Change and continuity in Norman England Study Guide
- Claimants to the throne in 1066 Study Guide
- Earldoms and local government in Anglo-Saxon England Study Guide
- Edward the Confessor and the House of Godwin Study Guide
- Motte-and-bailey castles Study Guide
- Reasons for William's victory at the Battle of Hastings Study Guide
- Rewarding followers and the Marcher earldoms Study Guide
- The Anglo-Norman Church Study Guide
- The Anglo-Saxon economy and the role of the Church Study Guide
- The Battle of Hastings Study Guide
- The battles of Gate Fulford and Stamford Bridge Study Guide
- The feudal system in Norman England Study Guide
- The Harrying of the North Study Guide
- The legacy of Anglo-Saxon resistance Study Guide
- The Norman aristocracy Study Guide
- The Northern and East Anglian rebellions Study Guide
- The revolt of the earls in 1075 Study Guide
- The significance of Domesday Book Study Guide
- The submission of the earls in 1066 Study Guide
- The uprising against Earl Tostig Godwinson Study Guide
- William I and his successors Study Guide
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