Study Guides

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 describe the features of the Harrying of the North and explain its causes and impacts.

Key Notes

• William's control of the North was threatened by rebellions.
• William aimed to destroy the spirit of rebellion and ensure that no future rebellion could support itself in the North.
• Norman soldiers systematically killed rebels and destroyed food across Yorkshire – later known as 'Harrying the North'.
• The resulting famine caused as many as 100 000 people to vanish from the records.
• There were no further uprisings in the North, but William was criticised for excessive brutality.

Vocabulary To Learn

• systematically: when something is done systematically it is done in a way that is done according to an agreed set of methods or organised plan
• scorched-earth: a scorched-earth policy is the act of an army destroying everything in an area such as food, buildings, or equipment that could be useful to an enemy
• famine: a famine is a situation in which there is not enough food for a great number of people, causing illness and death, or a particular period when this happens
• refugee: a refugee is a person who has been forced to leave their country in order to escape war, persecution or natural disaster

Common Mistakes To Avoid

• In the medieval period it was expected that rulers would be ruthless in killing anyone who opposed them.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

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 Anglo-Saxon monarchy 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 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