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 Norman aristocracy and its impact on England.

Key Notes

• The Norman aristocracy brought with them a distinct warrior culture which included castles and chivalry.
• The Norman aristocracy viewed their simple and pious culture as superior to the Anglo-Saxon culture.
• English churches were rebuilt in the new Romanesque style that was fashionable amongst the Norman aristocracy.
• The Norman aristocracy spoke Norman-French and used Latin for the Church and official documents.

Vocabulary To Learn

• aristocracy: the aristocracy are a class of people who hold high social rank, often inheriting their status and wealth
• chivalry: chivalry is the system of behaviour followed by knights, that put a high value on bravery, mercy, justice, and generosity
• piety: living in a way that is devoted to religion is known as piety
• Romanesque: Romanesque is the style of building that was fashionable in Western Europe which recalled the power of the Roman Empire
• penance: penance is to punish yourself to seek God's forgiveness for a sin

Common Mistakes To Avoid

• England's monarchs always spoke English as their first language.

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 Harrying of the North Study Guide
• The legacy of Anglo-Saxon resistance 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