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Year 10 - History

Battle of Stamford Bridge

British Depth Study: Norman England, c1066–c1100

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 why Harold Godwinson won the Battle of Stamford Bridge.

Key Notes

  • After his coronation, King Harold II expected an invasion from Normandy.
  • Harald Hardrada, king of Norway, also had a claim to the English throne.
  • Hardrada and Tostig Godwinson launched an invasion of England in September 1066.
  • Harold Godwinson defeated Hardrada and Tostig at the Battle of Stamford Bridge.
  • Harold Godwinson's victory had consequences for the Norman invasion.

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
  • fleet: a fleet is a group of ships, or all of the ships in a country's navy
  • casualties: casualties are the people injured or killed in a war or in a specific battle
  • hostage: a hostage is someone who is taken as a prisoner by an enemy in order to force the other people involved to do what the enemy wants

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • It took many weeks to travel from the south to the north of England in medieval times.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

1. Summarise this historical learning in two key ideas.

After his coronation, King Harold II expected an invasion from Normandy. Harald Hardrada, king of Norway, also had a claim to the English throne.

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: It took many weeks to travel from the south to the north of England in medieval times. Correction: Harold and his housecarls were able to cover 185 miles in just four days in 1066: an amazing achievement.

More Lessons In This Unit

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