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Year 10 - History

Establishing control: new earls and earldoms

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 how William used rewards and new earldoms to help establish control.

Key Notes

  • William faced unrest throughout most of England, and threats from Scotland and Wales.
  • William rewarded his most loyal supporters with land so they would help him establish control.
  • William also needed to pay mercenaries and show gratitude to the pope for his support.
  • William made Odo and FitzOsbern earls in the south and appointed them as regents.
  • William created new Marcher earldoms to defend the Welsh border.

Vocabulary To Learn

  • regent: a regent is a person who rules a country for a limited period, because the monarch is absent or too young or too ill
  • tribute: tribute is when you pay money and declare loyalty/submission to your ruler, especially on a formal occasion
  • Marcher: a Marcher earl was a noble appointed by the king of England to guard the border (known as the Welsh Marches) between England and Wales
  • sheriff: a sheriff was an official who oversaw law and order in a local area on behalf of the monarch

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • After William the Conqueror was crowned King of England, he and the Normans were immediately accepted as rightful rulers and peace reigned across the kingdom.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

1. Summarise this historical learning in two key ideas.

William faced unrest throughout most of England, and threats from Scotland and Wales. William rewarded his most loyal supporters with land so they would help him establish control.

2. Define this history term and explain why it matters in this topic. 'regent'

a regent is a person who rules a country for a limited period, because the monarch is absent or too young or too ill.

3. Correct this common history misconception using evidence language.

Mistake: After William the Conqueror was crowned King of England, he and the Normans were immediately accepted as rightful rulers and peace reigned across the kingdom. Correction: In fact, William faced a hostile Anglo-Saxon population and threats of invasion from Wales and Scotland, requiring him to take measures to establish further control.

More Lessons In This Unit

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