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Year 10 - History

Key figures in the government of Norman England

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 recall some of the key figures in Norman government.

Key Notes

  • At first, William planned to share government with Anglo-Saxon nobles and Church leaders.
  • After 1070, William replaced Anglo-Saxon nobles and churchmen with loyal Normans.
  • William FitzOsbern and Odo of Bayeux were important figures in government.
  • Lanfranc became a key figure in government after 1070.
  • Matilda of Flanders became the first Queen of England, though was most influential as William's regent in Normandy.

Vocabulary To Learn

  • prelate: a senior official in the Church, for example, a bishop or abbot
  • regent: a person appointed to govern a country while the monarch is away or ill
  • Flanders: a region (now in modern-day Belgium and France) ruled in the medieval period by a count as a vassal of the king of France

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • William always planned to replace Anglo-Saxons in key government positions with loyal Normans.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

1. Summarise this historical learning in two key ideas.

At first, William planned to share government with Anglo-Saxon nobles and Church leaders. After 1070, William replaced Anglo-Saxon nobles and churchmen with loyal Normans.

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

a senior official in the Church, for example, a bishop or abbot.

3. Correct this common history misconception using evidence language.

Mistake: William always planned to replace Anglo-Saxons in key government positions with loyal Normans. Correction: At first, William intended to boost his claim to be the legitimate heir of Edward by keeping earls Edwin, Morcar and Waltheof in place in his government of England - alongside new earls such as Earl Odo of Kent or Earl William of Hereford.

More Lessons In This Unit

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