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Year 10 - History

The built environment 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 describe how Normans introduced changes to the built environment.

Key Notes

  • The Normans loved an architectural style known now as Romanesque.
  • Romanesque style looked back to features of ancient Roman architecture, such as huge stone columns and rounded arches.
  • Castles were a major change to the built environment; stone replaced timber for building mainly from the 12th century.
  • Within 30 years of the Norman conquest, most church buildings in England were being rebuilt in Romanesque style.
  • There were several reasons for the vast programme of rebuilding, including religious reforms and Norman wealth.

Vocabulary To Learn

  • built environment: the landscape created by buildings and infrastructure like roads and bridges
  • Romanesque: an architectural style based on features of ancient Roman buildings
  • architecture: the design and construction of buildings
  • order: a group of individuals who live under a religious rule, dedicating themselves to a specific way of life

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • The Normans invented Romanesque architecture.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

1. Summarise this historical learning in two key ideas.

The Normans loved an architectural style known now as Romanesque. Romanesque style looked back to features of ancient Roman architecture, such as huge stone columns and rounded arches.

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

the landscape created by buildings and infrastructure like roads and bridges.

3. Correct this common history misconception using evidence language.

Mistake: The Normans invented Romanesque architecture. Correction: The Normans were enthusiastic adopters of Romanesque building style, but it was developed in northern Italy and France, combining Roman features with elements of Byzantine design.

More Lessons In This Unit

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