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Year 10 - History

The Reform Papacy

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 the impact of the Reform Papacy on relations between the Church and secular rulers.

Key Notes

  • Popes from the mid-11th century wished to reform the Church.
  • The pope had given William of Normandy the papal banner to invade England.
  • In return, William promised to reform the English Church in line with the Reform Papacy.
  • Pope Gregory IX issued his Dictatus Papae which said the pope had the power to depose monarchs.
  • The Reform Papacy clashed with monarchs in Europe, especially the Holy Roman Emperor, Henry IV.

Vocabulary To Learn

  • secular: the opposite of sacred; a part of life that is not to do with the Church or religion
  • depose: remove someone from office (their official role or position)
  • excommunication: to exclude someone from the community of the Church until they put right what they had been doing wrong
  • concordat: a treaty or official agreement

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • The Normans reforms of the Church were specific to England.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

1. Summarise this historical learning in two key ideas.

Popes from the mid-11th century wished to reform the Church. The pope had given William of Normandy the papal banner to invade England.

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

the opposite of sacred; a part of life that is not to do with the Church or religion.

3. Correct this common history misconception using evidence language.

Mistake: The Normans reforms of the Church were specific to England. Correction: The Church reforms were part of a much bigger European reform movement led by a succession of popes known as the Reform Papacy.

More Lessons In This Unit

Browse all guides in the Year 10 History guide library.