Year 10 - History
The Marcher earls
Norman Wales
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This pupil-friendly study guide includes a unit summary, clear notes, common mistakes, and quick questions with answers.
Unit Summary
In this unit, pupils learn about the historical environment, choosing the relevant site study to complement their understanding of Norman England.
Lesson Summary
You will learn to explain the role of the Marcher earls.
Key Notes
- Wales was not a threat to Norman England, but the border situation helped those resisting Norman control.
- In 1067 and 1069, Eadric the Wild attacked Hereford and Shrewsbury with help from Wales.
- William I responded by creating the Marcher earldoms in Chester, Shrewsbury and Hereford.
- Marcher earls were granted special privileges to help them control and colonise the Marches.
- While there was no systematic plan to conquer Wales, the Marcher earls encouraged land grabs of Welsh territory.
Vocabulary To Learn
- Marcher: connected to the Marches, the borderlands between Wales and England
- earldom: the territory controlled by an earl
Common Mistakes To Avoid
- The Marcher earls were completely independent of the king.
3 Quick Questions (With Answers)
1. Summarise this historical learning in two key ideas.
Wales was not a threat to Norman England, but the border situation helped those resisting Norman control. In 1067 and 1069, Eadric the Wild attacked Hereford and Shrewsbury with help from Wales.
2. Define this history term and explain why it matters in this topic. 'Marcher'
connected to the Marches, the borderlands between Wales and England.
3. Correct this common history misconception using evidence language.
Mistake: The Marcher earls were completely independent of the king. Correction: Although the Marcher earls had a lot of independence and special privileges, they were still vassals of the king and swore to obey him. Their feudal duties included providing the king with knights.
More Lessons In This Unit
- Castle building in Norman Wales Study Guide
- Norman Wales - historical context themes Study Guide
- Norman Wales - sources and historical context Study Guide
- Norman Wales: structuring your answer to the historic environment question Study Guide
- Rebellions against Norman rule Study Guide
- The geography of Norman Wales Study Guide
- The role of the Norman barons Study Guide
- Wales before the Norman Conquest Study Guide
Browse all guides in the Year 10 History guide library.