Year 10 - History
Durham before the Norman Conquest
Durham Cathedral
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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 strategic importance of Northumbria and Durham and the significance of the uprising against Tostig in 1065.
Key Notes
- Northumbria was important because it guarded the frontiers against Scottish and Danish (Viking) invaders.
- Northumbria was part of the Danelaw and had different laws and customs from southern England.
- Durham was important because it was a main town in Northumbria which could help deal with Scottish and Danish raids.
- Earl Tostig and Aethelwine, the bishop of Durham, were seen as southern outsiders and abused their powers.
- The 1065 uprising in Northumbria resulted in Tostig being exiled but Aethelwine remained the bishop of Durham.
Vocabulary To Learn
- Danelaw: an area of England which had been invaded and settled by Danes leading to different laws and customs from southern England.
- earl: a leading member of both Anglo-Saxon and Norman aristocracy, ruling an earldom on behalf of the king.
- uprising: an act of opposition, sometimes using violence, by many people in one area of a country against those who are in power
Common Mistakes To Avoid
- Northumbria was an Anglo-Saxon earldom that was fully integrated into the kingdom of England.
3 Quick Questions (With Answers)
1. Summarise this historical learning in two key ideas.
Northumbria was important because it guarded the frontiers against Scottish and Danish (Viking) invaders. Northumbria was part of the Danelaw and had different laws and customs from southern England.
2. Define this history term and explain why it matters in this topic. 'Danelaw'
an area of England which had been invaded and settled by Danes leading to different laws and customs from southern England.
3. Correct this common history misconception using evidence language.
Mistake: Northumbria was an Anglo-Saxon earldom that was fully integrated into the kingdom of England. Correction: Northumbria had a shifting northern border with Scotland and was part of the Danelaw and had different laws and customs from southern England.
More Lessons In This Unit
- Durham Cathedral - historical context themes Study Guide
- Durham Cathedral - sources and historical context Study Guide
- Durham Cathedral and continuity and change in Norman England Study Guide
- Durham Cathedral and Norman government Study Guide
- Durham Cathedral: structuring your answer to the historic environment question Study Guide
- The design of Durham Cathedral Study Guide
- The king and the bishops of Durham Study Guide
- The religious function of Durham Cathedral Study Guide
- The significance of Saint Cuthbert and the Venerable Bede Study Guide
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