Year 6 - History
A journey through Viking York: Houses, halls and craftspeople
The Vikings: how do we know so much about Viking York?
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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 archaeological discoveries made at Coppergate in York. They find out how archaeologists and historians have used artefacts to build a picture of what Viking York would have been like.
Lesson Summary
You will learn to describe some of the features of the Coppergate area of Viking York.
Key Notes
- The area of Coppergate was full of tightly packed wooden houses, some of which had adjoining workshops.
- The space between these was likely filled with animal pens and toilets, making it dirty and smelly.
- Many of York's inhabitants were craftspeople: blacksmiths, wood turners, cobblers, jewellery and comb makers.
- There was a large hall that belonged to the Viking king of York in which disputes would be heard and settled.
- Great celebrations would also take place in the hall, with music, feasting and storytelling.
Vocabulary To Learn
- workshop: a workshop is a room or building where a particular type of work takes place, like jewellery making
- blacksmith: a blacksmith is a craftsperson who makes and repairs things in iron by hand
- wood turner: a wood turner is a craftsperson who carves wood as it rotates to create a symmetrical object like a table leg
- cobbler: a cobbler is a craftsperson who mends shoes as their job
Common Mistakes To Avoid
- Pupils may have perceptions of Vikings as only fierce fighters.
3 Quick Questions (With Answers)
1. Summarise this historical learning in two key ideas.
The area of Coppergate was full of tightly packed wooden houses, some of which had adjoining workshops. The space between these was likely filled with animal pens and toilets, making it dirty and smelly.
2. Define this history term and explain why it matters in this topic. 'workshop'
a workshop is a room or building where a particular type of work takes place, like jewellery making.
3. Correct this common history misconception using evidence language.
Mistake: Pupils may have perceptions of Vikings as only fierce fighters. Correction: Evidence shows that the Vikings who settled in York were peaceful; they farmed the land and were known for being great craftsmen, traders, artists, engineers and ship builders.
More Lessons In This Unit
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