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Year 7 - History

Treatment of the poor in medieval Norwich

Local history: how similar were medieval lives in Norwich?

Unit Summary

In this unit, pupils learn about the similarities and differences between various medieval lives in Norwich. In doing so, they build deep knowledge of one particular historical place and what it tells us about medieval England more generally.

Lesson Summary

You will learn to explain reasons why the poor revolted against the social order in medieval Norwich.

Key Notes

  • The living conditions of Norwich's poor were far below those of the rich.
  • Some poor residents of Norwich were involved in the Peasants' Revolt in 1381.
  • The lives of the poor are less well preserved in the historical record.
  • The elites in Norwich were concerned to preserve the social order.

Vocabulary To Learn

  • artefact: an artefact is a historical object
  • revolt: a revolt is a situation where people fight against those who are in charge
  • rebel: a rebel is someone who challenges those who are in power; to rebel means to challenge those who are in power
  • social order: the way a community is run and organised can be called the social order

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • The poor always accepted their position in medieval society.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

1. Summarise this historical learning in two key ideas.

The living conditions of Norwich's poor were far below those of the rich. Some poor residents of Norwich were involved in the Peasants' Revolt in 1381.

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

an artefact is a historical object.

3. Correct this common history misconception using evidence language.

Mistake: The poor always accepted their position in medieval society. Correction: The poor challenged the social order in Norwich violently in 1381 and had to be actively managed by the elites.

More Lessons In This Unit

Browse all guides in the Year 7 History guide library.