Year 7 - History
Matilda's claim and campaign
Medieval women: what can we learn from Matilda about women in medieval England?
Study Hub
Study Guides
This pupil-friendly study guide includes a unit summary, clear notes, common mistakes, and quick questions with answers.
Unit Summary
In this unit, pupils analyse the historical significance of Empress Matilda's life. They use her life as a lens to consider the lives of noble women in medieval England.
Lesson Summary
You will learn to explain how Matilda took advantage of Stephen's weakened position to advance her claim and lead a campaign against Stephen.
Key Notes
- Matilda regarded Stephen as a usurper.
- Matilda sought to secure the pope's backing for her claim.
- Matilda raised an army in England to fight against Stephen.
- Matilda gained the support of some leading English barons.
- Historians can learn about the role of elite women in the Middle Ages from Matilda's campaign.
Vocabulary To Learn
- usurper: a usurper is somebody who takes something by force without the right to do so
- anarchy: anarchy is an absence of government in society; political or social disorder
- civil war: a civil war is a war between citizens of the same country
Common Mistakes To Avoid
- Women in England were not allowed to fight in wars.
3 Quick Questions (With Answers)
1. Summarise this historical learning in two key ideas.
Matilda regarded Stephen as a usurper. Matilda sought to secure the pope's backing for her claim.
2. Define this history term and explain why it matters in this topic. 'usurper'
a usurper is somebody who takes something by force without the right to do so.
3. Correct this common history misconception using evidence language.
Mistake: Women in England were not allowed to fight in wars. Correction: We have many examples of women leading the defence of castles throughout English history, and occasionally leading the attack on enemy territory as well. It was uncommon, but not unheard of.
More Lessons In This Unit
Browse all guides in the Year 7 History guide library.