Year 7 - History
Matilda's later life: supporting Henry II
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 a study of Matilda's later life can lead to a greater understanding of the political role of medieval women.
Key Notes
- Matilda's son, Henry 'FitzEmpress', launched military campaigns in England after Matilda relocated to Normandy.
- Matilda and Stephen ended the Anarchy by agreement in the Treaty of Wallingford.
- Stephen agreed Matilda's son Henry would inherit the throne after his death, which led to a peaceful succession.
- Matilda retired to Normandy but continued to advise Henry II on matters of government.
- Matilda's later life can be studied by historians interested in the political role played by elite medieval women.
Vocabulary To Learn
- treaty: a treaty is a formal agreement between two countries
Common Mistakes To Avoid
- Barons must obey the their monarch's orders.
3 Quick Questions (With Answers)
1. Summarise this historical learning in two key ideas.
Matilda's son, Henry 'FitzEmpress', launched military campaigns in England after Matilda relocated to Normandy. Matilda and Stephen ended the Anarchy by agreement in the Treaty of Wallingford.
2. Define this history term and explain why it matters in this topic. 'treaty'
a treaty is a formal agreement between two countries.
3. Correct this common history misconception using evidence language.
Mistake: Barons must obey the their monarch's orders. Correction: Although this is true in theory, in reality the barons and their monarch worked as a partnership: the monarch relied upon the barons and if they weren't doing a good enough job, they could expect to lose the support of their barons.
More Lessons In This Unit
Browse all guides in the Year 7 History guide library.