Year 7 - History
Norman reforms to the English Church
The Norman Conquest: how do we know about the impact of the Conquest on England?
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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 learn about the causes and conduct of the Norman Conquest of England. They develop their understanding of the sorts of evidence historians use to make claims, and how they do this, building an understanding of how we know about these events.
Lesson Summary
You will learn to explain how the Normans changed the English Church and how historians can use buildings as material evidence.
Key Notes
- The Pope wanted the Anglo-Saxon Church to be reformed.
- The Norman government replaced the leadership of the Anglo-Saxon Church.
- Lanfranc became Archbishop of Canterbury and conducted a programme of reform.
- Historians sometimes use material remains as sources.
- Winchester Cathedral represents an important source for the study of the Anglo-Norman Church.
Vocabulary To Learn
- Church: the organisation of the Christian religion
- cathedral: the principal church of a diocese and the seat of a bishop
- monk: a person who has withdrawn from normal life to dedicate their life to God
- monastery: a place where monks live
- priest: a person who works for the Church and helps people with religious matters in the local community
Common Mistakes To Avoid
- Students might think that 'the Church' is a physical building in which people pray.
3 Quick Questions (With Answers)
1. Summarise this historical learning in two key ideas.
The Pope wanted the Anglo-Saxon Church to be reformed. The Norman government replaced the leadership of the Anglo-Saxon Church.
2. Define this history term and explain why it matters in this topic. 'Church'
the organisation of the Christian religion.
3. Correct this common history misconception using evidence language.
Mistake: Students might think that 'the Church' is a physical building in which people pray. Correction: Explain that 'the Church' refers to the wider organisation of the Christian faith, including all buildings and people which belong to it.
More Lessons In This Unit
Browse all guides in the Year 7 History guide library.