Option B1: Anglo- Saxon England and Norman England, C.

1060-88

Specification
Themes Content

Anglo-Saxon  Anglo-Saxon Society:  Monarchy and government. The power of the English monarchy. Earldoms, local government and the legal
England and the system.  The economy and social system. Towns and villages. The influence of the Church.
Norman Conquest,  The last years of Edward the Confessor and the succession crisis:  The house of Godwin. Harold Godwinson’s succession as Earl
1060-66 of Wessex. The power of the Godwins.  Harold Godwinson’s embassy to Normandy. The rising against Tostig and his exile. The
death of Edward the Confessor.

1  The Rival Claimants for the throne:  The motives and claims of William of Normandy, Harald Hardrada and Edgar.  The Witan
and the coronation and reign of Harold Godwinson.  Reasons for, and significance of, the outcome of the battles of Gate Fulford
and Stamford Bridge.

 The Norman Invasion: The Battle of Hastings. Reasons for William’s victory, including the leadership skills of Harold and
William, Norman and English troops and tactics.

William in power:  Establishing control The submission of the earls, 1066.  Rewarding followers and establishing control on the borderlands through
Securing the the use of earls. The Marcher earldoms.  Reasons for the building of castles; their key features and importance.
Kingdom
 The causes and outcomes of Anglo-Saxon resistance: The revolt of Earls Edwin and Morcar in 1068.  Edgar the Aethling and the
rebellions in the North, 1069. Hereward the Wake and rebellion at Ely, 1070–71.
2  The legacy of the resistance: The reasons for and features of Harrying of the North, 1069–70. Its immediate and long-term
impact, 1069–87.  Changes in landownership from Anglo-Saxon to Norman, 1066–87.  How William I maintained royal power.

 The revolt of the Earls 1075:  Reasons for and features of the revolt.  The defeat of the revolt and its effects.

Norman England  The feudal system and the church: The feudal hierarchy. The role and importance of tenants-in-chief and knights. The nature of
3 feudalism (landholding, homage, knight service, labour service); forfeiture.  The Church in England: its role in society and
relationship to government, including the roles of Stigand and Lanfranc. The Normanisation and reform of the Church in the
 reign of William I.  The extent of change to Anglo-Saxon society and economy.

 Norman government:  Changes to government after the Conquest. Centralised power and the limited use of earls under William
I. The role of regents. The office of sheriff and the demesne. Introduction and significance of the ‘forest’.  Domesday Book and
its significance for Norman government and finance.

 The Norman Aristocracy: The culture and language of the Norman aristocracy.  The career and significance of Bishop Odo.

 William I and his sons:  Character and personality of William I and his relations with Robert. Robert and revolt in Normandy,
1077–80. William’s death and the disputed succession. William Rufus and the defeat of Robert and Odo.

Concepts:

Significance, Cause and consequence, Similarity and difference, Change and

continuity,
 Reading List
Compulsory Texts
(You must own a copy of this text)
Title Author(s)/Editor( ISBN Amazon.co.uk Link
Cover of Book of s) of Book Number
Book
Edexcel
GCSE
(9-1)
History
Anglo- http://www.pearsonschoolsandfecolleges.co.uk/Secondary/History/14-
Saxon 16_for_Edexcel/EdexcelGCSEHistory91/ISBN/Student-
Author: Rob Bircher
and 978129212723 Books/EdexcelGCSEHistory91AngloSaxonandNormanEnglandc10601087StudentBook.
Norman 1 aspx
Pearson
England
, Released March 2016
c1060–
1087
Student
Book

Wider Reading
Steward Binns, Crusade (Penguin Books, 2012)
Richard Holmes, The Complete War Walks (BBC Books,
1997)
Peter Marren, 1066: The Battles of York, Stamford Bridge Useful for higher level students, this is an in-depth analysis of the three battles of 1066. The
and Hastings (Penn and Sword, 2004)
A historical novel following the fortunes of Edgar the Atheling, the last Anglo-Saxon heir to
the throne, in the period after the Norman Conquest. It is an excellent way of increasing
students’ enjoyment of this period.  
The chapter on the Battle of Hastings provides a gripping but analytical account of the
fighting. Useful for higher ability students. The BBC documentary series War Walks including
an episode on Hastings can also be accessed via YouTube.
maps, graphics and details of weaponry are particularly engaging for students. 

Robert Bartlett, The Normans (BBC DVD, 2010)
Dan and Peter Snow, Battlefield Britain (BBC DVD, 2006)
David Starkey, Monarchy Series 1 (Channel 4 DVD, 2007) ‘Conquest’ highlight the rise and fall of Anglo-Saxon England. It is very useful for gaining a
1066 (Channel 4 DVD, 2009)
Bayeux Tapestry Online Reading Museum
www.bayeuxtapestry.org.uk/
The National Archives Online
www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/domesda y/discover-
domesday/
An accessible documentary by one of the leading authorities on the Norman Conquest. It is
useful for the background information it provides on the young William of Normandy, as well
as how his conquest changed England. 
A documentary providing a detailed military account of the Battle of Hastings. The
computerised battle reconstructions make this particularly useful.
An accessible documentary. The three episodes ‘A Nation State’, ‘Aengla Land’ and
broad understanding of the period.
A full length film, it provides a vivid portrayal of the battles of Stamford Bridge and Hastings,
as well as being replete with Tolkien Middle Earth references. Rated 15.
This website allows a scene by scene examination of the tapestry.
An online exhibition packed full of information about Domesday
 Anglo-Saxon and Norman England
(Section B)
Reading to be completed as homework before each lesson

Content from Edexcel Sectio Lesson Title Pre-lesson Key questions

Specification n reading Content Questions to be answered in your pre-lesson notes (in
(Notes are to be blue) and questions to be addressed in the lesson (in
made on these green)
specific areas)
Introduction to course N/A How should we study N/A What are the concepts addressed by the course?
Background/context – Anglo-Saxon Britain? What do I already know about Anglo-Saxon Britain?
DTQ: How should we study Anglo-Saxon Britain?
Additional reading: ..\..\..\KS4 History\Anglo-Saxon and Norman England, 1060-88\Further Reading\The Story of England Part I.docx
..\..\..\KS4 History\Anglo-Saxon and Norman England, 1060-88\Further Reading\The Story of England Part II.docx
..\..\..\KS4 History\Anglo-Saxon and Norman England, 1060-88\Further Reading\Origins of Britain.docx
..\..\..\KS4 History\Anglo-Saxon and Norman England, 1060-88\Further Reading\Portrait of Britain in 1000AD.docx
Anglo-Saxon Society 1.1 How fair was Anglo- Information on What are the key features of a peasant in Anglo-Saxon
Saxon Society? characters in society?
Anglo-Saxon What are the key features of a merchant in Anglo-Saxon
Society and society?
Concept: Change and noting key What are the key features of a thegn in Anglo-Saxon
continuity, Similarity features of each society?
and difference. position ( Slaves, What are the key features of an earl in Anglo-Saxon
Peasants, society?
Merchants, Draw a diagram depicting Anglo-Saxon Society. Use
Thegns, arrows to show how social status could change.
Earls)p.11-13
How fair was Anglo-Saxon Society
 Did the Anglo Saxons already have a feudal system?
Anglo-Saxon monarchy 1.1 What made an effective Key duties and What are the key duties of an Anglo-Saxon King?
Anglo-Saxon King? responsibilities of
What are the duties of people towards the King?
DTQ: Should good Kings the King. What
were the What made Edward the Confessor a particularly powerful
rule over or with their
limitations to the king?
people?
king’s power P.11 What role could the following play in limiting the power of
Anglo-Saxon Kings?
Concept: Significance,
 The Danelaw
Similarity and
difference.  Godwin and other earls

Was Edward the confessor a typical Anglo-Saxon King?
Should good Kings rule over or with their people?
..\..\..\KS4 History\Anglo-Saxon and Norman England, 1060-88\Further Reading\Keynes_Anglo-Saxon Kingship.docx
..\..\..\KS4 History\Anglo-Saxon and Norman England, 1060-88\1. Anglo-Saxon England and the Conquest\Anglo
Saxon Kings.pdf
..\..\..\KS4 History\Anglo-Saxon and Norman England, 1060-88\Further Reading\The Cult of St Edward the
Confessor.docx
Anglo-Saxon 1.1 How effective was Anglo- Role of the Witan; For each of the following, explain who or what they were
government and Saxon government in role of and what role they played:
Justice maintaining stability? lordships/earldom
 The Witan
s; limits to both,
Shire, hundred  Earls and thegns
Concept: Change and and hide; burghs;  Shires, hundreds, tithings and hides
continuity, reeves; fyrd.
 The fyrd
Significance. P.12-16
 Shire reeves
  The ‘geld’ tax

What in your view were the key strengths and weaknesses

of the Anglo-Saxon local government.

How sophisticated was Anglo-Saxon government?

How did the legal system Collective Explain the role of the following in Anglo-Saxon lawmaking:
work in Anglo-Saxon responsibility and
 The King
society? blood feuds.
Danelaw  Bloodfeud and wergild
 ‘hue and cry’

Was Anglo-Saxon England a ‘just’ society?

The Church and the 1.1 How sophisticated was The role of wool What were the key strengths and weaknesses of the
economy the Anglo-Saxon and agriculture; Anglo-Saxon economy?
economy? The role of towns
and villages
Anglo-Saxon What role did towns and villages play in the English
economies economy before 1066?

What were the key differences between slaves, ceorls, and

thegns?

What in your view were the key strengths and weaknesses

of the Anglo-Saxon economy.
How important was the Structure of the For the following explain who or what they were and the
Anglo Saxon Church? church; minsters;
 parish churches; role they played in the Anglo-Saxon church:
monasteries; role
 Bishops
of the church;
bishops; local  Parish Priests
clergy; monks.  Monasteries
p.16-18

Explain why religion mattered to:

 The King
 Ordinary people

The church was more important for keeping kings in

power than for saving souls. How far do you agree?
 The succession 1.2 Biography of Who were the House of Godwin?
crisis What caused the Edward the
Identify the economic, political and military strengths of the
succession Crisis? Confessor:
Godwin family
political/economic/
DTQ: Were the Godwins religious/territorial
1.2 a threat to Edward or did strengths and How powerful was the house of Godwin?
they help him to rule weaknesses; What happened during Harold Godwinson’s embassy to
effectively? Edwards Normandy?
Concept: Causation connections with
Who was Earl Tostig and what were his reasons for
Normandy
rebelling?
p.19-26
What was the Danelaw and what did it influence?
How did Harold deal with the uprising?
To what extent does Tostig’s rebellion highlight the
weaknesses of the King?
Were the Godwins a threat to Edward or did they help him
 to rule effectively?
To what extent did the Godwins become powerful because
of the weaknesses of Edward the Confessor?
 . The Claimants to 1.3 Who had the strongest 26-28
the throne claim to the throne of Death of Edward
England? the Confessor
What were the claims of Harold Godwinson?
DTQ: Why do historians Motives and
What were the claims of Edgar Aethling ?
disagree on the claimants claims of:
What were the claims of Harald Hardrada?
and who has the Harold
What were the claims of William of Normandy?
strongest interpretation? Godwinson
Who had the best claim to the throne?
Edgar Aetheling
Why do historians disagree on the claimants?
Harald Hardrada
William of
Normandy

 Harold’s coronation 1.3 How significant was 28-31 Why was Harold made King?
and the battle of Stamford bridge? The coronation of How did the other candidates respond?
Gate fulford and DTQ: How legitimate was Harold and the Why did the other claimants respond as they did?
Stamford bridge Harold’s coronation reactions of the What happened at gate fulford?
claimants What happened at Stamford bridge?
The events of Why did Harold win the battle at Stamford bridge?
fulford gate and
How significant was the battle at Stamford bridge?
Stamford bridge

The Battle of 1.4 Why did William win the 32-38 What were the differences between William’s knights
Hastings battle of Hastings? The events of the and Harold’s housecarls?
DTQ: Did William win or battle of Hastings.
How important were the differences between the
 Harold lose the battle? The reasons soldiers?
William won the
What is the narrative of the battle of Hastings?
battle.
What were the reasons William won the battle?
Why did Harold Godwinson lose the battle of Hastings?
‘The English lost because their military tactics and
strategies were outdated compared to the Normans.’
How far would you agree with this statement?

ASSESSMENT: GCSE Style questions:

Assessment Feedback N/A N/A How do I improve on my assessment technique?
How do I structure a 12 mark question?
How do I structure a 16 mark question?
How did William 2.1 How effective was The rebellion of What happened after the Battle of Hastings?
Establish control of William in establishing the Earls (1066),
Why did William March on London?
the Kingdom? control over rebelling Rewarding of
Earls? Anglo-Saxon and Why did some Earls choose to rebel against William?
DTQ: To what extent was Norman Loyalty? How did William reward his followers?
William a ‘Gracious lord’? p.43-45 How effective was William in establishing control over the
Concept: Causation, Earls?
Change and Continuity
Why was the rewarding of followers a sign of of an
effective leader?
 William Establishing 2.1 Why did William create The Marcher What were the problems in the Border lands?
Control the Marcher Kingdoms? earldoms,
Why were the Earldoms of Chester, Shrewsbury and
Problems in the
Hereford created?
DTQ: Was William really Border lands,
a ‘coloniser’? Colonisation What are 2 key features of the Marcher Earldoms?
 p-46-48 Who were the key figures in William’s Kingdom?
Concept: Change and
How effective were the Marcher Earldoms?
Continuity, Causation
To what extent did William colonise England?
How different was William’s England?

 Norman Castles 2.1 Why did William choose Castles, Burghs, What was a burgh?
to build Castles? the creation of
What were the key features of a Norman Castle?
DTQ: Were castles the castles
most effective method of p.48-50. Where did William choose to build castles?
establishing control? What are the advantages of castles?
Why were castles so important?
How did Castles differ from Burhs?
Concept: Change and
continuity What were the strengths and weaknesses of William’s
position by 1066?

 The causes and 2.2 Why were there Why did Edwin and Morcar Revolt?
outcomes of Anglo- rebellions between 1068- The rebellions in
What criteria could you use to identify the different reasons
Saxon resistance, 1071? the North,
for the revolts of 1068?
1068-71 DTQ: Which rebellion Hereford Wake,
posed the greatest threat Edwin and Morcar What were the outcomes of the revolts of 1068?
to William’s kingdom? Revolt, Edgar
Aethling, Anglo- Why did Edgar the Aethling and the rebellions in the North
Concept: Cause and Danish attack on in 1069?
Consequence York
Why did the rebellion at Ely take place between 1070-71?
How effective was William in dealing with the Anglo-
Danish attack on York?
How similar was Edwin and Morcar’s revolt to the

ASSESSMENT: 16
mark STYLE
QUESTION:
The Legacy of 2.3 Why did the Harrying of
resistance to 1087 the North take place?
DTQ: To what extent
was the Harrying of the
North justifiable?
2.3
Concept: Causation
revolt against Tostig?
p.50-57
Why did did Anglo-Saxon rebellions end?
To what extent do you agree that William did want to
include the Anglo-Saxon earls in the way he ruled
England? (16 Marks)
You May use the following:
Northern Rebellions 1069-71
Rewarding of loyalty
Legacy of
resistance,
What was the Harrying of the North?
Harrying of the
North, Long and What caused the harrying of the North?
short term What were the short term impacts of the Harrying?
consequences: What were the Long term impacts of the Harrying?
P58-60.

How far was the harrying of the North in keeping with the
style of William’s kingship?
The main reason for the Harrying of the North was to
prevent another Danish invasion” How far do you agree
with this statement? ( 16 marks) You may use: Robert
Cumin and Danelaw
 . Changes to how 2.3 How did land ownership Harrying of the What was the landholding revolution?
land was held change under the reign of North. Long and Why did rebellion take place against changes to land
William? (1066-87) Shirt term impacts ownership?
DTQ: To what extent did of the Harrying. In what ways did Anglo-Saxons lose their land?
Anglo-Saxon society p.58-60 How does land changes under William compare to Anglo
actually change under Saxon land ownership?
 William?
Concept: Change and
Continuity
ASSESSMENT: 12 Mark STYLE QUESTION:
 Maintaining Royal 2.3 Was William a ‘typical’
power King?
DTQ: Was William
Destined to be an
effective ruler?
Concept: Similarity
and Difference
Revolt of the Earls, 2.4 How significant was the
1075 Revolt of the Earls in
1075?
DTQ:: Does the revolt in
1075 reflect the failure of
William in maintaining
control of England?
Concept: Significance
Assessment: 16 Mark question
How did life change for peasants?
Which group of people were most affected by the rule of
William?
Explain why changes in land ownership made resistance to Norman
control less likely after 1071?
Tenants-in-chief
Thegns
You must also use information of your own. 12 marks
Maintaining Royal
power, Legitimacy, How did William make use of the military?
Coinage, Land Why does William place importance on the idea of
ownership legitimacy?
P64-65 What actions did William take as King?
To what extent did William revolutionise the role of a King?
Revolution, Cause Who were the key conspirators to the rebellion in
and consequence, 1075?
Excommunication,
What were the reasons for the revolt?
military power
P67-69 What were the events of the revolt?
Why was the revolt defeated?
To what extent was the revolt in 1075 in keeping with
the other results faced by William since 1066?
How effective was William was a ruler?
The defeat of the Earls in 1075 was the most decisive
point of the reign of William?
William’s strategy for ruling England had failed by 1070’.
 How far do you agree? Explain your answer.
You may use the following:
-The Submission of the earls
-the Harrying of the North

The feudal system 3.1 How did the feudal The feudal system; What was the feudal system and how did it work?
system work in England? the nature of land
What were the different roles within the feudal hierarchy?
DTQ: To what extent did ownership and the
roles in society. What is a fief?
the feudal system
change Anglo-Saxon p.75-77 What is Knight service?
society? What is labour service?
What was the concept of forfeiture
Concept: Change and What were the roles of tenants in chief
Continuity,
What were the roles and importance of knight service?
What was the relief system and how did it work?
To what extent did the feudal system change Anglo-Saxon
society?
How effective was the feudal system?

The Church 3.1 How did the church Lanfranc and What were the roles of church in Norman government?
change under Norman Norman reforms to
Who were Lanfranc and Stigand?
rule? the church
DTQ: To what extent did p.78-80 How similar were the roles of Stigand and Lanfranc?
Lanfranc simply How did Lanfranc reform the church?
consolidate the powers How did the powers and roles of Bishops change under
 of the King? Norman rule?
Concept: Change and
Thinking Historically 3.c.and 3.d.
continuity, cause and
consequence To what extent did Lanfranc reform the church for personal
benefit?
How did the role of the church change in Norman society?
To what extent did Norman society change under William?
Assessment: 16 Mark question ‘The main consequence of the Normanisation of England
was that the king became more powerful’
How far do you agree? Explain your answer.
You may use the following in your answer:
-the feudal system
-Archbishop Lanfranc
Norman 3.2 How did the role of Describe 2 key features of Norman government.
government government change Changes to
How did the role of earls change?
under William? government, the
DTQ: ‘The introduction office of the sheriff Why did William seek to centralise power
of sheriffs and the and the demesne What were the role of regents.
increased role of sheriffs p.84-86 What was the role of the sheriff?
were not signs of an
How and why did the office of the sheriff and the
effective ruler’ How far
demesne change?
do you support this
view? Why did resentment emerge for sheriffs
Concept: Change and How effective was William at centralising power?
continuity How similar were Anglo-Saxon sheriffs and Norman
sheriffs?
Was William a fair King?
 The Domesday 3.2 How significant was
book the Domesday book?
DTQ: The Domesday
book was the most
important change of
William’s reign?
Concept: Significance
Assessment: 16 mark question
Norman Aristocracy 3.3
How did the aristocracy
change under William?
DTQ: William’s treatment
of Odo serves to
highlight his efficiency as
a ruler’ How far do you
agree?
Concept: Change and
Continuity
The forest and the Why was the ‘forest’ introduced?
Domesday book
What was the impact of the ‘forest’?
86-89
Explain what was the most significant impact of the
‘forest’?
What was the Domesday Book?
How did it impact people?
What makes the Domesday book significant?
Why do interpretations of the Domesday book vary?
‘The main significance of the Domesday Book was
financial’.
How far do you agree? Explain your answer.
You may use the following in your answer:
-Invasion threats
-the geld tax
How did Norman aristocracy change culture within
Norman England?
aristocracy and
What was chivalry?
Bishop Odo:
p.90-93 Describe two features of Norman aristocratic rule
How did Christian culture influence Norman aristocracy?
Why did the aristocracy reject much of Anglo-Saxon
culture?
How and why did language change under Norman rule?
Who was Bishop Odo?

William I and his Sons 3.4 How should Historians William I and his
remember William I?
DTQ: To what extent
was William successful
in ruling in the style of
‘the best Anglo-Saxon
Kings?
Concept: Significance
Assessment: 12 marks
Why did Odo fall from power?
To what extent was the treatment of Odo justifiable?
How significant was Bishop Odo?
What was the relationship like between William and
sons. Odo Robert?
Rebellion
What characteristics would you associate with William
p.94-97
throughout his reign?
Why was there a succession crisis after Williams’s death?
Why did Odo rebel?
How successful was William I?
Was William
Why are there different interpretations of William I?
Explain why William Rufus was able to defeat the rebellion
of 1088. You may use the following:
-Bishop Odo
-The Church in England
 Exam Technique
Edexcel History
Anglo-Saxon and Norman England, C.1060-1087
Depth Study

This paper counts for 20% of your assessment in History.

You will answer 3 questions worth 32 Marks in 55 minutes

4 Mark question
‘Describe 2 key features of…..’
You will need to describe 2 features and give supporting evidence.

Key tips
This should take you 5 minutes.
You should be writing approximately 3 sentences per feature.
You will need to describe a valid feature (one that answers the question)
Then give supporting evidence that relates directly to the point.
 12 Mark question
‘Explain why…..’
This question asks you to explain the reasons why something happened.

Key Tips
Allow 20 minutes for your answer.
You will be given 2 prompt points and must use one other point of your own
You will be expected to write around 2 pages
You need to give 3 Explained reasons following the PEEL Structure

16 Mark question
‘How far do you agree…..’
Key Tips
Allow 30 minutes for your answer.
You will need to understand the concept it is describing and what information to use
You will be given 2 prompt points and must include 3 points.
You must make a judgment on how far you agree
You must consider both sides of the argument.
You must have criteria for your judgment
Structure: Introduction, 3 +PEEL paragraphs, Conclusion