Continuity and change in Norman government

History

In this unit, pupils considered the nature of the changes that Norman rule brought to England and reviewed the extent to which some things remained the same. In 'Norman England: in what ways did life change for ordinary people?', pupils will consider the impact that the Norman Conquest had on the people of England.

In 'Norman England: how did William the Conqueror subdue England?', pupils learnt about the reaction of the Anglo-Saxons to Norman rule and how William consolidated his 1066 victories. In this unit, pupils will consider the nature of the changes that Norman rule brought to England and review the extent to which some things remained the same.

In this unit, pupils learn about the ways in which life changed for ordinary people under Norman rule. They examine life in villages and towns, the work and diet of various groups and the changing laws of Norman England. They reflect on the degree to which life changed, and for whom.

Norman England: how far did Norman government change England?

Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering

Which keyword describes something that is legal, right and accepted?

Complete the sentence: {{}} is the term used in history to mean things staying the same.

Complete the sentence: After 1070, William abandoned plans for power sharing and put {{}} in control of the government.

Who was able to keep their earldoms and role in government following their submission to William?

William had the power to take back land from those who had broken their oath of loyalty to him. What was that called?

Domesday Book allowed the Normans to focus on central control

Domesday Book relied on Anglo-Saxon records and administration

the relationships between lords and vassals 

introduction of the murdrum fine and forest law

William governed England using the ‘law of Edward’

Match the examples to whether they show change or continuity in Norman England.

Complete the sentence: The {{}} met monthly and dealt with local disputes, minor criminal cases and local administrative issues such as tax collection.

Complete the sentence: The {{}} dealt with more serious criminal cases and land disputes, and also appeals from the hundred courts.

criminalisation of the use of resources from royal forests

Which of the following did the Normans introduce to the justice and legal system in England?

a sheriff who travelled around the country hearing cases in the king’s name

a judge who travelled around the country hearing cases in the king’s name

a thegn who travelled around the country hearing cases in the king’s name

Which type of law was used to judge Church cases?

William knew the pope had set the rules in England and did not want to change

William agreed with all the existing laws and did not want to change anything

William wanted to be seen as the guardian of the ‘Law of Edward’

Why were there very few changes to Anglo-Saxon laws in Norman England?

Content guidance

Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering

Adult supervision required

This lesson will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.

Continuity and change in Norman government

Lesson outcome

Content guidance

This lesson will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.