an empress is the wife of an emperor, the ruler of an empire

an empire is a group of countries or provinces ruled from the centre by one person or group of people

Matilda's early life: Empress of Germany

History

In this unit, pupils analysed how gender affected attitudes towards leaders and claimants for the throne in medieval England. In 'Elizabeth I: why has Elizabeth been represented so differently?' students will consider the different ways in which a 16th century female monarch was represented, including how gender continued to affect perceptions of women in power.

In 'The Norman Conquest: how do we know about the impact of the Conquest on England?', pupils studied the significance of a succession crisis. In this unit, pupils will deepen their understanding of contested successions by considering how gender affected attitudes towards leaders and claimants for the throne in medieval England.

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.

Medieval women: what can we learn from Matilda about women in medieval England?

Subjects which particular individuals may be sensitive to, eg, adoption, migration, bereavement or death, divorce, poverty, deprivation.

Depiction or discussion of sensitive content

At the age of {{ }}, Matilda was betrothed to the Holy Roman Emperor, Henry V.

The people of the Holy Roman Empire referred to Matilda as 'the __________ Matilda'.

When some of Henry V's subjects rebelled, Matilda stayed in {{ }} to manage his land there.

What did Matilda do with her lands in the Holy Roman Empire when she returned to her father in England?

That they would accept her as Henry's successor

That they would agree which of them would marry her

What oath did Henry I have his barons swear upon Matilda's return?

The Normans successfully invaded England in the year {{ }}.

Starting with the most important, place these medieval social groups into a hierarchy.

In exchange for land, nobles had to promise obedience and swear an oath of {{ }} to their king.

When a king died without a clear heir, it could create a {{ }} crisis.

The Normans typically made their eldest {{ }} their successor.

Following William the Conqueror's coronation, for several hundred years kings of England typically controlled land in both England and _______.

Content guidance

Depiction or discussion of sensitive content

Adult supervision recommended

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

Matilda's early life: Empress of Germany

Lesson outcome

Content guidance

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