A journey through Viking York: Houses, halls and craftspeople
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can describe some of the features of the Coppergate area of Viking York.
Key learning points
- The area of Coppergate was full of tightly packed wooden houses, some of which had adjoining workshops.
- The space between these was likely filled with animal pens and toilets, making it dirty and smelly.
- Many of York's inhabitants were craftspeople: blacksmiths, wood turners, cobblers, jewellery and comb makers.
- There was a large hall that belonged to the Viking king of York in which disputes would be heard and settled.
- Great celebrations would also take place in the hall, with music, feasting and storytelling.
Keywords
Workshop - a workshop is a room or building where a particular type of work takes place, like jewellery making
Blacksmith - a blacksmith is a craftsperson who makes and repairs things in iron by hand
Wood turner - a wood turner is a craftsperson who carves wood as it rotates to create a symmetrical object like a table leg
Cobbler - a cobbler is a craftsperson who mends shoes as their job
Common misconception
Pupils may have perceptions of Vikings as only fierce fighters.
Evidence shows that the Vikings who settled in York were peaceful; they farmed the land and were known for being great craftsmen, traders, artists, engineers and ship builders.
Teacher tip
Find similar materials such as leather and wood to bring the lesson and narration to life.
Content guidance
Depiction or discussion of upsetting content
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What does 'invasion' mean?
Q2.Complete the sentence: The invaded York.
Q3.Put the events of the Viking invasion into order, starting with the earliest.
Q4.Why was York an important strategic location?
Q5.When York was made the Viking captial, what did they rename it?
Q6.Why did the population of Viking York grow?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Match the keywords with their correct meaning.
a craftsperson who carves simple objects as the material rotates
a craftsperson who mends shoes as their job
a craftsperson who makes and repairs things in iron by hand
Q2.Complete the sentence. Building excavations showed evidence of where the Vikings would craft items.
Q3.What was one of the building materials that Vikings used for walls?
Q4.What were most of the Vikings who lived in York, according to the evidence that has been found?
Q5.Complete the sentence: A was important to Viking life as a traditional community gathering space.
Q6.Which of the below was the Viking hall used for?
To help you plan your 6 history lesson on: A journey through Viking York: Houses, halls and craftspeople, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 6 history lesson on: A journey through Viking York: Houses, halls and craftspeople, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 2 history lessons from the The Vikings: how do we know so much about Viking York? unit, dive into the full primary history curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.