Women in medieval Norwich
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can explain the different experiences women had in medieval Norwich.
Key learning points
- Women in medieval Norwich were involved in a wide range of trades and industries.
- Some women in Norwich entered religious communities.
- Some women in Norwich enjoyed high levels of literacy, including Julian of Norwich.
- Women faced many barriers such as restricted opportunities and male jealousy.
- Women's experiences were affected by their class.
Keywords
Nun - a nun is a woman who has withdrawn from normal life to dedicate her life to God
Literate - if you are literate then you are able to read and write
Common misconception
All women in medieval Norwich had the same experience as one another.
Female experiences were varied, especially by wealth and social class. Those from wealthier backgrounds were more likely to be literate.
Teacher tip
In learning cycle 3, introduce students to this Julian of Norwich quote: 'Just because I am a woman, must I therefore... not tell you about the goodness of God?' Ask what the quote suggests about attitudes to women writing and discussing religion.
Content guidance
Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour
Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour
Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Write the missing word. A _______ is a man who has withdrawn from ordinary life and dedicated himself to God.
Q2.Who provided most of the hospital care in medieval Norwich?
Q3.Which job was was not common in medieval Norwich?
Q4.Which statement is most accurate?
Q5.Starting with the earliest, sort the following events into chronological order.
Q6.How were freemen in medieval Norwich different from other people?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Write the missing word. People who are _______ are able to read and write.
Q2.Which of the following jobs did women not hold in medieval Norwich?
Q3.Where did some women receive an education from in medieval Norwich?
Q4.How did male weavers react to women doing the same job in Norwich in 1511?
Q5.Which statement about female literacy in medieval Norwich is most accurate?
Q6.Which statement best describes what historians can learn from Julian of Norwich's life?
To help you plan your 7 history lesson on: Women in medieval Norwich, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 7 history lesson on: Women in medieval Norwich, 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 3 history lessons from the Local history: how similar were medieval lives in Norwich? unit, dive into the full secondary history curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.