The decline of the feudal system
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can describe different historical interpretations relating to the decline of the feudal system.
Key learning points
- Peasants were a social group with no wealth or property rights under the feudal system.
- The feudal system was showing signs of weakness before 1348.
- Some historians argue lords reimposed feudalism after 1351.
- Some historians argue lords were incapable of reimposing feudalism after 1351.
Keywords
Feudal system - the system of landholding introduced by William the Conqueror
Tenant - a person who occupies or looks after property owned by another
Common misconception
Medieval people called their social system 'the feudal system'.
In fact, the term feudal system or feudalism did not start to be used until the 17th century.
Teacher tip
Encourage pupils to use the names of the historians introduced in this lesson when discussing different viewpoints on the decline of feudalism.
Content guidance
Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What 'ism' is another term for the feudal system?
Q2.Which is the best definition for a labourer?
Q3.Which king issued the Ordinance of Labourers in 1349?
Q4.The Ordinance of Labourers was followed in 1351 by the of Labourers.
Q5.Which of these terms best describes the process of obtaining something by discussion?
Q6.Which of these aspects is something that the Statute of Labourers told labourers they must do?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which king introduced what became known as the feudal system to England?
Q2.In the feudal system, all land was 'borrowed' from the , and those who borrowed it became his vassals by paying homage for the land.
Q3.When do historians agree the feudal system ended in England?
Q4.Which of the following could be used to support the argument that lords tried to strengthen the feudal system after 1348?
Q5.Rodney Hilton's work argues that lords did everything they could to prevent 'their' from negotiating better wages and more freedoms.
Q6.Which historian is associated with research in East Anglia that suggests the Black Death accelerated the decline of feudalism?
To help you plan your 7 history lesson on: The decline of the feudal system, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 7 history lesson on: The decline of the feudal system, 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 The Peasants' Revolt: why do historians disagree about its causes? unit, dive into the full secondary history curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.