Continuity and change in Norman government
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can explain continuity and change in the government of Norman England.
Key learning points
- Continuity is the term used in history to mean things staying the same.
- William wanted to be accepted as the legitimate heir of Edward the Confessor.
- After 1070, William abandoned plans for power sharing and put Normans in control of the government of Norman England.
- Changes to landholding were rapid and significant but the feudal system was probably a much more gradual change.
- Norman government relied heavily on Anglo-Saxon government administration and legal systems.
Keywords
Continuity - the term used in history to mean things staying the same
Legitimate - something that is legal, right and accepted
Common misconception
As conquerors, the Normans could make any changes they wanted to.
The Normans were greatly outnumbered in England and William hoped to convince most English people that his was going to rule in the same way as King Edward the Confessor.
Teacher tip
This is a good topic to use for practice with interpretation questions about the extent of change.
Content guidance
Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Complete the sentence: The met monthly and dealt with local disputes, minor criminal cases and local administrative issues such as tax collection.
Q2.Complete the sentence: The dealt with more serious criminal cases and land disputes, and also appeals from the hundred courts.
Q3.Which of the following did the Normans introduce to the justice and legal system in England?
Q4.Who were royal justices?
Q5.Which type of law was used to judge Church cases?
Q6.Why were there very few changes to Anglo-Saxon laws in Norman England?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which keyword describes something that is legal, right and accepted?
Q2.Complete the sentence: is the term used in history to mean things staying the same.
Q3.Complete the sentence: After 1070, William abandoned plans for power sharing and put in control of the government.
Q4.Who was able to keep their earldoms and role in government following their submission to William?
Q5.William had the power to take back land from those who had broken their oath of loyalty to him. What was that called?
Q6.Match the examples to whether they show change or continuity in Norman England.
Domesday Book allowed the Normans to focus on central control
Domesday Book relied on Anglo-Saxon records and administration
the transfer of land to Normans
the relationships between lords and vassals
introduction of the murdrum fine and forest law
William governed England using the ‘law of Edward’
To help you plan your 10 history lesson on: Continuity and change in Norman government, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 10 history lesson on: Continuity and change in Norman government, 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.
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Explore more key stage 4 history lessons from the British Depth Study: Norman England, c1066–c1100 unit, dive into the full secondary history curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.