The Anglo-Saxon Church
I can explain the state of the Anglo-Saxon Church.
The Anglo-Saxon Church
I can explain the state of the Anglo-Saxon Church.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- The Church was organised into a hierarchy which included archbishops, bishops and priests.
- The Church was a powerful institution with influence in the government of England.
- The Anglo-Saxon Church observed local religious beliefs and practices, language and saints.
- The Normans criticised the Anglo-Saxon Church for lax discipline and corruption.
- There are reasons to be skeptical of Norman criticisms as they were used to justify the invasion of England.
Keywords
Hierarchy - a system in which people are put at various levels or ranks according to their importance
Dioceses - an area controlled by a bishop
Saint - a title given to a person who has received an official honour from the Pope for having lived in a good and holy way
Pilgrims - a person who makes a journey, often a long and difficult one, to a special place for religious reasons
Relics - something that belonged to a holy person, often a body part, that was believed to be able to help people if prayed to or touched
Common misconception
The power of the Church in the medieval and modern period is equivalent.
The medieval Church was a very powerful institution, it was involved in governing Anglo-Saxon England (as bishops served as advisors to kings) and it was a very wealthy landholder. The modern-day Church in England has less powers.
Content guidance
- Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour
- Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
Lesson video
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