Bishop Odo of Bayeux
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can describe the career of Bishop Odo of Bayeux and his impact on England.
Key learning points
- The Norman conquest changed the lives of aristocrats such as Lanfranc and Odo, who in turn impacted England.
- Odo was made Bishop of Bayeux despite being more focused on secular affairs than spiritual ones.
- Odo played an important part in the planning and execution of the Norman invasion of England.
- Odo was rewarded with land and power; he was made regent, the earl of Kent, and became extraordinarily wealthy.
- Odo abused his powers, and in 1082, William imprisoned him.
Keywords
Regent - a regent is a person who rules a country for a limited period, because the monarch is absent, too young or too ill
Secular - someone who is focused on the secular is focused on things that have no connection with religion or the spiritual world, such as land and money
Common misconception
According to the Bayeux Tapestry, Odo played an important role in the Norman invasion.
There is reason to be sceptical about this depiction. The Bayeux Tapestry was commissioned by Odo. This perhaps explains why Odo is self-importantly shown as central to the planning and delivery of the invasion.
Teacher tip
Students can perform a role-play exercise on Odo's trial, using Domesday Book as evidence of his misdeeds, the Bayeux Tapestry as his defence, and various chronicles as witness statements.
Content guidance
Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
Depiction or discussion of sexual violence
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which keyword describes to punish yourself to seek God’s forgiveness for a sin?
Q2.Complete the sentence: The Norman aristocracy viewed their simple and culture as superior to the Anglo-Saxon culture.
Q3.What language did the Norman aristocracy use for the Church and official documents?
Q4.Which of the following are impacts of Norman language on England?
Q5.Which of the following are examples of Norman Romanesque architecture being used in both religious and military buildings?
Q6.What did Norman chivalry promote?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which keyword describes a person who rules a country for a limited period, because the monarch is absent, too young or too ill?
Q2.Who was William's half-brother who was rewarded with being made earl of Kent?
Q3.How does the Bayeux Tapestry show Odo's involvement in the Battle of Hastings?
Q4.Why are historians skeptical about the heroic depiction of Odo in the Bayeux Tapestry?
Q5.Complete the sentence: Odo abused his powers, and in , William imprisoned him.
Q6.Which of the following suggest that William’s suspicions about Odo were right?
To help you plan your 10 history lesson on: Bishop Odo of Bayeux, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 10 history lesson on: Bishop Odo of Bayeux, 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 4 history lessons from the British depth study: Anglo-Saxon and Norman England, c1060–88 unit, dive into the full secondary history curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.