The Anglo-Norman Church
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can explain reasons for Norman reforms of the English Church.
Key learning points
- The medieval Church was a powerful and influential institution, which William used to spread Norman control in England.
- William reformed the Church arguing it was in moral decline. It is likely he saw the leadership as a threat to his rule.
- Most Anglo-Saxon bishops were replaced with Normans, and Lanfranc was appointed as Archbishop of Canterbury.
- Lanfranc oversaw a programme of church-building, and bishops were transferred from villages to cities.
- Lanfranc’s other reforms included introducing more discipline and a greater separation from non-religious life.
Keywords
Normanisation - Normanisation is the process of making something more similar to or typical of Norman styles, beliefs, customs, etc.
Reform - reform is when you make changes to improve something
Simony - simony is the buying or selling of advantages or paid positions in the Christian Church, which was considered to be a sin
Pluralism - pluralism is the practice of holding more than one religious office at the same time
Common misconception
Medieval and modern Church power is equivalent.
Explicitly outline the Church's organisational power: land ownership, clergy social status, and spiritual authority.
Teacher tip
Research how Anglo-Saxon saints, their relics, and feast days, were venerated. Then discuss their cancellation from the perspective of the English and the Normans.
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.How did the feudal system change the social structure compared to the Anglo-Saxon period?
Q2.What is the term for a parcel of land given to a vassal in return for service to their overlord?
Q3.Fill in the blank with the correct word: Tenants-in-chief would grant land to their loyal knights. In return, the knights would help them control the land and provide service.
Q4.What were the obligations of holding land under the feudal system?
Q5.Why was the feudal system important for maintaining William's authority?
Q6.Match the titles in the feudal hierarchy to their roles.
owned all the land in England
vassals who received very large fiefs direct from the king
were required to fight for their overlord in return for their fief
provided labour service for their overlord
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What term do historians use for the process of making something more similar to or typical of Norman styles, beliefs, customs?
Q2.By 1088, how many Anglo-Saxon bishops were still in office (not replaced by Normans)?
Q3.Which of these explain why William was keen to have influence over the Church in England?
Q4.Which of these are reasons why the Normans wanted to reform the English Church?
Q5.Complete this sentence: Excommunicated and accused of pluralism and simony, the Archbishop of Canterbury who had been a close advisor of the House of Godwin was called .
Q6.Which statement below best describes the reforms introduced by Lanfranc?
To help you plan your 10 history lesson on: The Anglo-Norman Church, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 10 history lesson on: The Anglo-Norman Church, 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.