Case study: Viking York
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can explain how the Vikings changed York.
Key learning points
- The Vikings conquered York because it was rich and important.
- York lay on an important east-west trading route, and was therefore well placed to expand Scandinavian trade routes.
- The settled Vikings helped expand York and make it the centre of Viking culture and trade.
Keywords
Viking - a member of the Scandinavian seafaring people who raided Britain from the late 8th century
Scandinavia - collective term for the countries of northern Europe
Trade - the exchange of goods
Mint - a place where coins are produced
Common misconception
York only became an important city under Viking rule.
York was an important army base under the rule of the Romans, but was also used as a capital city under Anglo-Saxon rule. Its location along important trade routes made it an attractive city to any conqueror.
Teacher tip
When describing the city of Jorvik, be sure to emphasise the significance of paved streets and new houses as an impact of the Viking settlers - there's always a risk that students assume certain developments were the norm.
Content guidance
Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which keyword describes the area of England in the north and east controlled by the Vikings?
Q2.Which keyword describes how far individuals or groups of immigrants adopt the culture, customs and values of the majority of people living in their new home country?
Q3.Why were the Vikings looking for a new home by the end of the 700s?
Q4.Complete the sentence: Typically, migrants were considered ‘ ’ in this period, but as the Vikings controlled the Danelaw, these new migrants in northern England experienced England as rulers.
Q5.Which of the following examples show that the Vikings maintained their autonomy?
Q6.Put the following events in chronological order.
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Match the keywords to the correct definitions.
a member of the Scandinavian seafaring people who raided Britain
a place where coins are produced
the exchange of goods
collective term for the countries of northern Europe
Q2.What was the name the Vikings used for York?
Q3.Who led the Viking army in the conquest of the city of York?
Q4.Complete the sentence: The settled Vikings helped expand York and make it the of Viking culture and trade.
Q5.Which of the following are examples of the impact Viking settlers had on York?
Q6.Which of the following are examples archeologists have found of international Viking trade in York?
To help you plan your 10 history lesson on: Case study: Viking York, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 10 history lesson on: Case study: Viking York, 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 Migrants in Britain, c800–present unit, dive into the full secondary history curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.