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      Migration in medieval England

      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can explain the reasons for migration, experiences and impact of migrants on medieval England.

      Key learning points

      1. People migrated because of the potential for political and religious influence as well as financial gain.
      2. Migrant experiences varied across the period, they depended on the relationship between the authorities and migrants.
      3. Migrants had an impact on the economy, built environment and culture of medieval England.

      Keywords

      • Danelaw - the area of England in the north and east controlled by the Vikings

      • Angevin Empire - territories in England, Wales, Ireland and France held by Henry II and his descendants in the 12th and 13th centuries

      • Assimilate - how far individuals or groups of immigrants adopt the culture, customs and values of the majority of people living in their new home country

      • Autonomy - how far individuals or groups of migrants hold onto the culture, customs and values of their homeland

      Common misconception

      Migrant experiences were dependent solely on when they migrated to England.

      Migrant experiences were dependent on a variety of factors, this includes when they migrated, the relationship between each migrant group and the authorities and where in England they settled.

      Teacher tip

      When considering the reasons and impact of migrants in the medieval period, encourage students to consider the relative importance of each area, e.g., what was the greatest reason for migration?, where did migrants have the greatest impact?

      Content guidance

      Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour

      Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour

      Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering

      Supervision

      Adult supervision recommended

      Licence

      This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2026), 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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      Prior knowledge starter quiz

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      Match the keywords to the correct definitions.

      Correct Answer:antisemitism,hatred of or discrimination towards Jewish people

      hatred of or discrimination towards Jewish people

      Correct Answer:Low Countries,made up of modern-day Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg

      made up of modern-day Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg

      Correct Answer:usury,the action of lending money & charging interest, Pope called it a sin

      the action of lending money & charging interest, Pope called it a sin

      Correct Answer:Angevin Empire,territories in England, Wales, Ireland and France held by Henry II

      territories in England, Wales, Ireland and France held by Henry II

      Q2.
      Which of the following statements explain why merchants and craftspeople migrated to medieval England for economic reasons?

      Correct answer: Italian bankers were invited to replace Jewish moneylenders.
      European merchants posed less of a threat to Norman rule.
      Correct answer: Skilled Flemish weavers in England reduced the cost of exporting wool.
      Correct answer: They worked in different professions, including blacksmithing and candle making

      Q3.
      Put the following events relating to the way migrant craftspeople and merchants were treated in medieval England in reverse chronological order.

      1 - ‘Letters of denization’ offered to migrants
      2 - Charter of Merchants signed
      3 - Flemish weavers expelled from England
      4 - Flemish weavers invited to England

      Q4.
      Complete the sentence: Merchants and craftspeople had a significant impact on the medieval English economy, especially the trade.

      Correct Answer: wool, Wool

      Q5.
      What fraction of English people died in the Black Death?

      1/4
      Correct answer: 1/3
      1/2
      2/3

      Q6.
      Why were Flemish weavers expelled only a month after being invited to migrate to England in 1270?

      Henry III decided he did not like the style of weaving they did
      tensions had increased between the Low Countries and the Henrician Empire
      the English weavers revolted when they arrived
      Correct answer: tensions had increased between Flanders and the Angevin Empire

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      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?

      Correct Answer: assimilate, Assimilate

      Q2.
      Which keyword describes how far individuals or groups of migrants hold onto the culture, customs and values of their homeland?

      Correct Answer: Autonomy, autonomy

      Q3.
      Which of the following statements are false?

      Correct answer: French monks migrated to work in the gold trade.
      Vikings settled in England to expand their trade routes.
      Jewish people migrated to work in a variety of professions.
      Correct answer: Angevin Empire rulers wanted to expand the silk trade.

      Q4.
      Which of the following groups migrated for political reasons in the medieval period?

      Correct answer: the Vikings
      French monks
      Correct answer: the Normans
      Jewish moneylenders
      Italian bankers

      Q5.
      Which of the following groups migrated for economic reasons in the medieval period?

      Correct answer: the Vikings
      Correct answer: French monks
      the Normans
      Correct answer: Jewish moneylenders
      Correct answer: Italian bankers

      Q6.
      Which of the following groups of migrants impacted the built envrionment?

      the Vikings
      Correct answer: the Normans
      Italian bankers
      Correct answer: Jewish moneylenders

      To help you plan your 10 history lesson on: Migration in medieval England, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...