The Norman Conquest: 1066
This lesson covers the succession crisis of 1066, the competing claims for the English throne, the pivotal battles (Stamford Bridge and Hastings), and the eventual coronation of William the Conqueror.
Learning objectives
- Identify the three main claimants to the English throne in 1066.
- Explain the reasons why William, Duke of Normandy, successfully invaded England.
- Sequence the key events of 1066, including the battles of Stamford Bridge and Hastings.
- Analyse the consequences of the Norman victory for Anglo-Saxon England.
Lesson plan (60 minutes)
Introduction · 5 min
Do Now: Mind map everything students know about '1066' or 'Knights'.
Teacher Input · 10 min
Teacher Explainer: The three claimants to the throne and the events of 1066.
Guided Practice · 5 min
Vocabulary check and worked example: Analysing a claim to the throne.
Independent Practice · 25 min
Main Activity: Differentiated worksheets on the causes and events of the Conquest.
Assessment · 10 min
8-Question Multiple Choice Quiz.
Review · 5 min
Plenary: One sentence summary of why William won.
Key vocabulary
- Succession Crisis
- A situation where there is no clear heir to the throne.
- Witan
- A council of high-ranking nobles and clergy who advised the Anglo-Saxon kings.
- Claimant
- A person who asserts a right to a title or throne.
- Shield Wall
- A defensive tactic where soldiers stand close together with overlapping shields.
- Feigned Retreat
- A military tactic where an army pretends to run away to lure the enemy out of a strong position.
Core worksheet (first questions)
- Why was there a crisis in England in January 1066?
- Who were the three main contenders for the throne?
- How did the claims of Harold Godwinson and William of Normandy differ?
- Which two battles took place in the North of England before the Battle of Hastings?
Quiz (sample)
1. Which King died in January 1066 without an heir?
- A. Edward the Confessor
- B. Alfred the Great
- C. Harold Godwinson
- D. William of Normandy
2. What was the name of the council that advised the King?
- A. The Parliament
- B. The Witan
- C. The Norman Council
- D. The Viking Thing
3. Who was Harald Hardrada?
- A. Duke of Normandy
- B. King of Norway
- C. Earl of Wessex
- D. Prince of Wales
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