Lesson 3: Taking the Crown

• History
• Lower Secondary (Key Stage 3)

Introduction

In this lesson your students will explore what William and the Normans did in England after the battle of Hastings, discuss what they would do in his shoes and finish off by learning the stark reality of life under a new Norman ruler. This lesson requires some group discussion and the ability to share information with peers through interaction with the questions and class teacher.

Instructions

Simply load up the lesson and it's ready to teach! You can also save this lesson to your LessonUp area and make any adjustments you would like, including updating or altering the video, text and image content to suit your classes. 

A great companion textbook to these lessons is 'Understanding History - updated edition' from Hodder Education. 

Date:

LO: To explain how William the Conqueror became King of England following the Battle of Hastings

What do you remember about the Battle of Hastings and Norman invasion?

Don't worry, we will have a short recap after this...

What do you remember about the Battle of Hastings?

After the Battle of Hastings, the defeat of the Saxon army and the death of King Harold Godwinson, no one else had the army or capability of contesting William's ascension to the English throne. 

William was crowned King on Christmas day 1066, much to the annoyance of the Christian Saxons he was to rule over. He had done it and achieved his dream of becoming a monarch.

...but what would he do next?

December 25th, 1066 - 

William, King of England

William the Conqueror's coronation to King of England, Christmas day, 1066 - as depicted on the Bayeux Tapestry.

Here are depictions of the events of William and his army after the battle. Rank them in order of importance based on what you would do in William's situation.

Most important

Least important

Building Castles

Resting Soldiers

Getting Supplies

Scaring Saxons

What makes England worth conquering?

What did you select as your most important task?

Building Castles

Resting Soldiers

Getting Supplies

Scaring Saxons

What makes England worth conquering?

What did you select as your least important task?

Building Castles

Resting Soldiers

Getting Supplies

Scaring Saxons

Having made your own decisions, and watched the video, what do you think was the most important thing William did after the Battle of Hastings and why?

How did this lesson go for you?

How did this lesson go for you?

How did this lesson go for you?

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