Lesson 2: How did the Normans conquer England?

• History
• Lower Secondary (Key Stage 3)

Introduction

In this lesson, your students will explore what happened in the lead-up to the battle of Hastings and begin to explore the battle itself. There are opportunities for your students to discuss the battle and decide what could be the decisive elements to William's victory.

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 after the Norman invasion in 1066

What do you already know about William the Conqueror?

What do you know about...

After the death of Edward the Confessor, Harold Godwinson (the King's brother-in-law) was selected to be the next king, as he was the earl of Wessex, one of the country's most powerful regions in terms of military and financial power. 

The other suitors to the throne weren't happy and plotted how they might become king themselves. Harald Hardrada, the king of Norway invaded but was defeated at the battle of Stamford Bridge, leaving only one powerful foreign leader remaining able to fight for the throne, with a claim he believed to be the most legitimate. 

Unfortunately for King Harold, William chose to invade while the king's army was away, fighting fierce battles in the North of England.

What happened at Hastings?

A section of the Bayeux Tapestry depicts a Norman Cavalryman rushing into a Saxon shield wall.

The battles of 1066

Looking at the map to the left, discuss with your partner/ group what you think may have been a big disadvantage to King Harold's men when they tried to defend his kingdom from William and his invading Norman army.

After some class discussion, we will watch a video explaining how the Normans invaded England, and what historians think happened in the battles that followed.

Image from: https://www.timeref.com/people/hpr220_extra.htm

Here your students have the opportunity to see that Harold's men would have been exhausted from their battle with Harald's army and subsequent march back from Stamford Bridge. This is not easily apparent but is a good opportunity to talk to them about source analysis and critical thinking. You can then spin the spinner to select a student to question on their reasoning!

Who was the English king defeated at the Battle of Hastings?

1. William the Conqueror
2. Harold II
3. Edward the Confessor
4. Henry I

What year did the Battle of Hastings take place?

1. 1066
2. 1492
3. 1348
4. 1215

Which invading force was led by William the Conqueror?

1. Saxons
2. Vikings
3. Normans
4. Romans

Which tactic did William the Conqueror use to trick the Anglo-Saxons during the battle?

1. Using longbows to attack from a distance
2. Sending false messages to create confusion
3. Launching a surprise naval attack
4. Pretending to retreat, causing a disorganised attack by the Saxons

What crucial event during the battle do historians think might have led to the death of Harold Godwinson?

1. Being captured and executed after surrendering
2. A sword wound to the chest
3. An arrow to the eye
4. Falling from his horse

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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