Home Learning: The Norman Conquest – Controlling England

Subject: History | Year: 7

Estimated Time: 30-40 Minutes Name: _________________________ Class/Set: ____________ Due Date: ____________

The Purpose

Why are we doing this? To apply your knowledge of Norman methods of control to evaluate how William I successfully consolidated his power over a hostile English population after 1066.

Instructions

1. Categorise: In your exercise book, create a table with three headings: 'Military Control', 'Social Control', and 'Administrative Control'. Place the following terms into the correct column: Motte and Bailey Castles, The Feudal System, The Domesday Book, The Harrying of the North, The Forest Laws.

2. Analyse: Choose two of the methods from your table. For each one, write a PEE (Point, Evidence, Explanation) paragraph explaining how that specific method helped William prevent the English from rebelling.

3. Apply: Imagine you are a Norman Knight who has been granted a small manor in a rebellious part of Northern England. Write a short advice report (approximately 100 words) to King William explaining which one method of control you will rely on most to keep your new lands safe and why you believe it is more effective than the others.

Success Criteria (Checklist)

☐ I have correctly categorised the five Norman methods of control. ☐ I have used the PEE structure (Point, Evidence, Explanation) for my analysis. ☐ I have written my advice report from the perspective of a Norman Knight. ☐ I have used Tier 3 historical terms such as 'Feudal System', 'Rebellion', and 'Consolidate'.

Challenge / Extension (Optional)

• Research: Find out what the 'Harrying of the North' was. Write one sentence explaining why many modern historians consider this to be William’s most brutal method of control.

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⚠️ TEACHER’S GUIDANCE & MARK SCHEME (DO NOT PRINT FOR STUDENTS)

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💡 Teacher’s Post-Task Briefing

1. Model Answers / Expected Outcomes

• Task 1 (Categorisation):
  • Military: Motte and Bailey Castles, The Harrying of the North.
  • Social: The Feudal System, The Forest Laws.
  • Administrative: The Domesday Book.
• Task 2 (PEE Analysis): Students should identify that castles provided physical security and a psychological "footprint" of Norman power, while the Feudal System ensured military service in exchange for land, creating a loyal hierarchy.
• Task 3 (Advice Report): High-ability students should justify their choice by comparing it to others. For example: "I will rely on the Feudal System because it ensures my sub-tenants are legally bound to fight for me, which is more sustainable than simply burning crops during a Harrying."

2. Common Misconceptions to Flag

• The "Instant" Conquest: Students often think William controlled all of England immediately after the Battle of Hastings. Remind them that rebellion was constant for the first five years (e.g., Hereward the Wake).
• The Domesday Book as a 'Story Book': Clarify that this was a tax and resource audit—a tool of administrative power, not a narrative history.
• Motte and Bailey Materials: Students may assume all castles were stone. Ensure they remember Norman castles were initially timber and earth for speed.

3. Classroom Discussion Starters (The 'Journey')

• The Power of Paper: "Which was a more powerful weapon for William: a sword or a pen (The Domesday Book)?"
• Loyalty vs Fear: "Is it better for a king to be loved by his subjects or feared? Which did William prioritise?"
• Legacy: "If you look at a map of your local area today, can you still see the 'fingerprints' of the Norman Conquest in the names of towns or the locations of buildings?"