Core Skills Analysis
History
- Aiyana demonstrates understanding of the drastic redistribution of Anglo-Saxon land ownership after 1071, identifying that William the Conqueror took land from many Anglo-Saxon nobles and concentrated it under Norman control.
- The student analyzes the impact of land ownership changes on Anglo-Saxon resistance, explaining how loss of land and subsequent powerlessness reduced their ability to resist Norman rule due to lack of resources.
- Aiyana correctly interprets historical maps, comparing land holding percentages in 1065 and 1086, showing how Norman control expanded by breaking up large Anglo-Saxon eardoms and redistributing land to Norman tenants-in-chief loyal to William.
- The worksheet answers reveal comprehension of feudal power dynamics—how William rewarded Norman followers with land to secure loyalty and control, weakening Anglo-Saxon power structures strategically.
Tips
To deepen Aiyana's grasp of Anglo-Saxon resistance and Norman conquest, further exploration could include examining primary source accounts such as the Domesday Book excerpts and Anglo-Saxon chronicles to develop critical source analysis skills. Encourage Aiyana to create timelines or cause-and-effect charts to visualize the sequence and consequences of the Norman takeover. To solidify understanding of land ownership's influence on political power, simulated role-play activities assigning land and titles could illustrate feudal relationships. For extension, researching how resistance evolved over time and its cultural legacies in England (e.g., language, law) could enrich context and engagement.
Book Recommendations
- 1066: The Year of the Conquest by David Howarth: A detailed narrative of the Norman Conquest of England, providing insight into the key events and figures around the Battle of Hastings and the impact on Anglo-Saxon England.
- Anglo-Saxon England (The Penguin History of Britain) by Mark Atherton: A comprehensive introduction to the Anglo-Saxon period, discussing their culture, society, and how the Norman conquest reshaped the era.
- The Norman Conquest: The Battle of Hastings and the Fall of Anglo-Saxon England by Marc Morris: An accessible account focusing on the military and political changes resulting from William the Conqueror's invasion, emphasizing land redistribution and resistance.
Learning Standards
- GCSE History AQA Specification: Understanding key political and social changes after 1066 (specifically land redistribution and control)
- GCSE History Edexcel: Analysis of the Norman Conquest and its impact on English society
- Developing historical interpretations and source analysis as outlined in GCSE History assessments