an empress is the wife of an emperor, the ruler of an empire

an empire is a group of countries or provinces ruled from the centre by one person or group of people

Matilda's early life: Empress of Germany

History

Pupils will develop an understanding of civil wars which will be revisited through their later studies of the Wars of the Roses (Y7), The English Civil War and The Glorious Revolution (Y8). Pupils may also revisit their knowledge of the historic political experience of women, when they come to study the campaign for women's suffrage (Y9).

Pupils will have an understanding from their previous study of the Norman Conquest, of medieval kingship and the significance of a succession crisis, on the stability of the crown.

Medieval women: what can we learn from Matilda about women in medieval England?

Subjects which particular individuals may be sensitive to, eg, adoption, migration, bereavement or death, divorce, poverty, deprivation.

Depiction or discussion of sensitive content

At the age of {{ }}, Matilda was betrothed to the Holy Roman Emperor, Henry V.

The people of the Holy Roman Empire referred to Matilda as 'the __________ Matilda'.

When some of Henry V's subjects rebelled, Matilda stayed in {{ }} to manage his land there.

What did Matilda do with her lands in the Holy Roman Empire when she returned to her father in England?

That they would accept her as Henry's successor

That they would agree which of them would marry her

What oath did Henry I have his barons swear upon Matilda's return?

The Normans successfully invaded England in the year {{ }}.

Starting with the most important, place these medieval social groups into a hierarchy.

In exchange for land, nobles had to promise obedience and swear an oath of {{ }} to their king.

When a king died without a clear heir, it could create a {{ }} crisis.

The Normans typically made their eldest {{ }} their successor.

Following William the Conqueror's coronation, for several hundred years kings of England typically controlled land in both England and _______.

Content guidance

Depiction or discussion of sensitive content

Adult supervision recommended

This lesson will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.

Matilda's early life: Empress of Germany

Lesson outcome

Content guidance

This lesson will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.