Athelstan and the making of England
I can describe how Athelstan united his kingdoms to create England.
Athelstan and the making of England
I can describe how Athelstan united his kingdoms to create England.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- In 925, Edward’s son, Athelstan, was consecrated King of Mercia and Wessex with a crown: a new ceremony of coronation.
- In 927, Athelstan captured the last Viking stronghold, York and began to mint coins bearing the title ‘rex Anglorum’.
- The north had not had a southern king; Athelstan assembled the rulers of Scotland and Northumbria to submit to him.
- The Welsh kings already recognised the overlordship of the King of Wessex.
- Athelstan was now the overlord of all of Britain and some historians have called him the first ‘King of England’.
Keywords
Consecrated - to be consecrated, a ceremony takes place to show you are dedicated to the service and worship of God
Crown - a crown is worn by a monarch (King or Queen) as a symbol of authority
Submit - to submit means to accept the authority of another person
overlordship - overlordship means to have great power or authority over other lords
Common misconception
Pupils may think Athelstan easily united the kingdoms to create England.
It is likely that Aethelstan was able to achieve so much due to the success and influence of his father, Edward, and aunt, Aethelflaed.
To help you plan your year 6 history lesson on: Athelstan and the making of England, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 6 history lesson on: Athelstan and the making of England, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
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The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
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Explore more key stage 2 history lessons from the The Vikings: how did Viking settlement change Britain? unit, dive into the full secondary history curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
Content guidance
- Depiction or discussion of serious crime
- Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
Supervision
Adult supervision required
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Lesson video
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
Exit quiz
6 Questions
Grandfather
Father
Aunt