Changing rulers in the 11th century
I can explain how England came to be ruled by Vikings as well as Anglo-Saxons in the 11th century.
Changing rulers in the 11th century
I can explain how England came to be ruled by Vikings as well as Anglo-Saxons in the 11th century.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Athelstan’s reign did not see the end of the Vikings in England, with continued raids and uprisings in Northumbria.
- In 1013, Sweyn Forkbeard captured the whole of England before dying.
- This left his son Canute to successfully contest the throne of England with an Anglo-Saxon, Edmund Ironside.
- Canute became King of England, Norway and Denmark, creating a huge North Sea empire which English trade benefited from.
- His son Harthacnut succeeded him in 1035 and ruled for seven years until an Anglo-Saxon, Edward, took the throne.
Keywords
Reign - to reign means to rule as a monarch and be the King or Queen
Tribute - tribute was payment made often by one ruler to another
Contest - to contest something, you fight for a position of power
Common misconception
Pupils may think Ethelred's reign was completely unsuccessful.
Although Ethelred made some poor decisions during his reign, evidence from his charters and coins suggest that Ethelred’s government was more effective than was once believed.
To help you plan your year 6 history lesson on: Changing rulers in the 11th century, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 6 history lesson on: Changing rulers in the 11th century, 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 sensitive content
- Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
Lesson video
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
Exit quiz
6 Questions
to rule as monarch, the King or Queen
payment made, often by one ruler to another
fight for a position of power