A journey through Viking York: Houses, halls and craftspeople
I can describe some of the features of the Coppergate area of Viking York.
A journey through Viking York: Houses, halls and craftspeople
I can describe some of the features of the Coppergate area of Viking York.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- The area of Coppergate was full of tightly packed wooden houses, some of which had adjoining workshops.
- The space between these was likely filled with animal pens and toilets, making it dirty and smelly.
- Many of York's inhabitants were craftspeople: blacksmiths, wood turners, cobblers, jewellery and comb makers.
- There was a large hall that belonged to the Viking king of York in which disputes would be heard and settled.
- Great celebrations would also take place in the hall, with music, feasting and storytelling.
Keywords
Workshop - a workshop is a room or building where a particular type of work takes place, like jewellery making
Blacksmith - a blacksmith is a craftsperson who makes and repairs things in iron by hand
Wood turner - a wood turner is a craftsperson who carves wood as it rotates to create a symmetrical object like a table leg
Cobbler - a cobbler is a craftsperson who mends shoes as their job
Common misconception
Pupils may have perceptions of Vikings as only fierce fighters.
Evidence shows that the Vikings who settled in York were peaceful; they farmed the land and were known for being great craftsmen, traders, artists, engineers and ship builders.
To help you plan your year 6 history lesson on: A journey through Viking York: Houses, halls and craftspeople, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 6 history lesson on: A journey through Viking York: Houses, halls and craftspeople, 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 do we know so much about Viking York? unit, dive into the full secondary history curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
Content guidance
- Depiction or discussion of upsetting content
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
Lesson video
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
Exit quiz
6 Questions
a craftsperson who carves simple objects as the material rotates
a craftsperson who mends shoes as their job
a craftsperson who makes and repairs things in iron by hand