Eleanor of Aquitaine and the end of Henry II's reign
I can describe the later years of Henry II's reign and his handling of succession.
Eleanor of Aquitaine and the end of Henry II's reign
I can describe the later years of Henry II's reign and his handling of succession.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Henry announced how his empire would be divided upon his death in an attempt to secure peace and stability.
- Henry’s sons did not want to wait for future power; they wanted power now.
- Henry's wife, Eleanor of Aquitaine, conspired with their sons in revolt against Henry.
- Henry’s sons continued to rebel during the last years of his reign.
- Henry’s succession planning had been a disaster.
Keywords
Succession - succession is the process in which someone automatically inherits a position or property after someone else
Revolt - to revolt is to rebel or take violent action against a ruler
Conspire - to conspire is to secretly plot or plan together
Regent - a regent is a person who rules a country for a limited period, because the monarch is absent or too young, too ill
Heir - an heir is a person who expects to inherit the property or position of another when that person dies
Common misconception
Medieval queens had little influence.
Eleanor was an intelligent and powerful queen, acted as regent, and was a key conspirator of the revolt.
To help you plan your year 7 history lesson on: Eleanor of Aquitaine and the end of Henry II's reign, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 7 history lesson on: Eleanor of Aquitaine and the end of Henry II's reign, 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.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
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Explore more key stage 3 history lessons from the England under Henry II: how successfully did Henry reassert royal authority? 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
to be expelled from the Catholic Church by the Pope
someone who dies for their beliefs
to punish yourself to seek God’s forgiveness for a sin
a large and impressive church; contains the seat of a bishop
Exit quiz
6 Questions
king of England
Duke of Aquitaine
Brittany
did not inherit significant lands