The role of the Norman barons
I can explain the role of barons in Norman Wales.
The role of the Norman barons
I can explain the role of barons in Norman Wales.
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Lesson details
Key learning points
- Vassals were people who swore allegiance to their overlord and received land from him in return for service.
- The Marcher earls often relied on vassals to defend the border and expand Norman control in Wales.
- Norman barons exploited weaknesses in Welsh resistance during power struggles between Welsh rulers.
- Norman barons such as Robert of Rhuddlan used brutal tactics to take control of parts of Wales.
Keywords
Baron - an important local landholder in Norman England
Vassal - landholders who received land from their overlord in return for service
Common misconception
Students may think that the Marcher earls governed their earldoms themselves.
In fact, the Marcher earls were busy men with important matters to deal with in Normandy and England. They appointed deputies, including sheriffs, to govern their earldoms in their absence.
To help you plan your year 10 history lesson on: The role of the Norman barons, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 10 history lesson on: The role of the Norman barons, 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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Explore more key stage 4 history lessons from the Norman Wales unit, dive into the full secondary history curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
Content guidance
- Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour
- Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
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Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
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