Durham Cathedral and continuity and change in Norman England
I can use examples from Durham Cathedral as evidence of continuity and change in Norman England.
Durham Cathedral and continuity and change in Norman England
I can use examples from Durham Cathedral as evidence of continuity and change in Norman England.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Durham Cathedral was built in a Romanesque style symbolising the dominance and permanence of Norman rule.
- Durham Cathedral incorporated some Anglo-Saxon traditions of church design and was used as a shrine to St Cuthbert.
- The personnel of Durham Cathedral demonstrated Norman political authority in England.
- Durham Cathedral had a fortified setting because it was located in the border region.
- Durham Cathedral reflected Norman religious values including a stricter adherence to Benedictine monasticism.
Keywords
Romanesque - the style of building that was fashionable in Western Europe which recalled the power of the Roman Empire
Basilica - a large oblong church that was round at one end; the interior had two rows of columns supporting the roof
Common misconception
All Anglo-Saxon prelates (Church leaders) were replaced by Normans.
Although most bishops and priors were replaced, especially those involved in rebellion, those accused of simony or pluralism and those already married, others were not. The first prior appointed by William St Calais was an Anglo-Saxon called Alwin.
To help you plan your year 10 history lesson on: Durham Cathedral and continuity and change in Norman England, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 10 history lesson on: Durham Cathedral and continuity and change in Norman 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.
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.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 4 history lessons from the Durham Cathedral 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
Loading...
Starter quiz
6 Questions
He was crowned king of England after the death of his father.
He was banished for his role in a rebellion in 1088.
He oversaw the final stages of Durham Cathedral construction.
He disapproved of the secular trial of bishops.
He began construction of Durham Cathedral in 1093.