The Norman army
I can describe key features of the Norman infantry and cavalry.
The Norman army
I can describe key features of the Norman infantry and cavalry.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- The Norman army contained a mix of infantry and cavalry.
- The Norman army was made up of professional soldiers.
- The Norman infantry included foot soldiers and archers.
- The Norman army featured military innovations that were new to England.
- The shield wall needed to be weakened before Norman cavalry could be effective.
Keywords
Infantry - soldiers who fight on foot are known as infantry
Cavalry - soldiers who fight on horseback are known as cavalry
Mercenary - a mercenary is someone who joins a foreign army in order to be paid
Innovation - an innovation is a new way of doing something, based on new ideas or developments
Common misconception
If William had more knights, he would have won the Battle of Hastings more quickly.
Knights may have been less effective against the shield wall than infantry, because the unarmoured horses were vulnerable. They were probably much more effective in later stages of the battle, once the shield wall had been broken up.
To help you plan your year 10 history lesson on: The Norman army, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 10 history lesson on: The Norman army, 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 4 history lessons from the Battle of Hastings unit, dive into the full secondary history curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
Content guidance
- 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
Soldiers who fight on foot
Soldiers who fight on horseback
Someone who joins a foreign army in order to be paid