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Year 10
AQA

William de Warenne

I can explain why William de Warenne had Castle Acre Priory constructed.

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New
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Year 10
AQA

William de Warenne

I can explain why William de Warenne had Castle Acre Priory constructed.

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Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. De Warenne was an important ally of William I's.
  2. De Warenne was religious and had been on pilgrimage.
  3. De Warenne was inspired by his visit to Cluny.
  4. De Warenne was a powerful earl in England; had been granted large amounts of land in Norfolk.
  5. De Warenne founded Castle Acre Priory in Norfolk in around 1085.

Keywords

  • Pilgrimage - a religious journey to a holy place

  • Relic - the remains of a holy person

  • Shrine - a holy place linked to a holy person

  • Cluniac - an order of monks which focused on prayer and reflection

Common misconception

Some students may believe that pilgrimages were introduced by the Normans.

Christians have gone on pilgrimages since the 4th century, although the 'golden age' was from the early 11th to the 16th century.


To help you plan your year 10 history lesson on: William de Warenne, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...

Teachers could discuss the early pilgrim routes to the Holy Land and the dangers of such undertakings.
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Adult supervision recommended

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This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).

Lesson video

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Starter quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.
In what year did Norfolk become part of the Danelaw?
850 CE
855 CE
860 CE
Correct answer: 865 CE
Q2.
Queen Boudica of the Iceni led a rebellion against the occupation of Norfolk in 60 CE.
Correct Answer: Roman, roman
Q3.
On which historic trail was Castle Acre located?
Cuckmere Pilgrim Path
Old Stones Way
Correct answer: Peddars Way
St Patrick’s Camino
Q4.
Which buildings contributed to Norwich becoming one of England's wealthiest medieval towns?
Correct answer: The castle and the cathedral
The jail and the town wall
The guildhall and the marketplace
The mill and the houses
Q5.
Which three earls led the rebellion against William I in 1075?
Ralph the Staller, Roger de Breteuil and Neville
Correct answer: Ralph de Gael, Roger de Breteuil and Waltheof
Ralph of Cluny, Roger de Breteuil and Bigot
Ralph of Norwich, Roger de Breteuil and de Warenne
Q6.
William crushed the Revolt of the Earls and laid to Norwich Castle for three months.
Correct Answer: seige

Exit quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.
Match each term with its correct definition.
Correct Answer:pilgrimage,a religious journey to a holy place
tick

a religious journey to a holy place

Correct Answer:relic,the remains of a holy person
tick

the remains of a holy person

Correct Answer:shrine,a holy place linked to a holy person
tick

a holy place linked to a holy person

Correct Answer:Cluniac,an order of monks which focused on prayer and reflection
tick

an order of monks which focused on prayer and reflection

Q2.
William de Warenne was an important of William I.
Correct Answer: ally, vassal, supporter, follower, tenant
Q3.
Which abbey was William de Warenne inspired by during his pilgrimage?
Abbey of Saint Wandrille
Correct answer: Cluny Abbey
Fontenay Abbey
Hambye Abbey
Q4.
In which part of England did William de Warenne have large amounts of land?
Cornwall
Isle of Wight
London
Correct answer: Norfolk
Welsh Marches
Q5.
Starting with the earliest, sort the following events into chronological order.
1 - William de Warenne fought alongside William, Duke of Normandy, at Hastings.
2 - De Warenne was rewarded with lands for his loyalty to William.
3 - De Warenne went on a pilgrimage with his wife, Gundrada.
4 - They stayed at Cluny Abbey in France and were looked after by Cluniac monks.
5 - De Warenne decided to found his own Cluniac priory in Lewes.
6 - De Warenne founded a second Cluniac priory at Castle Acre, Norfolk.
Q6.
In what year was Castle Acre Priory founded?
1075
1080
Correct answer: 1085
1090

Additional material

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