The built environment of Norman England
I can describe how Normans introduced changes to the built environment.
The built environment of Norman England
I can describe how Normans introduced changes to the built environment.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- The Normans loved an architectural style known now as Romanesque.
- Romanesque style looked back to features of ancient Roman architecture, such as huge stone columns and rounded arches.
- Castles were a major change to the built environment; stone replaced timber for building mainly from the 12th century.
- Within 30 years of the Norman conquest, most church buildings in England were being rebuilt in Romanesque style.
- There were several reasons for the vast programme of rebuilding, including religious reforms and Norman wealth.
Keywords
Built environment - the landscape created by buildings and infrastructure like roads and bridges
Romanesque - an architectural style based on features of ancient Roman buildings
Architecture - the design and construction of buildings
Order - a group of individuals who live under a religious rule, dedicating themselves to a specific way of life
Common misconception
The Normans invented Romanesque architecture.
The Normans were enthusiastic adopters of Romanesque building style, but it was developed in northern Italy and France, combining Roman features with elements of Byzantine design.
To help you plan your year 10 history lesson on: The built environment of 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: The built environment of 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.
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Explore more key stage 4 history lessons from the Norman England: in what ways did life change for ordinary people? unit, dive into the full secondary history curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
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- Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
Lesson video
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
seeds for crops were sown on the fields
the crops were harvested
the fields were ploughed
some animals were slaughtered
types of crops grown, seasonal farming
fall in the number of freemen, who the lord was
housing materials, way villagers lived
number of monasteries, number of enslaved people