The Norman aristocracy
I can describe the Norman aristocracy and its impact on England.
The Norman aristocracy
I can describe the Norman aristocracy and its impact on England.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- The Norman aristocracy brought with them a distinct warrior culture which included castles and chivalry.
- The Norman aristocracy viewed their simple and pious culture as superior to the Anglo-Saxon culture.
- English churches were rebuilt in the new Romanesque style that was fashionable amongst the Norman aristocracy.
- The Norman aristocracy spoke Norman-French and used Latin for the Church and official documents.
Common misconception
England’s monarchs always spoke English as their first language.
In fact, after the Norman conquest it would take over 300 years for the monarch of England to speak English as their first language.
Keywords
Aristocracy - the aristocracy are a class of people who hold high social rank, often inheriting their status and wealth
Chivalry - chivalry is the system of behaviour followed by knights, that put a high value on bravery, mercy, justice, and generosity
Piety - living in a way that is devoted to religion is known as piety
Romanesque - Romanesque is the style of building that was fashionable in Western Europe which recalled the power of the Roman Empire
Penance - penance is to punish yourself to seek God’s forgiveness for a sin
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
Video
Loading...
Starter quiz
6 Questions
Exit quiz
6 Questions
class of people who hold high social rank
living in a way that is devoted to religion
the system of behaviour followed by knights
to punish yourself to seek God’s forgiveness for a sin
smaller, often made of wood
thick stone walls and square central towers
flat walls painted with religious scenes
grand pillars and semi-circular arches