starter activity

The pictures above refer to some of William’s greatest achievements. Can you identify them? Would an Anglo-Saxon see them differently?

Was William a Was William a tyrant?tyrant?

TBAT explain & evaluate the TBAT explain & evaluate the way William gained control of way William gained control of

the countrythe country

Learning objectives

Key words: Harrying of the North poachers rebel tyrant

Your task

In your books write down the heading ‘The Harrying of the North’. Study Source 1 on your sheet and note down ways in which William showed people he was in control of the North of England

Study the account by Orderic Vitalis. How accurate do you think his description was?

Harrying of the NorthHarrying of the North

Appointed English Appointed English Earls to look after Earls to look after parts of country, parts of country, e.g. Edwin & e.g. Edwin & MorcarMorcar

Used his army to Used his army to put down rebellionsput down rebellions

Destroyed rebel Destroyed rebel villages, tools and villages, tools and cropscrops

Your taskYour task

Read about the legend of Hereward Read about the legend of Hereward the Wake (Source 4) or listen to the the Wake (Source 4) or listen to the story told by your teacher. Write story told by your teacher. Write down the heading ‘down the heading ‘Hereward the Hereward the WakeWake’ and note down why the ’ and note down why the Normans feared Hereward so much.Normans feared Hereward so much.

How valuable are legends in finding How valuable are legends in finding out about the Normans?out about the Normans?

Hereward the WakeHereward the Wake

Fearless warriorFearless warrior He had connections He had connections

overseas – could gather overseas – could gather help from abroadhelp from abroad

He knew the local He knew the local landscapelandscape

He could gather He could gather support from other support from other rebelsrebels

You have been asked to write a summary of the story in 5 lines. Can you do it and still explain the key events?

Your taskYour task

Read about the Forest Laws (Source Read about the Forest Laws (Source 5) and under the heading ‘5) and under the heading ‘Forest Forest LawsLaws’ note down what they were ’ note down what they were and how people were punished if and how people were punished if they broke them.they broke them.

Study Sources 3 and 6 and note Study Sources 3 and 6 and note down what these sources tell us down what these sources tell us about other ways William had of about other ways William had of controlling peoplecontrolling people

Forest LawsForest Laws

Punishments for poaching in royal forestsPunishments for poaching in royal forests First offence - two fingers to be chopped First offence - two fingers to be chopped

offoff Second offence – blindedSecond offence – blinded

Was William a tyrant – a cruel, uncaring leader? His reputation is on trial. Imagine you are either a lawyer for the defence or the accused? Write a speech according to your view. Include the folllow …

Start of with an opening statement which sets out your position, e.g. ‘Members of the jury I would like to make a case that William was a good king/ awful tyrant’Explain whether you think key events in his reign show he was a good king or a tyrant:The way he planned and carried off the Battle of HastingsThe Domesday survey he carried outThe feudal system he introducedThe construction of castlesThe way he treated rebels, e.g. Hereward the Wake

Success criteriaSuccess criteriaCould do

betterNearly there Wow factor

Limited attempt to make the work sound like a lawyer’s opening speech

You cover one or two points

Engaging introduction and a clear attempt to write on behalf or against William

You cover 3 points

You have written a convincing speech and you clearly support or criticise William all the way through.

You have covered all these points: The way he planned and carried off the Battle of HastingsThe Domesday survey he carried outThe feudal system he introducedThe construction of castlesThe way he treated rebels, e.g. Hereward the Wake

HomeworkHomework

Revise for your assessment on Revise for your assessment on WilliamWilliam

Find out the origin of Hereward the Find out the origin of Hereward the Wake’s nameWake’s name

Was William a Was William a tyrant?tyrant?

TBAT explain & evaluate the TBAT explain & evaluate the way William gained control of way William gained control of

the countrythe country

Learning objectives

Key words: Harrying of the North poachers rebel tyrant