Year 7 History

Investigating the political landscape of England before 1066 and the contenders for the throne after Edward the Confessor's death.

Examining Harold Godwinson's position as Earl of Wessex, his oath to William, and his coronation as King of England.

A detailed look at Harald Hardrada's invasion and Harold Godwinson's rapid march north to defeat the Vikings.

A detailed look at the military engagements of 1066, focusing on the shield wall, the feigned retreat, and the impact of the Bayeux Tapestry.

Investigating William's strategic movements after Hastings, the submission of English nobles, and his Christmas Day coronation.

Exploring the various Anglo-Saxon uprisings against William's rule, including those led by Edwin and Morcar, and Hereward the Wake.

Investigating the brutal suppression of rebellions in Northern England and the ethical implications of William's scorched-earth policy.

Exploring the rapid construction and strategic importance of early Motte and Bailey castles in consolidating Norman rule.

Tracing the evolution from Motte and Bailey to Stone Keep castles as instruments of psychological and physical control.

Understanding the land-for-loyalty contract that defined Norman social structures and the hierarchy of lords, knights, and peasants.

Investigating William I's comprehensive survey of England, its purpose for taxation and control, and its lasting legacy.

Examining how William replaced Anglo-Saxon bishops with Normans and reformed the English Church.

Tracing how French and Latin influenced the English language and how Norman architecture changed the English landscape.

A concluding lesson on William the Conqueror's reign, his achievements, and the long-term consequences of the Norman Conquest.

Exploring the daily routines, challenges, and social structures of peasant life in a medieval English village.

Investigating the growth of towns, the role of guilds, and the development of markets and trade routes in medieval England.

Examining agricultural practices, common diets, and the significance of feasts and festivals in medieval society.

Exploring the hierarchical structure of the Catholic Church and its pervasive influence over all aspects of medieval life.

Analysing how visual art in churches was used to instruct an illiterate population on morality and the afterlife.

Exploring the daily routine of monastic life, their vows, and the spiritual purpose of their existence.

Investigating the role of monasteries in preserving knowledge, providing education, and their economic importance to medieval society.

Investigating the power struggle between King Henry II and the Archbishop of Canterbury over the 'Criminous Clerks' and legal jurisdiction.

Examining the assassination of Becket, its immediate impact, and his subsequent veneration as a martyr.

Examining why knights and peasants 'took the cross' and traveled to the Holy Land, including religious zeal and material gain.

Exploring the differing viewpoints of Christians and Muslims during the Crusades and their cultural and economic consequences.

Understanding the spiritual importance of pilgrimage, popular destinations, and the challenges faced by medieval pilgrims.

Using Chaucer's literature to understand the diversity of medieval society and the spiritual importance of holy sites.

How Henry II reformed the legal system, introduced juries, and established a law that applied to the whole country.

Evaluating the reign of King John, his military failures in France, and his heavy taxation of the Barons.

An in-depth look at the clauses of Magna Carta and its immediate failure as a peace treaty.

Tracing the influence of Magna Carta on the US Constitution, the Bill of Rights, and modern Human Rights.

Exploring the 1265 rebellion and the inclusion of 'commoners' in the King's council for the first time.

Analysing Edward I's military campaigns and castle-building strategy to conquer Wales and integrate it into the English realm.

Analysing the expansion of English power into Scotland and the resistance of William Wallace and Robert the Bruce.

Understanding how climate change and crop failure brought Europe to the brink of collapse before the plague.

Exploring the social consequences of widespread starvation and how it weakened the population before the Black Death.

The dynastic struggle for the French throne and the early English victories, including Crécy and Poitiers.

Examining the Battle of Agincourt, the resurgence of French fortunes, and the role of Joan of Arc.

Tracing the path of the Yersinia pestis bacteria from the Silk Road to Europe and its rapid dissemination.

Exploring the horrific symptoms of the plague, common (and ineffective) medieval cures, and public health measures.

How the plague changed people's relationship with the Church, increased superstition, and challenged social norms.

How the labour shortage caused by the Black Death led to higher wages and the end of serfdom.

Investigating the underlying grievances and immediate triggers, such as the Poll Tax, that led to the uprising.

The causes, events, and aftermath of the uprising led by Wat Tyler and John Ball against the Poll Tax.

Analysing how the mental illness and poor leadership of Henry VI allowed noble factions to grow powerful.

Mapping the family trees and the shifting alliances of the Nevilles, Percys, and the Royal family.

Investigating the mystery of Edward V and his brother Richard, and the rise of Richard III.

The final major battle of the wars and the unlikely victory of Henry Tudor.

How Henry VII united the warring houses through marriage and the creation of the Tudor Rose.

Examining figures like Eleanor of Aquitaine and Nicola de la Haye who exercised significant political influence.

Exploring the daily tasks of women on the manor and the 'brewsters' and 'silkwomen' in the towns.

Investigating what it was like to grow up in the Middle Ages, from toys to apprenticeships.

Tracing the arrival of Jews after 1066, their role in finance, and their tragic expulsion in 1290.

From the Tithing system to the Hue and Cry, how a society without a police force maintained law.

Exploring the 'Four Humours', barber-surgeons, and the influence of Islamic medicine on the West.

How goods, ideas, and diseases traveled from China and India to the markets of London.

Comparing the development of cities like Baghdad and Cordoba with the medieval towns of England.

Studying the wealth of West Africa and the impact of Mansa Musa's journey to Mecca on the global economy.

Gutenberg's revolution and how it signaled the end of the medieval era and the start of the Renaissance.

A synoptic review of how power, religion, and daily life changed (or stayed the same) over 400 years.

A student-led inquiry into a specific aspect of medieval life or a significant historical figure.