Around 1000, vikings began to settle in the Normandy area of France. In the next few years they adopted the culture and language of the people they conquered, becoming “civilized” Normans.
When the King Edward III (the Confessor) of England, died in 1066 without leaving a son, several men, including William, Duke of Normandy, saw an opportunity to seize the throne. The war story of the Norman Conquest of England is told in a captivating piece of medieval art, the 231 foot long Bayeux Tapestry.
William, who later became known as William the Conqueror, brutally invaded England. After landing he quickly built motte-and-bailey castles to shore up his position. Medieval castles were not the luxurious palaces we imagine in fairy tales. They were built first for advantage of position and defense, and rarely with comfort in mind. The castle was a stronghold, a place where all the people could retreat for protection.
In class activities:
- Reviewed the history of the barbarians & vikings
- Learned about castle structure
- Briefly summarized the Norman conquest of England
- Discussed the idea of history from the point of view of the victor
- Looked at many pictures of the Bayeux tapestry while we read the story of the Norman Conquest from The Bayeux Tapestry by Norman Denny
- Began collectively weaving our own blanket and discussed the difference between a tapestry and embroidery
- Learned about the uses for fabrics in medieval homes
Optional lesson extension activities:
- Watch an animated version of the Bayeux tapestry's story
- Build your own Norman ship out of paper
- Print coloring and/or notebooking pages for William I
Assignment due November 8th:
- Read history cards MA 14-15, Cathedrals in Europe, The Crusades
- Practice your timeline. We have a new video up covering this period's hand motions.
