1. Today’s Learning Muscle
Year 9 GCSE History
Lesson date
Church & State
Learning Gain: All learners will explore the influence of the monarchy and church in Anglo-Saxon England.
Today we will:
Today’s Learning Muscle
Consider the powers of the church & monarchy
Explain the historical significance of Edward the Confessor
Outline the roles and responsibility of people involved with the government in Anglo-Saxon England

2. Write down anything in GREEN.
Edward the Confessor was king of England in He governed the country.
The king’s role was to protect his people from attack and give them laws to maintain safety and security at home.
In return, people of England owed him service.
Lower-class people had to perform certain duties for the King.
Kings held their power because they led armies. They had to win and protect the land from Viking enemies.
Although Edward was not a warrior, his earls and thegns were a powerful military force, who protected England from attack.
Edward was also powerful and respected because:
He was a fair, peaceful law-maker
He was pious (very religious) so people thought he could bring God’s blessing on England.

3. Group Task
Using the information provided, take some notes about why Edward the Confessor was an important person in Anglo-Saxon England.
Figure 1.3, Source A, Source B, Source C, Limits to the King’s Powers

4. Describe three factors that made Edward the Confessor powerful.
Multi-structural
Evaluate the historical significance of Edward the Confessor in Anglo-Saxon England.
Relational
Military success made kings more powerful. Why do you think violence was valued in A-S society? Is this right or wrong?
Extended - Abstract

5. Write down anything in GREEN.
There were other important people that had a say in how England was run: namely, the Witan & shire reeves.
The Witan
Basically, a council of advisers to the King.
Made up of members of the aristocracy, or upper class.
It discussed: foreign threats, religious affairs, and land disputes
shire reeves
the king’s local government officials
Worked within the earldoms
Carried out the king’s instructions, with duties like:
collecting revenues
collecting land tax (the geld)
collecting fines from court
enforcing the laws

6. Plenary
Relational
Explain two reasons why the Church was historically significant in Anglo-Saxon England.
Give the learners 5 minutes to read this, and 5 minutes to answer the question.
Lower-ability: Identify three facts about the role of the church in A-S England.