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The Normans

GCSE and A Level Talk

About this learning resource

Format: Video

Join Professor Tracy Borman, Chief Historian at Historic Royal Palaces, in these videos all about the Normans.

Across the series, Tracy explores the Norman takeover of England,  the building of the Tower of London, and how the Normans tried to seize control.

Perfect for GCSE and A Level History students and teachers, these short videos bring exam topics to life, support classroom teaching, and make for ideal revision.

Norman women

These videos also shine a spotlight on Matilda of Flanders, queen, strategist, and political partner, making this a fantastic way to introduce women in Norman England into your lessons.

There are three videos:

  • Meet the Normans: William I and Matilda of Flanders
  • The Norman Conquest: How did William and Matilda seize control?
  • Norman England: What happened after 1066?

Plus an accompanying image bank, with selected images and sources from the talk to support teaching and learning.

Resource Information

Key Stage

  • KS4 (age 15-16)
  • KS5 (age 16+)

Subjects

  • History

Topic

  • Normans

Type

  • Videos
  • Historic sources
  • Images

Palace

  • Tower of London
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Meet the Normans: William I and Matilda of Flanders

This video includes:

  • Norman sources
  • Researching Norman women
  • Introduction to William of Normandy
  • Introduction to Matilda of Flanders

This content is hosted on YouTube

This content may be using cookies and other technologies for which we need your consent before loading. To view the content, you need to enable cookies for "Targeting Cookies & Other Technologies".

The Norman Conquest: How did William and Matilda seize control?

This video includes:

  • Key events leading up to 1066
  • The Battle of Hastings
  • William's fight for power 
  • Building the White Tower
  • How Matilda helped secure Norman rule

This content is hosted on YouTube

This content may be using cookies and other technologies for which we need your consent before loading. To view the content, you need to enable cookies for "Targeting Cookies & Other Technologies".

Norman England: What happened after 1066?

This video includes:

  • Harrying of the North
  • Family rebellion
  • Matilda's achievements and legacy
  • William's legacy

Take a look around The White Tower on our 360-degree image, created in partnership with Google Arts & Culture.

See the extent of William I’s castle building across England in the Norman period.

Key Stage

  • KS3 (age 11-14)
  • KS4 (age 15-16)
  • KS5 (age 16+)

Subject

  • History
  • Geography

Topic

  • Normans
  • Castles

Download short editable biographies of Norman Tower of London Significant People. Use key facts, activities and historic sources to explore the people who lived and worked nearby the Tower of London. 

Key Stage

  • KS2 (age 7-11)
  • KS3 (age 11-14)
  • KS4 (age 15-16)
  • KS5 (age 16+)
  • Home Educators

Subject

  • History

Topic

  • Normans
  • Castles
  • Crime & Punishment

An editable timeline of the Norman Tower of London for Key Stage 2, Key Stage 3, Key Stage 4 and Key Stage 5. Use dates, key facts and activities to explore the events of 1066 and beyond.

Key Stage

  • KS2 (age 7-11)
  • KS3 (age 11-14)
  • KS4 (age 15-16)
  • KS5 (age 16+)
  • Home Educators

Subject

  • History

Topic

  • Normans
  • Castles
  • Crime & Punishment