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Middle Ages: Church and Religion

Resources for Year 8 study of Medieval History

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Resource key

Resource Key

When accessing content use the numbers below to guide you:

LEVEL 1

Brief, basic information laid out in an easy-to-read format. May use informal language. (Includes most news articles)

LEVEL 2

Provides additional background information and further reading. Introduces some subject-specific language.

LEVEL 3

Lengthy, detailed information. Frequently uses technical/subject-specific language. (Includes most analytical articles)

The Church

Impact of the Church

An alliance made in heaven! Did you know that William the Conqueror colluded with Pope Alexander II? Or that some of the first schools in England were started by churches? Or that monasteries brewed their own beer? This clip takes a fascinating glimpse into the power and influence of the Church in Medieval England.

They were religious men who often lived sequestered from society in self-contained monasteries. This programme teaches students about monastic life in the Middle Ages, exploring the simple lives led by monks, often devoid of many luxuries of the period. Get a first hand look at the monasteries, structures that often provided more safety than life in the surrounding areas plagued by war, violence and hunger. Discover how these monks spent their time within the monastery walls, how one became a monk and the role they played in the Crusades.

Focus Questions

  • What are the key features of your chosen aspect of Medieval life?
  • How does your aspect demonstrate the beliefs and ideas of Medieval society?
  • What does it reveal to us about what people thought at the time?
  • What are some of the ways that your aspect reflected and re-enforced medieval social structures?
  • Explain with reference to at least two different historians’ opinions.
  • How and why did your aspect change over time?
  • In your opinion does your topic demonstrate similarities between the medieval period and today? Explain