William the Conqueror

High school (ages 12+)
History & Culture

Name:

Date:

Step 1 · Read the article

Open the article and read it at the level above. Then answer the questions below in your own words.

https://smallwhale.org/articles/william-the-conqueror

Write what each word means, using the article.

Do not copy the article. Write two things you learned, the way you would explain them to a friend.

Answers below are taken from the article’s stored facts, so they match what the student read.

1. When was William the Conqueror born?Circa 1028
2. When did William the Conqueror die?September 9, 1087 (aged approximately 59)
3. Where was William the Conqueror born?Falaise, Duchy of Normandy (now France)
4. Who was William the Conqueror?He was a Duke from Normandy who became King of England after winning the Battle of Hastings in 1066.
5. How did William win the Battle of Hastings?He used archers, infantry, and cavalry to break the English shield wall and defeat King Harold.

Norman Conquest: The military invasion and occupation of England by Norman, Breton, and French forces under the command of William the Conqueror in 1066.
Domesday Book: A comprehensive medieval survey of England's landholdings, resources, and population commissioned by William I in 1085.
Feudalism: A hierarchical social and political system prevalent in medieval Europe, characterized by land tenure in exchange for military service and loyalty.
Motte-and-bailey castle: An early type of European castle consisting of a raised earth mound (motte) and an enclosed courtyard (bailey).