Skip to main content

Norman Conquest KS2-4

Harald Hardrada Norman character

Bring 1066 to life through the weapons, people and battlefield decisions that changed England forever.

In this hands-on workshop, pupils investigate how the Normans conquered England by stepping into the world of 1066. Using replica arms and armour, Bayeux Tapestry imagery and active battle tactics, they explore the people, weapons and choices behind one of the most important turning points in British history. 

An energetic, enquiry-led session that develops chronology, causation, decision-making and source evaluation. 

Explore our Norman Learning Resources for free videos, images and audio files to support pre-visit preparation or post-visit consolidation. 

Royal Armouries Mueseum

Workshop

GCSE, KS2, KS3, KS4

90 Minutes

£5 Per Pupil

Curriculum and exam focus

KS2: 

  • The Viking and Anglo-Saxon struggle for the Kingdom of England to the time of Edward the Confessor. 

KS3: 

  • The development of Church, state and society in Medieval Britain 1066–1509, including the Norman Conquest. 

GCSE: 

  • AQA GCSE History (8145): British depth study option BA Norman England, c1066–c1100. 
  • Pearson Edexcel GCSE History (1HI0): British depth study option B1 Anglo-Saxon and Norman England, c1060–88. 
  • OCR History B: The Norman Conquest, 1065-1087. 
  • Historical enquiry: pupils use objects, replica arms and armour, Bayeux Tapestry imagery and battlefield scenarios to ask questions, evaluate evidence and build interpretations of the past. 

 

What to expect

This workshop supports KS2, KS3 and KS4 history by exploring the Norman Conquest as a major turning point in British history. It is particularly relevant for pupils studying Anglo-Saxon and Norman England, medieval Britain and the causes and consequences of the Norman Conquest. 

Object handling 

Pupils use images from the famous tapestry alongside replica arms and armour to investigate the people and weapons of 1066. They step into the roles of key figures and soldiers, exploring what arms and armour can reveal about status, identity and battlefield functions. This enquiry-led session helps pupils treat the tapestry as evidence, questioning what it can tell us about Norman, Saxon and Viking warriors and what it might leave out.

1066 battle tactics 

Pupils re-enact the key battles of 1066: Fulford, Stamford Bridge and Hastings, to understand how battle tactics, terrain, leadership and strategy helped decide the outcome.  Through active decision making they will consider why William's army succeeded at Hastings and how the conquest changed England. 

Gallery link

Horses with armour and men wearing armour in a museum gallery
The War Gallery

War Gallery

(Early War, Medieval)

Explore how the history of warfare has changed from the early days of hand-to-hand combat to today’s technology-based warfare, including our new display on the Second World War.

Visit the War Gallery

Book Now

When you email us, please provide the following information:

  • Name and address of school, organisation, or home educated group
  • First, second, and third choice of date
  • Number of pupils and number of adults
  • If you would like to visit the museum shop
  • If you require coach parking
  • Any other additional information you’d like us to know (e.g special education needs) 

Find our Education Bookings Terms and Conditions 

Email: educate.leeds@armouries.org.uk
Phone: 07785 692443

Due to the high volume of enquiries we receive, please only call us if you have already booked a visit and your enquiry is urgent. 

Learning packs and resources

Education Visit Pack 2025-2026 (pdf, 576KB)

Contact our communications team if you require documents in an alternative format.

Share