The Medieval Period saw power struggles between the king and the people; kings and, occasionally, queens made decisions that affected the lives of rich and poor alike. The major events in this period have local connections; from Henry I forcing his Barons to swear fealty to his daughter, the Empress Matilda at Northampton Castle in 1131, to Wat Tyler's rebellion which was the ultimate result of the last parliament in Northampton. The trial of Thomas Beckett gives us a local window into not only the conflict between church and state, but also crime and punishment in the medieval period.
Northampton Castle was important in this period. War, battles and sieges were common occurrences: the county has its fair share of stories to tell from the baronial battles of the earlier medieval period to the War of the Roses that marked the end of that period.
Places to visit include Holdenby House Gardens and Falconry Centre and the Northamptonshire Record Office.
Heritage Education resources available from the Northamptonshire Record Office include:
Medieval Realms 1066 - 1485
A resource for KS3: students investigate documents and images from the medieval ages including looking at symbolism on seals, learning about the feudal system and how the monarch dealt with unruly Barons, as well as investigating images of medieval farming.
For more details please contact the Heritage Education Officer on
01604 762129 or email heritagelearning@northamptonshire.gov.uk
FREE LOAN Boxes: Handle real archaeology finds!
Northamptonshire Archaeology has Loan Boxes with fnds, information and activities covering the Roman and Medieval Periods. There is also a general box covering a variety of periods which is good for a chronological overview. These can be loaned to schools for use during your topic please contact the Finds and Archive Manager at Northamptonshire Archaeology.
www.northantsarchaeology.co.uk/contactOr call on
01604 700493 for more information
