Women with power in the Anglo-Saxon period

For this year’s Primary History summer resource, we have selected a focus on the lives of women at a particular period – that of the Anglo-Saxon or the early medieval period. This period covers a substantial period of time – around 600 years. It was a time of catalyst and change, which would see the creation of a unified kingdom of England. Many of the present hamlets, towns and cathedral cities of today saw their creation and development during this period. Conflict raged back and forth as kings contended for power. The Christian Church became a powerful and influential entity, woven into the fabric of court and everyday life.

This period is clearly seen by the government as significant within British history, as it is accorded two units within the National Curriculum requirements, suggesting focuses on the conflict with the Vikings that led to the building of a united English realm and the development of Christian institutions. Schools, of course, are free to select how they cover this period and whom and what they select as significant. The summer resource this year selects the role of Anglo-Saxon women as a frame to explore these themes of conflict, power and belief.

While this resource focuses on the Key Stage 2 National Curriculum requirements, we also wanted to provide something for Key Stage 1. The activity takes Athelflaed as a starting point to investigate women who led armies. It considers why we might designate them as significant and looks for comparisons and connections with other women across time and place. 

If you find this useful, you might also be interested in our curriculum plan on Anglo-Saxons and Vikings and other related HA resources on the topic (you will need to be logged in as a Primary member to access these pages).

This resource is free and available exclusively to HA Primary members – find out about membership here.