History A-Level
plenary indulgence
What plenary indulgence means in History A-Level, as defined for Pearson Edexcel.
Definition of plenary indulgence
Check what you remember
Read the wording for your board, then hide it and explain plenary indulgence in your own words. Rough notes are fine. This is a self-check, with no mark or grade.
Reference: Pearson Edexcel
A guarantee of full remission of the temporal punishment due to sin, granted by the papacy to those who took the cross.
Topics that use plenary indulgence
- Reasons for the crusades, 1095–1192 (Pearson Edexcel A-Level)
Related terms
- Bernard of Clairvaux
- Byzantine security and the appeal for Western aid
- Papal political authority and ambition
- penance
- Violence, disorder and the redirection of warfare
- just war
- The Investiture Contest and papal–imperial relations
Using plenary indulgence in the exam
Check the command word and mark scheme for your exact question. After comparing your explanation with the reference, use the term in an answer on the linked topic. This practice does not predict an exam mark.
Practise History questions
Create a free account to answer exam-style questions on this topic and get feedback on your answers.
Start free
All History A-Level termsA week of Premium from your first lesson · Then the free plan continues · No card, no charge