How do I revise English government and the Church 1066–1216 for OCR A-Level?

Ensure thematic essays make links and comparisons between different aspects of the topics studied.

What exam tips are there for English government and the Church 1066–1216? (2)

Use knowledge of specific individuals, events, or developments to test hypotheses.

What exam tips are there for English government and the Church 1066–1216? (3)

When answering interpretation-style questions, locate the provided historian's extract within the wider historical debate.

What mistakes should I avoid in English government and the Church 1066–1216?

Treating the identified strands (government, Church, administration) in isolation rather than examining their inter-relationships.

What are common errors in English government and the Church 1066–1216 exams? (2)

Failing to demonstrate an understanding of the wider historical debates connected to the depth studies.

English government and the Church 1066–1216

OCR

A-Level

This thematic study examines the evolution of English government and the Church from 1066 to 1216. It focuses on the development of central and local administration, the changing relationship between the Crown and the Church, and the roles of significant individuals such as archbishops and monarchs. The study covers the reigns of William I, William II, Henry I, Stephen, Henry II, Richard I, and John, emphasizing continuity, development, and change over the period.

Objectives

Exam Tips

Pitfalls

Key Terms

Mark Points

Topic Overview

This topic explores the transformation of English government and the Church from the Norman Conquest in 1066 to the end of King John's reign in 1216. It covers how William the Conqueror and his successors centralised royal authority, introduced feudalism, and reshaped the Church to consolidate power. Key themes include the development of royal administration (e.g., the Exchequer, common law), the relationship between crown and Church (e.g., the Investiture Controversy, Becket dispute), and the impact of Magna Carta (1215) on limiting royal power.

Understanding this period is crucial because it laid the foundations for modern English governance and the Church's role in state affairs. The Norman kings established a strong monarchy, but tensions with the Church and barons led to conflicts that defined medieval politics. For example, Henry II's clash with Thomas Becket highlighted the struggle between royal and ecclesiastical jurisdiction, while John's failures prompted Magna Carta, a landmark in constitutional history.

This topic fits into the broader A-Level course by connecting to later developments like the Reformation and the rise of Parliament. It also links to themes of power, authority, and resistance, which are central to medieval history. Students should focus on how institutions evolved and the interplay between kings, nobles, and the Church.

What You Need to Demonstrate

Key skills and knowledge for this topic

Analysis of the development of central government institutions (household, exchequer, chancery, justiciar, law courts).
Evaluation of the role of the Crown, nobility, Church, and administrative officials in government.
Understanding the impact of continental possessions on English government.
Analysis of the development of Common Law and the maintenance of order in the localities.
Evaluation of the relationship between the Crown and the Church, including the primacy dispute and the role of the Archbishop of Canterbury.
Assessment of the impact of the Papal reform movement.
Evaluation of the significance of specific archbishops: Lanfranc, Anselm, Theobald, Becket, and Langton.
Analysis of the specific depth studies: The reign of Henry I, The Civil War 1139–1154, and The reign of Richard I in England.

Marking Points

Key points examiners look for in your answers

Analysis of the development of central government institutions (household, exchequer, chancery, justiciar, law courts).
Evaluation of the role of the Crown, nobility, Church, and administrative officials in government.
Understanding the impact of continental possessions on English government.
Analysis of the development of Common Law and the maintenance of order in the localities.
Evaluation of the relationship between the Crown and the Church, including the primacy dispute and the role of the Archbishop of Canterbury.
Assessment of the impact of the Papal reform movement.
Evaluation of the significance of specific archbishops: Lanfranc, Anselm, Theobald, Becket, and Langton.
Analysis of the specific depth studies: The reign of Henry I, The Civil War 1139–1154, and The reign of Richard I in England.

Examiner Tips

Expert advice for maximising your marks

💡Ensure thematic essays make links and comparisons between different aspects of the topics studied.
💡Use knowledge of specific individuals, events, or developments to test hypotheses.
💡When answering interpretation-style questions, locate the provided historian's extract within the wider historical debate.
💡Ensure depth studies are used to evaluate historians' interpretations of named events.
💡Focus on change and continuity over the substantial period of 1066–1216.

Common Mistakes

Pitfalls to avoid in your exam answers

Treating the identified strands (government, Church, administration) in isolation rather than examining their inter-relationships.
Failing to demonstrate an understanding of the wider historical debates connected to the depth studies.
Lack of substantiated judgements in thematic essays.
Insufficient evaluation of historians' interpretations in the depth study section.
Focusing too heavily on narrative rather than thematic analysis.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions students ask about this topic

Likely Command Words

How questions on this topic are typically asked

Assess

Evaluate

To what extent

Analyze

Compare

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Practice questions tailored to this topic

English government and the Church 1066–1216

Topic Overview

What You Need to Demonstrate

Marking Points

Examiner Tips

Common Mistakes

Frequently Asked Questions

Likely Command Words

Ready to test yourself?

Related Topics in OCR A-Level History

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Apartheid and reconciliation: South African politics 1948–1999

English government and the Church 1066–1216

Topic Overview

What You Need to Demonstrate

Marking Points

Examiner Tips

Common Mistakes

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Henry II argue with Thomas Becket?

What was the Domesday Book and why was it important?

How did Magna Carta limit the king's power?

What was the Investiture Controversy in England?

How did the Norman Conquest change the English Church?

What was the Exchequer and how did it work?

Likely Command Words

Ready to test yourself?

Related Topics in OCR A-Level History

African kingdoms c.1400–c.1800: four case studies

Alfred and the making of England 871–1016

Anglo-Saxon England and the Norman Conquest 1035–1107

Apartheid and reconciliation: South African politics 1948–1999