Medieval England: the reign of Edward I, 1272-1307

AQA

GCSE

This study focuses on the restoration of royal authority and the expansion of the English state under Edward I (1272–1307). Candidates must analyze the dual nature of the reign: the domestic consolidation through legal codification (the 'English Justinian') and the aggressive imperialism in Wales and Scotland. Assessment prioritizes the interplay between the Crown's financial needs, the evolution of Parliament as a mechanism for consent, and the constitutional crises arising from continuous warfare. Mastery requires evaluating the shift from feudal consultation to the embryonic parliamentary state.

Objectives

Exam Tips

Pitfalls

Key Terms

Mark Points

What You Need to Demonstrate

Key skills and knowledge for this topic

Award marks for precise contextual knowledge applied to challenge or support interpretations (AO4), not merely describing the interpretation's content.
In 'Write an account' questions, credit responses that demonstrate a sequence of causation or complex consequences, rather than a simple narrative of events.
For Historic Environment questions, candidates must link specific physical features (e.g., concentric defences at Beaumaris) directly to their military function or symbolic purpose.
Analysis of the Statutes (Gloucester, Winchester) must explain their impact on law and order or royal authority, not just list their terms.

Example Examiner Feedback

Real feedback patterns examiners use when marking

"You have described the event accurately; now explain why this was a turning point for royal authority."
"Do not evaluate the author's bias in Question 1; focus on whether their claims align with the historical facts of Edward's reign."
"Specific architectural evidence is needed here—mention specific features like gatehouses or concentric walls to support your point."
"Link the financial pressure of the Scottish wars directly to the political tension with the Earls in 1297."

Marking Points

Key points examiners look for in your answers

Award marks for precise contextual knowledge applied to challenge or support interpretations (AO4), not merely describing the interpretation's content.
In 'Write an account' questions, credit responses that demonstrate a sequence of causation or complex consequences, rather than a simple narrative of events.
For Historic Environment questions, candidates must link specific physical features (e.g., concentric defences at Beaumaris) directly to their military function or symbolic purpose.
Analysis of the Statutes (Gloucester, Winchester) must explain their impact on law and order or royal authority, not just list their terms.

Examiner Tips

Expert advice for maximising your marks

💡For 'How convincing' (Q1), treat the text as a view to be tested against your own knowledge; do not waste time analyzing why the author wrote it.
💡In 'Explain what was important' (Q2), ensure the second paragraph addresses a different aspect of importance (e.g., short-term vs. long-term impact).
💡Allocate 20-25 minutes for the Historic Environment question (Q4); it carries the highest tariff and requires specific architectural details.
💡When discussing the 'Model Parliament' (1295), explicitly mention the inclusion of burgesses and knights to demonstrate the shift in representation.

Common Mistakes

Pitfalls to avoid in your exam answers

Evaluating the 'provenance' (bias/purpose) of the Interpretation in Question 1 instead of evaluating the convincingness of its content using factual knowledge.
Confusing the terms of the Statute of Gloucester (Quo Warranto) with the Statute of Winchester (Policing).
Describing the events of the Welsh campaigns when the question asks about the Scottish campaigns.
Failing to link the expulsion of the Jews (1290) to Edward's financial needs and the Edict of Expulsion.

Key Terminology

Essential terms to know

Likely Command Words

How questions on this topic are typically asked

How convincing

Explain what was important

Write an account

How far do you agree

Describe

Identify

Ready to test yourself?

Practice questions tailored to this topic