Anglo-Saxon enquiry: Investigating St Hilda of Whitby

Lesson outline: Analysing the most important source of evidence about Hilda of Whitby’s life, Bede’s ‘Ecclesiastical History of the English People’, to learn more about her and create an interpretation of her life.

Lesson description: Pupils will make interpretations about some of the Norse gods in which the Anglo-Saxons believed prior to the arrival of Christianity in Britain. They will then use extracts from Bede’s ‘Ecclesiastical History of the English People’ to learn about Hilda of Whitby, before reconstructing an interview with Bede to discuss his interpretation of her life and achievements.

Suggested duration: 1.5 - 2 hours. The lesson may be divided up into two shorter sessions if the teacher feels this to be appropriate.

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✔ Detailed lesson plan with key vocabulary, teacher knowledge, and adaptive teaching

✔ PowerPoint presentation - ready to load

✔ Sources pack containing primary and secondary sources of evidence

✔ All necessary worksheets/resources where applicable

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