‘British Depth Studies c500–1100 (Anglo-Saxon and Norman Britain)’ is a collaboration between academic specialists and experienced schoolteachers to provide a reliable and up-to-date summary of Anglo-Saxon and Norman England, complete with original sources, for use in schools. In particular, it is designed for students and teachers preparing for the new GCSE ‘Anglo-Saxon and Norman England’ British Depth Study components of the Edexcel and AQA examination boards. Eight chapters, each prefaced with a timeline and an overview, deal systematically and clearly with all the key issues defined in the exam specifications. Each chapter concludes with exam-style questions and guidance for further reading. The book provides students with a useful section detailing the character of the question types set by both examination boards and guidance on what is required to achieve a high grade at GCSE. At the end of the book is an essential glossary.

‘British Depth Studies c500–1100 (Anglo-Saxon and Norman Britain)’ includes many carefully chosen primary sources, a large number of which have never before been made available to students at this level. These serve to provide a richer, fuller flavour of the period than other textbooks. The sources are ‘folded’ organically into the narrative, so that history is presented in its most attractive format: as a story.

Sophie Ambler is lecturer in later medieval British and European history at the University of Lancaster, UK. Ambler’s research focuses on thirteenth-century England and she has published articles on Simon de Montfort’s revolution, political thought and Magna Carta.

Mark Bailey is high master of St Paul’s School, London, and professor of late medieval history at the University of East Anglia, UK. He is the Ford Lecturer in British History Elect (for 2019) at the University of Oxford. Bailey has published extensively on medieval England.

Graham E. Seel is head of Faculty Humanities at St Paul’s School, London. He has been head of history in a number of schools. Seel’s most recent book is King John: An Underrated King (2012).

Who Is This Book for?; Chapter 1. The Creation of England; Chapter 2. Life under the Normans; Chapter 3. The Background to 1066: William the Conqueror, Edward the Confessor and the Godwins; Chapter 4. The Year 1066: William Wins England; Chapter 5. Rebellions of 1067–71; Chapter 6. Rebellions of 1073–88; Chapter 7. The Norman Church and Monasticism, 1066–1100; Chapter 8. The Death of William the Conqueror and His Legacy; Glossary; Acknowledgements; Index.

‘This is a very useful book indeed. It is lively … and well presented, and it will be … of wide interest not only to those preparing specifically for GCSE courses on this period but also to any reader who wishes to find out more about a rich and colourful era that was seminal in Britain’s historical development.’
—David L. Smith, Fellow, College Lecturer and Director of Studies in History, Selwyn College, University of Cambridge, UK

‘An outstanding teaching resource with an innovative, source-based approach that drives the narrative and fosters debate. With comprehensive exam guidance and accessible layout, it offers stretch and support in equal measure.’
—Steve Lomon, Teacher of History, Latymer Upper School, London, UK