Famous Men of the Middle Ages · Ch. XVII · Unit 6: The Cid and the Norman Conquest
24. Edward the Confessor
Goal: Your child can tell who Edward the Confessor was, how he helped Malcolm against Macbeth, and why he is linked to Westminster Abbey.
You'll need
- The book, open to this chapter
- A map of Europe and the Mediterranean (a free online map or a globe)
- Paper and colored pencils
- Your timeline strip (see the tips at the top)
What's in the book
Chapter XVII (1042-1066): after cruel Danish kings, the Saxon Edward is chosen king. He grew up in Normandy, speaks French and gives high offices to Normans. His soldiers and ships defeat the pirate Kerdric off Kent. He sends an army to help Prince Malcolm win back Scotland from Macbeth. He rebuilds Westminster Abbey, is remembered for good laws, and after his death is made a saint.
The lesson, step by step
Set the scene
Find London, then Kent in the southeast corner of England, then Scotland. Then find Normandy across the Channel. Say: Edward spent most of his life in Normandy before he became king.
Read the chapter
Read Chapter XVII aloud. It begins:
The Danish kings who followed Canute were not like him.
Tell it back
Prompts:
- Why did Edward seem more like a Norman than an Englishman?
- What happened to the pirate Kerdric's fleet?
- Who was Macbeth, and how did Edward help Malcolm?
- What did Edward build?
A word to know
SayA confessor is someone who lived a holy life and openly held to his faith. The book says the Church made Edward a saint after he died, with the title "the Confessor."
Also: Shakespeare's play Macbeth is based on these events, though Shakespeare changed the real story a great deal.
Talk it over
Read what the people said long after:
Oh, for the good laws and customs of Edward the Confessor!
Ask: The book says he did not make many new laws; he made sure the old ones were faithfully carried out. Why might that matter as much as new laws?
Remember it
Add to the timeline: "1066 Edward the Confessor dies." Say: Remember 1066. It is the most famous date in English history, and the next chapter tells why. English kings and queens are still crowned in Westminster Abbey.
Afterwards
Ask: What is the most famous date in English history? Your child will find out why next time.
Tip
This short chapter is a bridge to William the Conqueror. Point out that Edward's love of Normans sets up the next story.
Answers to the book's problems
He had lived most of his life in Normandy, spoke French and gave Normans the highest offices. English soldiers beat the pirates on land and English ships destroyed their fleet. Macbeth murdered King Duncan and made himself king; Edward sent twice the soldiers Malcolm asked for, and Malcolm drove Macbeth out. He rebuilt Westminster Abbey and built churches and monasteries. Laws only help if they are really kept.
Worked out for this site from the scan. If a number in your copy differs, trust the book.