Chapter 3 focused study guide
Middle Ages, Normans, Magna Carta and Black Death
Study medieval Britain from the Norman Conquest through Magna Carta, Parliament, the Black Death and the Wars of the Roses.
Section 3.5
The Middle Ages
William, Duke of Normandy, defeated King Harold at the Battle of Hastings in 1066. Norman rule changed landholding, government and castle building. The Domesday Book recorded land and resources for William’s administration.
Limits on royal power
King John accepted Magna Carta in 1215 after conflict with leading nobles. It did not create modern democracy, but it became an enduring symbol of the idea that rulers are subject to law.
Parliament developed gradually from councils that advised the monarch and approved taxation. England also fought long conflicts with Wales, Scotland and France. The Black Death reached Britain in the 14th century and killed a large share of the population, transforming work and society.
The Wars of the Roses
Rival branches of the royal family fought for the English throne in the 15th century. Henry Tudor defeated Richard III at Bosworth Field in 1485 and became Henry VII, beginning the Tudor dynasty.
Targeted practice
Questions about The Middle Ages
These questions prioritise terms covered on this page. Open an answer to review the explanation before moving to the full Chapter 3 practice set.
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Sample question 1
Which of the following statements regarding the Black Death is not true?
Show answer and explanation
Answer: It affected children and old people only
In 1348, a disease, probably a form of plague, came to Britain. This was known as the Black Death. One third of the population of England died and a similar proportion in Scotland and Wales. This was one of the worst disasters ever to strike Britain. Following the Black Death, the smaller population meant there was less need to grow cereal crops. There were labour shortages and peasants began to demand higher wages.
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Sample question 2
When did the Wars of the Roses start?
Show answer and explanation
Answer: 1455
In 1455, a civil war was begun to decide who should be king of England. It was fought between the supporters of two families: the House of Lancaster and the House of York. This war was called the Wars of the Roses, because the symbol of Lancaster was a red rose and the symbol of York was a white rose.
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Sample question 3
After the Black Death, new social classes appeared in England, including owners of large areas of land known as:
Show answer and explanation
Answer: Gentry
Following the Black Death, the smaller population meant there was less need to grow cereal crops. There were labour shortages and peasants began to demand higher wages. New social classes appeared, including owners of large areas of land (later called the gentry), and people left the countryside to live in the towns. In the towns, growing wealth led to the development of a strong middle class.
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Sample question 4
What is the meaning of ‘Magna Carta’?
Show answer and explanation
Answer: The Great Charter
Magna Carta means “the Great Charter”. It established the idea that even the king was subject to the law. It protected the rights of the nobility and restricted the king’s power to collect taxes or to make and change laws.
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Sample question 5
When did the Wars of the Roses end?
Show answer and explanation
Answer: 1485
The Wars of the Roses ended with the Battle of Bosworth Field in 1485.
Further verification
Official and primary sources
Use the official handbook for the knowledge syllabus. For current administrative information or broader context, consult the relevant primary source.
Reviewed 27 July 2026. See the editorial policy and factual update log.