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Medieval Migration to Britain: GCSE History Revision Notes

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Catrin

@catrin.ac

Medieval Migration Experiences in England: A Comprehensive Overview

Medieval England... Show more

England's wealth, fertile soil and trading links were attractive reasons for migration. After the Battle of Hating's and William was crowned

Viking Migration and Settlement

The Viking presence in England was a significant aspect of medieval migration to Britain. Their experiences were shaped by various factors:

Highlight: Vikings were attracted to England's wealth, fertile soil, and established trading links.

Vikings initially raided England but later settled, particularly in the Danelaw region. Their experiences varied:

  • Some Vikings lived peacefully, establishing businesses and integrating into local communities.
  • Others, especially near the Danelaw boundary, faced ongoing conflicts with Saxons.

Example: In Summer 1015, King Cnut led a Danish army of 10,000 in 200 longships to invade England, eventually ruling for nearly two decades.

The relationship between Vikings and Saxons evolved over time:

  • Initially hostile due to raids and conflicts.
  • Improved under King Cnut's rule, with Saxon nobles given new earldoms.
  • Generally good relations in settled areas, with Vikings contributing to local economies.

Vocabulary: Danegeld - A tax paid to Viking raiders to prevent attacks.

Norman Migration and Conquest

The Norman Conquest in 1066 marked a significant turning point in English history, leading to substantial migration from Normandy:

Definition: The Norman Conquest refers to the invasion and subsequent rule of England by William the Conqueror and his Norman followers.

Reasons for Norman migration:

  • Belief that William had been promised the English throne.
  • Opportunities for land acquisition and exploitation of trade routes.

Highlight: The impact of the Norman Conquest on English language and society was profound and long-lasting.

Experiences of Norman migrants:

  • Many faced hostility and resentment from the Saxon population.
  • Normans held positions of authority through the feudal system.
  • They benefited from land redistribution following the conquest.

Quote: "Land in England was now fully owned by the King. He kept some for himself, gave some to the church, and then shared most of the rest with those who were loyal to him NormannoblesNorman nobles."

Jewish Migration and Experiences

Jewish migration to medieval England was characterized by initial royal support followed by increasing persecution:

  • Invited by William I in 1070 to provide financial services.
  • Given "special status" as "property of the king" for protection.

Highlight: Jews played a crucial role in England's economy as moneylenders, as usury laws prevented Christians from lending money.

Experiences of Jewish migrants:

  • Initially well-respected in small communities for supporting businesses.
  • Faced growing antisemitism due to resentment over loan interest rates.
  • Subjected to discriminatory laws and violence.

Example: The 1275 Statute of Jewry forced Jews to wear yellow armbands and prohibited them from charging interest on loans.

The persecution culminated in the expulsion of Jews from England in 1290, unless they converted to Christianity.

Skilled Workers and Merchants

England also attracted skilled workers and merchants from Europe:

  • Flemish weavers brought valuable skills to the English cloth industry.
  • Hansa merchants from Germany were given trading rights and established the Steelyard in London.

Highlight: By the mid-1400s, German merchants controlled most of England's cloth industry.

Experiences of these migrants varied:

  • Many contributed significantly to local economies and were welcomed.
  • Some faced periodic hostility, especially during times of political tension.

Example: During the Peasants' Revolt in 1381, about 150 migrants were murdered, and the Hansa merchant steelyard was burned down.

This overview demonstrates the complex and varied nature of medieval migration experiences in England, highlighting both the contributions of migrants and the challenges they faced in a changing society.



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In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

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very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.

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I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.

Xander S

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THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

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This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

Paul T

iOS user

The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good

Thomas R

iOS user

Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.

Basil

Android user

This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.

Rohan U

Android user

I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.

Xander S

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

Paul T

iOS user

Subjects

History

 

History

•

1,529

•

4 Jul 2025

•

1 page

Medieval Migration to Britain: GCSE History Revision Notes

user profile picture

Catrin

@catrin.ac

Medieval Migration Experiences in England: A Comprehensive Overview

Medieval England witnessed significant migration movements that shaped its society, economy, and culture. This summary explores the experiences of various migrant groups, including Vikings, Normans, Jews, and skilled workers... Show more

England's wealth, fertile soil and trading links were attractive reasons for migration. After the Battle of Hating's and William was crowned

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Viking Migration and Settlement

The Viking presence in England was a significant aspect of medieval migration to Britain. Their experiences were shaped by various factors:

Highlight: Vikings were attracted to England's wealth, fertile soil, and established trading links.

Vikings initially raided England but later settled, particularly in the Danelaw region. Their experiences varied:

  • Some Vikings lived peacefully, establishing businesses and integrating into local communities.
  • Others, especially near the Danelaw boundary, faced ongoing conflicts with Saxons.

Example: In Summer 1015, King Cnut led a Danish army of 10,000 in 200 longships to invade England, eventually ruling for nearly two decades.

The relationship between Vikings and Saxons evolved over time:

  • Initially hostile due to raids and conflicts.
  • Improved under King Cnut's rule, with Saxon nobles given new earldoms.
  • Generally good relations in settled areas, with Vikings contributing to local economies.

Vocabulary: Danegeld - A tax paid to Viking raiders to prevent attacks.

Norman Migration and Conquest

The Norman Conquest in 1066 marked a significant turning point in English history, leading to substantial migration from Normandy:

Definition: The Norman Conquest refers to the invasion and subsequent rule of England by William the Conqueror and his Norman followers.

Reasons for Norman migration:

  • Belief that William had been promised the English throne.
  • Opportunities for land acquisition and exploitation of trade routes.

Highlight: The impact of the Norman Conquest on English language and society was profound and long-lasting.

Experiences of Norman migrants:

  • Many faced hostility and resentment from the Saxon population.
  • Normans held positions of authority through the feudal system.
  • They benefited from land redistribution following the conquest.

Quote: "Land in England was now fully owned by the King. He kept some for himself, gave some to the church, and then shared most of the rest with those who were loyal to him NormannoblesNorman nobles."

Jewish Migration and Experiences

Jewish migration to medieval England was characterized by initial royal support followed by increasing persecution:

  • Invited by William I in 1070 to provide financial services.
  • Given "special status" as "property of the king" for protection.

Highlight: Jews played a crucial role in England's economy as moneylenders, as usury laws prevented Christians from lending money.

Experiences of Jewish migrants:

  • Initially well-respected in small communities for supporting businesses.
  • Faced growing antisemitism due to resentment over loan interest rates.
  • Subjected to discriminatory laws and violence.

Example: The 1275 Statute of Jewry forced Jews to wear yellow armbands and prohibited them from charging interest on loans.

The persecution culminated in the expulsion of Jews from England in 1290, unless they converted to Christianity.

Skilled Workers and Merchants

England also attracted skilled workers and merchants from Europe:

  • Flemish weavers brought valuable skills to the English cloth industry.
  • Hansa merchants from Germany were given trading rights and established the Steelyard in London.

Highlight: By the mid-1400s, German merchants controlled most of England's cloth industry.

Experiences of these migrants varied:

  • Many contributed significantly to local economies and were welcomed.
  • Some faced periodic hostility, especially during times of political tension.

Example: During the Peasants' Revolt in 1381, about 150 migrants were murdered, and the Hansa merchant steelyard was burned down.

This overview demonstrates the complex and varied nature of medieval migration experiences in England, highlighting both the contributions of migrants and the challenges they faced in a changing society.

We thought you’d never ask...

What is the Knowunity AI companion?

Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.

Where can I download the Knowunity app?

You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.

Is Knowunity really free of charge?

That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.

Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.

Students love us — and so will you.

4.9/5

App Store

4.8/5

Google Play

The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good

Thomas R

iOS user

Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.

Basil

Android user

This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.

Rohan U

Android user

I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.

Xander S

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

Paul T

iOS user

The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good

Thomas R

iOS user

Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.

Basil

Android user

This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.

Rohan U

Android user

I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.

Xander S

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

Paul T

iOS user