Why Study This Course?
Interested in royal power, reform, and conflict in early British history? This course explores the Plantagenet dynasty, England’s longest ruling dynasty, from 1154 to 1485. You’ll gain a comprehensive understanding of key events, personalities, and themes from the Norman Invasion to the death of Richard III. This course is perfect for anyone curious about this fascinating period and how it shaped Britain.
You will:
Develop your understanding of key events and personalities of the Plantagenet era.
Learn about historical sources and different historians' perspectives.
Access wider reading and documentary recommendations to deepen your knowledge.
Gain a comprehensive account of this pivotal period in British history.
This course covers:
Norman Conquest: Geoffrey Plantagenet, Count of Anjou — Establishment of the Plantagenet dynasty in 1154
Henry II: English Common Law and Glanvill — Eleanor of Aquitaine — Relations with Thomas Becket
Richard I: Dynastic Revolt of 1173–1174 against Henry II — Crusades (1189–1192)
John: Succession — Wars in France (1200–1206) — Domestic affairs and relations with the Papacy — Magna Carta (1215)
Henry III: Simon de Montfort — Provisions of Oxford — Revolt and establishment of Parliament (1265) — Defeat and death (1267)
Edward I: Wars in Wales (1276–1295) and Scotland (1296–1306) — Expulsion of Jews (1290)
Reign of Edward II
England during the 100 Years’ War (1337–1453):
Origins: Edward III — Early war, Battle of Crécy (1346) — Black Death (1348–50) — Black Prince and Siege of Poitiers (1356)
Richard II: Peasants’ Revolt (1380) — Internal conflict — Deposed by Henry of Bolingbroke, death (1399)
Henry V: Lollard uprisings — Campaigns in France, Battle of Agincourt (1415) — Treaty of Troyes (1420)
Henry VI: Joan of Arc — Siege of Orléans, death (1431) — End of Hundred Years’ War (1453)
Wars of the Roses (1455–1485): Origins — Early battles between Yorkists and Lancastrians — Yorkist ascendancy — Reigns of Edward IV and Richard III — Princes in the Tower — Battle of Bosworth Field (1485)
You'll learn through a mix of tutor presentations, analysis of historical sources, and reviews of historical interpretations. We encourage class discussions to explore the key content together. You can also broaden your knowledge by reading books or watching documentaries at home.
A reasonable level of English is needed to participate in discussions.
No previous knowledge of history is required.
This course is part of a cycle of history courses that can be completed over six terms.
There's no formal assessment on this course, allowing you to focus on enjoying the learning experience. This course is part of a series of history courses that can be completed over six terms . Consider exploring these courses to continue your historical journey:
? C03180 History - Early British History - Part 1 - Plantagenet Rule (1154-1485)
? C02797 History - Early Modern British History - Part 2 (1485-1603)
? C02798 History: Early Modern British History - Part 3 (1603-1714)
? C03017 Modern British History - Part 4 (1715-1901)
? C03094 Modern British History - Part 5 (1901-2000)
? C02842 Commoners - Profiles of Political Leadership in British History
We offer a range of history courses, including British History during the Tudor and Stuart periods, and Modern European History. A vast range of philosophy courses are also on offer for those wishing to understand some of the ideas behind the events that shaped history.
Please note that tutors may occasionally be changed at short notice. While teaching styles may vary, we ensure consistent quality across all of our courses. For this reason, a change of tutor does not qualify for a refund.