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The Middle Ages: a time of war

Study note

The long stretch of time from the Norman Conquest in 1066 down to about 1485 is known as the Middle Ages. You may also see it called the medieval period, which means exactly the same thing, so do not be confused if a question uses either term.

This was, above all, an age of war. Fighting was almost constant, both within Britain and beyond its shores. At home, the kings of England waged war against the Welsh, the Scottish and the Irish as they tried to gain control of their lands.

Abroad, English kings and their knights took part in wars on the continent and further afield. Among the best known were the Crusades, in which European Christians fought for the Holy Land, and the long Hundred Years War against France. For the test, hold on to the span of the Middle Ages, 1066 to about 1485, and the fact that it was a time of near-constant warfare.

Memory tip: Middle Ages = 1066 to about 1485, an age of near-constant war.

Practise this topic

Question 1 of 3

The Middle Ages in Britain are usually dated from 1066 to about which year?

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Show all questions and answers for The Middle Ages: a time of war(3 questions with explanations)

The Middle Ages: a time of war: questions, answers and explanations

  1. 1. The Middle Ages in Britain are usually dated from 1066 to about which year?

    • 1485
    • 1603
    • 1707
    • 1066

    Correct answer: 1485

    The Middle Ages ran from the Norman Conquest of 1066 to about 1485.

  2. 2. The Middle Ages were a time of almost constant war.

    • True
    • False

    Correct answer: True

    True. The Middle Ages were a period of near-constant war at home and abroad.

  3. 3. By what other name is the Middle Ages, the period from the Norman Conquest to about 1485, known?

    • the modern period
    • the Roman period
    • the medieval period
    • the Victorian period

    Correct answer: the medieval period

    The Middle Ages are also known as the medieval period.

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