1
GCSE Edexcel History- Migrants in
Britain (Medieval England c800- c1500)
| Exam Questions and Answers| Fully
Revised 2025 May
How did Viking invasions impact migration to Britain in the early medieval period?
The Vikings raided and later settled in parts of Britain. Their invasions caused migration both
from Viking homelands and within Britain as people fled the raids.
What role did the Norman Conquest play in migration patterns in England?
After 1066, the Normans took control, bringing settlers from France, which led to the
migration of French-speaking Normans and changes to English society.
In what ways did the settlement of the Vikings affect the development of towns?
Viking settlements, like York, became trade hubs, growing into busy towns with markets and
businesses, which attracted more migrants for work and trade.
How did the growth of trade in medieval England influence migration during the period?
Trade routes grew, and cities like London became more attractive for migrants seeking work
in markets, port towns, or as skilled workers for local industries.
, 2
Why did people from Wales, Ireland, and Scotland migrate to England in the medieval period?
Often for better economic opportunities, or fleeing conflict. Many also migrated for land, as
England had more agricultural and work opportunities.
Explain why religious migration was important during medieval England.
Pilgrimages to sites like Canterbury or Durham were a big reason for religious migration,
while many people also came to England to study or join religious orders.
How did the Black Death influence migration in medieval England?
The Black Death (1348–1350) caused a huge loss of life, leading to the movement of people
from rural to urban areas, and sometimes out of affected regions altogether.
What was the impact of the French Wars of the Roses (1455–1487) on migration?
The instability caused by the Wars of the Roses led to some nobles fleeing the country or
moving between regions to avoid violence or seize new power.
How did England’s relationship with France during the Hundred Years’ War (1337–1453)
influence migration?
During the war, many French-speaking people fled to England to escape conflict, and some
returned once peace was restored.
GCSE Edexcel History- Migrants in
Britain (Medieval England c800- c1500)
| Exam Questions and Answers| Fully
Revised 2025 May
How did Viking invasions impact migration to Britain in the early medieval period?
The Vikings raided and later settled in parts of Britain. Their invasions caused migration both
from Viking homelands and within Britain as people fled the raids.
What role did the Norman Conquest play in migration patterns in England?
After 1066, the Normans took control, bringing settlers from France, which led to the
migration of French-speaking Normans and changes to English society.
In what ways did the settlement of the Vikings affect the development of towns?
Viking settlements, like York, became trade hubs, growing into busy towns with markets and
businesses, which attracted more migrants for work and trade.
How did the growth of trade in medieval England influence migration during the period?
Trade routes grew, and cities like London became more attractive for migrants seeking work
in markets, port towns, or as skilled workers for local industries.
, 2
Why did people from Wales, Ireland, and Scotland migrate to England in the medieval period?
Often for better economic opportunities, or fleeing conflict. Many also migrated for land, as
England had more agricultural and work opportunities.
Explain why religious migration was important during medieval England.
Pilgrimages to sites like Canterbury or Durham were a big reason for religious migration,
while many people also came to England to study or join religious orders.
How did the Black Death influence migration in medieval England?
The Black Death (1348–1350) caused a huge loss of life, leading to the movement of people
from rural to urban areas, and sometimes out of affected regions altogether.
What was the impact of the French Wars of the Roses (1455–1487) on migration?
The instability caused by the Wars of the Roses led to some nobles fleeing the country or
moving between regions to avoid violence or seize new power.
How did England’s relationship with France during the Hundred Years’ War (1337–1453)
influence migration?
During the war, many French-speaking people fled to England to escape conflict, and some
returned once peace was restored.
