This enquiry focuses on a key event in the history of migration to England during the early modern period: the May Day Riots of 1517.
These riots saw an outbreak of violence towards ‘Strangers’.
Historian Joanne Paul argues that the riots can tell us a great deal about ‘the violent xenophobic roots of English nationalism’.
There are certainly traces of many of the modern stereotypes towards ‘foreigners’ in the attitudes expressed on Evil May Day.
In the enquiry, students first use Edward Hall’s famous 16th century Chronicle to find out about the riots, then they consolidate this with an extract from an historian’s article.
They have the chance to apply their new knowledge first to answer the enquiry question, and then to complete an engaging recall activity.
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- Lesson presentation: PowerPoint
- Lesson write-up: PDF
- Worksheet 1-2: PDF
- Resource Sheet 1-2: PDF
