Murder! William II of England Murder Mystery!

Let your students have the opportunity to develop their detective skills! This lesson is a murder mystery based on the death of William II of England, son of William the Conqueror, who died in mysterious circumstances in the New Forest.

Provided with an evidence pack, stuffed full of crime scene pictures, evidence from eye witnesses, autopsy reports, and private letters between the main suspects, students will go through the evidence packs and try to work out just what happened to William - was his death an accident? A murder? A vast criminal conspiracy?

This lesson is a fun way to explore the tensions in Norman England, and the problems between church and state that later flourished under Henry II. This lesson can be used to develop skills with analysing evidence, making conclusions using evidence, and developing persuasive arguments.