Anglo-Saxon and Norman England

• Who ruled England from 1042 until his death in January 1066?

  Edward the Confessor
• What major issue arose in the last years of Edward the Confessor's reign?

  The need to acknowledge a successor
• What was the structure of society in Anglo-Saxon England?

  Hierarchical
• What was the role of the king in Anglo-Saxon society?

  The king was the head of the government and made all important decisions
• What was the Witan in Anglo-Saxon England?

  A council of the most powerful nobles who advised the king
• How many earls were there in Anglo-Saxon England?

  About six
• What were the responsibilities of the earls in Anglo-Saxon England?

  Govern their areas for the king, prevent rebellions, uphold the law, and raise armies
• What were the thegns in Anglo-Saxon society?

  Nobles who held land directly from the king in return for military service
• What was the role of sheriffs and reeves in Anglo-Saxon England?

  Sheriffs looked after shires and reeves looked after hundreds
• Who were the ceorls in Anglo-Saxon England?

  Free men who owned their land
• What was the tithing system in Anglo-Saxon England?

  A system where ten neighbouring families were responsible for each other's behaviour
• What was wergild in Anglo-Saxon law?

  The cash value of someone's life used for compensation
• What were the two types of courts in Anglo-Saxon England?

  Shire and hundred courts
• How did trials by ordeal work in Anglo-Saxon England?

  They determined guilt or innocence through dangerous or painful tests
• What was the role of the Church in Anglo-Saxon society?

  The Church held sway over all classes and was a major part of daily life
• How much land did the Church own in England?

  25 percent
• Who were the key individuals associated with the House of Godwin?

  Harold Godwinson, Edith Godwinson, and Edwin of Mercia
• What was the significance of the Bayeux Tapestry?

  It depicts the events leading up to the Norman Conquest
• What was the role of the Witan in the succession crisis after Edward's death?

  The Witan chose Harold Godwinson to succeed Edward
• Why did William of Normandy claim Harold's coronation was illegal?

  Because Harold was crowned by Stigand, who was declared invalid by the Pope
• What was the outcome of the Battle of Gate Fulford?

  Harald Hardrada and Tostig defeated the forces of Edwin and Morcar
• What was the significance of Harold's march to Stamford Bridge?

  He defeated Hardrada and Tostig, removing two rivals for the throne
• What were the reasons for William's victory at the Battle of Hastings?

  William's army was fresh, he had better tactics, and he was a strong leader
• When was William crowned king of England?

  Christmas Day 1066
• What was the significance of William's slow progress to London after his victory?

  It showed he intended to keep the throne
• What are the key components of Anglo-Saxon society and governance?

  • Hierarchical structure
  • King as head of government
  • Nobles (earls and thegns) with specific roles
  • Witan as advisory council
  • Local governance by sheriffs and reeves
• What were the main features of the legal system in Anglo-Saxon England?

  • Community-based law enforcement
  • Punishments based on crime severity and offender status
  • Wergild for compensation
  • Tithing system for local justice
  • Trial by ordeal for unresolved cases
• How was the economy structured in Anglo-Saxon England?

  • Villages had a subsistence economy
  • Towns had markets for trade
  • Craftsmen produced handmade goods
  • Mints produced silver coins
• What was the role of the Church in Anglo-Saxon England?

  • Hierarchical organization
  • Significant land ownership (25%)
  • Influence over all classes
  • Involvement in daily life and governance
• What were the key events leading to the Norman Conquest in 1066?

  • Death of Edward the Confessor
  • Succession crisis and claims to the throne
  • Battles of Gate Fulford and Stamford Bridge
  • Battle of Hastings and William's victory
• What were the reasons for William's success at the Battle of Hastings?

  • Fresh and well-provisioned army
  • Effective leadership and tactics
  • Harold's army was fatigued and lacked reinforcements
  • Varied military forces (archers, cavalry, infantry)
• What types of soldiers did William have compared to the English?

  William had archers, crossbow men, cavalry, and infantry who were better armed than the English.
• How did William's mode of transportation differ from Harold's during the battle?

  William moved among his soldiers on horseback, while Harold was on foot.
• What was the significance of the English decision to chase the fleeing soldiers?

  It was a stroke of luck for the Normans, as it allowed them to regroup and strengthen their position.
• When was William crowned in London?

  William was crowned on Christmas Day 1066.
• Why did William need to establish military control in his new kingdom?

  To secure his rule and prevent rebellions.
• What actions did William take to establish control on his way to London?

  William destroyed land and property and built castles at Wallingford and Berkhamsted.
• What happened to the earls who had not fought at Hastings?

  They could buy back their land from William.
• How did the Godwin family’s power change after William's victory?

  The Godwin family was greatly reduced in power, allowing William to rule the remaining nobles with confidence.
• What was the purpose of the castles built by William?

  Castles served as bases for military control and defense against rebellions.