normans

• What event marks the beginning of the Norman England timeline?

  King Edward the Confessor dies
• When was the Battle of Hastings fought?

  14th October 1066
• Who became King of England on the 25th December 1066?


  William
• What was the significance of the Harrying of the North in 1069?

  It was a response to rebellions in the North
• Who became Archbishop of Canterbury in 1070?

  Lanfranc
• What rebellion did Hereward the Wake lead in 1071?

  The East Anglia Rebellion
• What significant survey was completed in 1086?

  The Domesday Survey which took a little under a year to complete
• Who became Duke of Normandy after King William I's death in 1087?

  Robert Curthose
• What began in 1093?

  The construction of Durham Cathedral
• When did William II die?

  1100
• What were the main features of England's government before 1066?

  • Ruled by King Edward the Confessor
  • Divided into shires and hundreds
  • Powerful earls needed management by the King
• What was the population of England around 1066?

  • Approximately 2 million
  • Majority lived in the southern part
• How was England defended before 1066?

  • King and earls commanded 2000-3000 housecarls
  • Right to call upon peasants for defense
• Describe the hierarchy of Anglo-Saxon society.

  • King at the top
  • Followed by earls and clergy
  • Peasants at the bottom
• What role did religion play in Anglo-Saxon life?

  • Central to daily life
  • Catholic Church was powerful
  • Controlled by bishops and clergy
• What made England a target for raiders?

  • Wealthy and advanced economic system
  • Targeted by Vikings, especially in the north
• What was the significance of the Godwin family in England?

  • Most powerful family after the King
  • Controlled the largest earldom
  • Had significant military and political influence
• What was the relationship between Harold Godwinson and Edward the Confessor?

  Harold was Edward's brother-in-law
• Why was Harold Godwinson a powerful figure in 1066?

  He had the support of English nobles and the Witan
• Who were the four main claimants to the English throne after Edward's death?

  William, Edgar, Hardrada, Godwinson
• What was Edgar the Ætheling's claim to the throne?

  He was a direct blood relation to Edward
• What was Harold Godwinson's claim based on?

  He claimed Edward promised him the throne on his death (novissima verba)
• What was William's claim to the throne based on?

  Blood link, promise from Edward (post obitum) , Harold's oath
• What were the military preparations William made for the invasion?

  • Built a large invasion fleet
  • Gathered around 7,000 - 8,000 men
  • Included knights, infantry, and archers
• What did the Pope provide to William to support his claim?

  A Papal Banner
• Why was the delay in crossing the Channel significant for William?

  It cost him money and lowered troop morale
• Where did William land in England?

  Pevensey
• What challenges did William face before invading England?

  • Harold Godwinson was already crowned king
  • Harold Hardrada also claimed the throne
  • His army was delayed by weather
• Compare the claims of Harold Godwinson and Edgar the Ætheling.

  • Harold: Strong military leader, support from nobles
  • Edgar: Direct blood relation, young and inexperienced
• What were the strengths and weaknesses of William's claim to the throne?

  Strengths:

  • Blood relation to Edward
  • Papal support
  • Military reputation

  
  

  Weaknesses:

  • Lack of proof for Edward's promise
  • Harold's oath was coerced
• What were the implications of Harold Godwinson's swift coronation?

  • Upset Northumbrian Earls Edwin and Morcar
  • Led to rebellions
  • Required preparation for invasion
• What was the significance of the Witan in the context of the claims to the throne?

  • They supported Harold Godwinson's claim
  • They were influential in deciding the next king
• How did William's military preparations reflect his claim to the throne?

  • Required a strong army to challenge Harold
  • Showed his commitment to the invasion
• What were the consequences of Harold Godwinson's victory at Stamford Bridge?

  • Exhausted his army
  • Left them vulnerable to William's invasion
• What role did the Church play in William's claim to the throne?

  • Provided legitimacy through Papal support
  • Helped rally support among the people
• What was the impact of the Norman Conquest on England?

  • Shifted power dynamics
  • Introduced Norman culture and governance
• How did the claims of Harold Godwinson and William differ in terms of legitimacy?

  • Harold claimed through Edward's promise
  • William claimed through blood relation and Papal support
• What was the significance of the Battle of Hastings?

  • Marked the end of Anglo-Saxon rule
  • Established Norman control over England
• What was the weather condition that delayed William's invasion in August 1066?

  The wind was blowing from the south
• Why did William need to keep his army fed and supplied while waiting?

  To maintain troop morale and readiness