anglo saxons and normans

• Who was Tostig Godwinson?

  Harold Godwinson's brother
• What Earldom with Tostig control?

  Northumbria- this was a very important Earldom as it was the first line of defense against the Scottish.
• Why did the people of Northumbria not like him?

  -He was unpopular as he was from the south. The people had been used to having a Southern leader.-He did not respect 'Dane Law' This meant giving certain rights to people who ancestry was viking and not Saxon, previous rulers had respected 'Dane Law'-Tostig punished rebels brutally.-Tostig spent too much time away in the south, this meant that he was seen as not fulfilling his duty.Tostig taxed the north heavily. This was resented, under Danelaw, taxes were usually low.
• Why did Harold Allow Tostig to be overthrown?

  -Harold realised that Tostig was too unpopular, Northumbria was too important and so he advised King Edward to give Northumbria to Morcar.-Tostig was good friends with Malcolm III of Scotland. Scotland was the enemy of England but due to this friendship Tostig did not bother to defend Northumbria from attacks. In 1061 Malcolm did invade and caused major destruction but Tostig sued for peace instead of attacking Malcolm.
• What was the combined income of the Godwin Family in 1065 compared to Edward the confessor?

  8500 pound compared to only 6000 pounds per year.
• What Earldom did Harold Godwinson control?

  Wessex- this was the richest Earldom and was important to defend against French or Norman invasion.
• What other Earldoms did the family control?

  The Godwin family controlled nearly all of the Earldoms. This include East Anglia and Northumbria, this made the Godwin family incredibly powerful
• In what way did Harold Godwinson Improve the power of the Godwin Family

  Harold was the most trusted advisor to Edward the confessor.-Harold was a proven military leader, he protected England from French invasion.-Harold Was deeply religious and was respected by the Bishops of England.-Harold was was respected by the Danes as he married Edith Swan neck- in a Danish Marriage.-Harold Also Married the sister of Edwin and Morcar.
• How was land divided in Saxon England?

  6 Earldoms, 40 shires and hundreds.
• What were the benefits of the English Structure?

  -Effective tax collection.-easy to pass on laws (writs).

  • Easy to raise an army.
• Why was the church so powerful?

  -owned 25 % of the Land-The Church influenced peoples ideas.-The Church was responsible for large parts of the Justice system.

  • Everyone believed in God so the Church was well respected.
• True of False: Saxon England had poor farming methods.

  False: Saxon England was so good at farming they were able to produce an agricultural surplus.
• What were the main policing methods in Anglo Saxon England?

  -Hue and Cry.

  -Tithings.-Parish Constables.
• What was the population of Anglo Saxon England?

  2 million
• Why were Anglo Saxon Kings so Powerful?

  • They made all laws without consent (Writs).

  -People believed the King was chosen directly by God (Divine Right).-All men had to fight for 40 days for free if needed (Feudal Service), these men were called the Fyrd.-The King could grant land and take it away.-The nobles (Thegns) had to swear an oath of allegiance in order to receive land, these oaths were taken extremely seriously.

  • The King collected taxes and had an income £6500 per year.
• Who were the Witan?

  The Witan were a group of nobles who could advise the king if he summoned them.-They could elect a King if there was no clear male heir available.