Migrants in Britain

• Where did the Vikings come from?

  They came from Scandinavia, which includes Norway, Sweden, and Denmark.
• Who were the Vikings?

  The Vikings were seafaring people from Scandinavia.
• What activities did the Vikings engage in during the late eighth century?

  They raided villages, towns, and places of worship along Britain's coast.
• What valuable treasures did the Vikings steal?

  They stole gold, jewels, books, food, cattle, clothes, and tools.
• When did Vikings begin to settle in Britain?

  From the mid-800s, Vikings began to settle in Britain.
• Who were the Normans?

  The Normans were from Normandy, a region in northern France.
• What connection did Edward the Confessor have with Normandy?

  He had strong ties to Normandy; his mother was Norman, and he lived there as a child.
• Why did William of Normandy feel he had a claim to the English throne?

  He believed Edward the Confessor had promised him the throne.
• Who defeated Harald Hardrada in September 1066?

  Harold Godwinson defeated Harald Hardrada.
• What happened after Edward the Confessor died in January 1066?

  Harold Godwinson claimed the English throne, but William of Normandy planned an invasion.
• What significant battle occurred in October 1066?

  Harold Godwinson was defeated at the Battle of Hastings by Norman forces.
• When was William crowned king?

  William was crowned king on Christmas Day 1066.
• When did Jews first appear in England?

  There are no records of Jews in England before 1066.
• Why did William encourage his Norman supporters to settle in England?

  He offered them land to settle in England.
• How many Jews were living in England by 1100?

  By 1100, there were around 5000 Jews living in England.
• Why were Jews invited to settle in England after the Norman Conquest?

  William the Conqueror encouraged Jews from Normandy to settle to help build trade and wealth.
• What role did Jews play in the English economy from the late eleventh century onwards?

  They provided money to fund large-scale building projects.
• Who were the Hanseatic merchants?

  They came from the Holy Roman Empire and controlled the English wool trade.
• Why were Jews allowed to lend money and charge interest?

  Judaism did not have the same restrictions on charging interest as Christianity.
• What skills did Flemish weavers bring to England?

  They brought skills and trained local workers.
• What types of artisans migrated to England from the Low Countries?

  Artisans included tailors, brickmakers, and shoemakers.
• What was the role of bankers from Lombardy in England?

  They lent money to English monarchs who wanted to fund wars.
• From which countries did winemakers migrate to England?

  Winemakers came from Spain and Portugal.
• Why did Scottish people migrate to England?

  They worked mainly as servants and laborers.
• What motivated some people to migrate to England from further afield?

  They came to escape natural disasters, war, and persecution.
• What were the reasons for migration to England during the medieval period?

  • Economic opportunities
  • Political instability in home countries
  • Skills in short supply after the Black Death
  • Invitation from monarchs
  • Escape from natural disasters and persecution
• What was the Roman name for the city of York?

  Eboracum
• How long did the Romans base an army in York?

  For more than 300 years
• What name did the Anglo-Saxons give to York?

  Eoforwic
• What was York's status under the Anglo-Saxons?

  It was the capital of the kingdom of Northumbria
• What significant event occurred in York on 1 November 866?

  The Vikings attacked and captured York
• What name did the Vikings give to York?

  Jórvík
• What role did York play in the Danelaw under Viking control?

  It became the capital of the Danelaw
• How did Viking York's trading connections differ from those of other cities?

  It had strong trading links with various regions including Scandinavia and the Byzantine Empire
• What types of goods were produced in Viking York?

  Jewellery, beads, necklaces, and brooches
• What raw materials were sourced for production in Viking York?

  Iron, gold, and silver
• How did the layout of Viking York reflect its financial importance?

  It was unique in the region, indicating affluence
• What was the significance of the churches in York during the Viking age?

  They existed from the Anglo-Saxon era until late in the Viking age
• What does the presence of Viking coins with a Christian cross and Norse god symbol suggest?

  Vikings may have embraced both Christianity and Norse beliefs
• What is a dirhem?

  A silver coin found in the Islamic empire