3.15 The Rebellion of Hereward the Wake

Question 1

When was the rebellion of East Anglia?

Answer 1

1070

Question 2

Why did Hereward the Wake want to rebel against William?

Answer 2

William and his Norman earls had confiscated lands from his father and killed his brother.

Question 3

Who were the leaders of the rebellion of East Anglia?

Answer 3

English earls, Morcar, King Swegn of Denmark and Hereward the wake.

Question 4

What attacks did the rebels of East Anglia carry out? (2)

Answer 4

• Launched a series of guerrilla-style attacks in the marshes and fenlands of EA.
• Peterborough 1070 (particularly famous) => looted and burned the Abbey.

Question 5

How was the local geography and advantage for the rebels of East Anglia?

Answer 5

• Set up a base in an Abbey on Isle of Ely, where they built up supplies to survive a siege.
• Used local guides to move easily around marshy terrain.
• William wasn’t able to use normal tactics due to the location, defence of the marshes and Hereward’s network of informants.

Question 6

How did William defeat the rebellion of East Anglia? (7)

Answer 6

• William besieged Island of Ely.
• W built rampart to cross marshland. 3km long wiith a castellum on track.
• Too many N soldiers crossed at once so rampart sank into marshlands.
• W built siege tower, and some say, brought in local witch to torment rebels. Witch stood at top of one of towers + shouted abuse, chanted spells.
• Hereward set fire to area => siege tower + part of bridge caught fire.
• H betrayed by Monks => told W about secret route to H.
• Rebels surrendered and H disappears.