3.3 Introduction to the Normans Flashcards
How are Edward and William related?
They are distant cousins. Edward’s Grandfather is William’s Great Great Great Grandfather.
Why is Norman more of a to the rest of France?
It succeeded its borders into Mayne.
How did Normandy come about?
- 911, viking leader - Rollo attacked northern France.
- Unsuccessful, but French King (Charles the Simple) was unable to drive Rollo out of rance => proposed a truce.
- King offered Rollo an area in NW France in exchange for his allegiance.
- Rollo named this area ‘Normandy’.
Why was it beneficial to give Rollo Normandy?
The area was under constant attack by vikings, so by putting a viking in charge, it spared the French from having to deal with the problem.
Why was Edward sent to Normandy? When?
1016, Emma sent Alfred + Edward (sons) to live in Normandy after father King Ethelred died.
What happened whilst Edward was in Normandy?
- Emma married Cnut and they agreed throne would be passed to their son Harthacnut - not Harold (Cnut’s son)
- King Cnut died 1035, Harold inherited the English throne + Harthacnut the Danish throne
Why did Edward come back to England?
Emma summoned her sons Alfred and Edward back to England in 1040, to support Harthacnut’s claim to the throne.
What happened to Alfred and Edward when they came back to England?
- Alfred => captured by Earl Godwin and died of injuries.
- Edward => eventually accepted into Harthacnut’s court and was named his heir.
When did Edward become King?
1042, upon death of harthacnut.
What did Edward do when he became king?
- Brought many Norman friends to England as advisors.
- One of main reasons Edward and Godwin fought in 1051.
What did Edward do regarding his advisors following the falling out with the Godwins? (2)
- Reduced importance of his Norman advisors - many went back to Normandy.
- Replaced by AS - including several Godwins.
What was the relationship between Norman Dukes and French Kings? (3)
- Norman Dukes had to acknowledge that French Kings were superior.
- However they could raise their own armies, carry out own justice and demand own taxes.
- Independent rulers in their own right.
When did William become Duke? What happened as a result of this?
- 1035, when he was 7
- Many attempts to assassinate him by older earls who wanted to replace him
Why was William’s right to rule questioned? (2)
- Because he was an illegitimate child
- Enemies humiliated him and nicknamed him ‘William the Bastard’
Why did William earn himself the title of William the Conqueror?
Because of his successful campaigns in. Maine + Sicily in early 1060s => proving power of Normans
