8.1 The causes of the Norman Conquest Flashcards
Who was Edward the half-brother of?
King Harthacanute
When was Edward provided with a post-origin promise by King Harthacanute due to the King being ill?
1041
After Edward the Confessor became King in 1042, how did he gain the support of the Godwin family?
Politically married Edith Godwin in 1045, the daughter of Earl Godwin
What happened in 1051 regarding the Godwin family and Edward the Confessor?
Godwin’s rebelled
How was William I involved with the Godwin rebellion?
He provided Edward the Confessor with support, leading to Ed providing him with a post-obitum promise.
How powerful were the Godwin family?
By 1057 they controlled earldoms in every part of England except Mercia.
Politically, what power did Harold Godwinson own?
Sub-regulus
Earl of Wessex
How did the succession war begin?
Ed dieing in January 1066, leaving behind no heir
Who had the strongest familial bond with Edward?
Edgar Atheling was Edward’s closest blood relative, direct bloodline to the throne, grandson of Edmund Ironside, described in the Chronicles as Edward’s adopted son
Why was Edgar not suited to the throne?
Only 14 years old and had no military experience
When did Ed die?
5 January 1066
Who was made King on the 6th January 1066 (a day after Ed’s death)?
Harold Godwinson
What promise did Ed allegedly provide to Harold on his death bed?
Novissima Verba
What was Edward’s relationship with William?
Distant cousin, related through Ed’s mother- Emma of Normandy
Why was William named the Bastard?
Illegimate son of the Duke of Normandy
What relationship did England have with Normandy?
- strong trade links since the 990s
- Supported England against Viking raids
What was Edward’s personal relationship with Normandy?
Grown up in Normandy
What was Harold’s relationship with William?
In 1064, Harold had travelled to Normandy and sworn an oath on holy relics to support William’s claim to the throne.
Although Harold took an oath on holy relics, there was no proof that the oath was a promise to support William’s claim to throne. The Anglo-Saxons claimed that Harold went to negotiate the release of his brother and nephew (Wulfnoth and Hakon), who were William’s hostages.
Militarily, what experience did William hold?
Very experienced
Surviving assassinations attempts since 7
Became an official knight at 15, constantly fighting in his teenage years
1047, battle of Val-ès-Dunes against Norman earls
Why did Hadrada believe he had a claim to the throne?
His predecessor in Norway, Magnus, had made an agreement with Harthacnut, a previous Viking king of England. The agreement said that, if Harthacnut died before Magnus, then Magnus would succeed him as king of England. This had not happened, but as Magnus’ successor in Norway, Harald believed that the agreement extended to him.
Militarily, why was Hadrada the most suited for the throne?
ifteen years in exile as a mercenary and military commander in Kievan Rus’ and in the Byzantine Empire
From who did Hadrada have support from?
Tostig
England had been ruled by Vikings from 1016 to 1042. Many Anglo-Danes lived in England, and might welcome another Viking king.
Who was the advisory council that supported the King?
Witan
Why was Harold Godwinson’s Novissima Verba not reliable?
Bayeux Tapestry highlights only presence in the death bed of Edward the Confessor is a priest and Edith Godwinson, therefore can not prove it.
