Anglo-Saxon England Flashcards
Before 1066, what was the population of England?
2 million
Before 1066, what did England not have much of?
Castles - it was not very well defended
What was the witan?
The King’s council - helped him run the country
How many Earls was England ran by?
5
What religion did the Anglo-Saxons follow?
Catholicism
How was England wealthy before 1066?
- Wool farming in the East
- International trading, especially with Nordic countries and Flanders
How was Edward the Confessor connected to Normandy?
- His mother was Norman
- Had spent much of his childhood in Normandy
What Earldom did the Godwin family govern?
Wessex
What year was the Godwin revolt against Edward?
1051
After the Godwin revolt, how did the Godwins and Edward reconcile?
They publicly apologised and were given back their land, money and power
When did Edward the Confessor die?
January 5th 1066
What were Edgar Aethling’s claims to the throne? (2)
- Great-nephew of Edward - closest living blood relative
- Had the support of some Earls
Why did some people not support Edgar Aethling becoming King?
- He was only 15
- He did not have the support of the Witan
What were William of Normandy’s claims to the throne? (2)
- Claimed Edward promised him the throne in 1051 (after supporting him fight against Godwin revolt)
- Claimed Harold Godwinson swore an oath to give him the throne on holy relics in 1064
When did Harold Godwinson reportedly swear on holy relics to give William the throne?
1064
What were Harold Godwinson’s claims to the throne? (4)
- Served as sub-regulus
- Claimed he was promised the throne novissima verba (on his death bed)
- He was the Earl of Wessex
- He was Edward’s brother-in-law
- He had the support of the Earls, thegns and military power
What was Harald Hardrada’s claim to the throne?
Claimed the throne was promised to his relatives when King Cnut ruled over England
