Anglo Saxons Flashcards
Why was the king able to mint coins?
To ensure the integrity of the of the coins
What was the king the commander of? Why?
The army as one of his main functions was to protect and defend the kingdom
What were the principal earldoms?
Wessex, East Anglia, Mercia, Northumbria
Why did people trade in urban areas?
To encourage people to travel and spend in the Burhs
What were the earls responsible for?
Peace, justice, raising armies
What did the sheriffs do?
Collect taxes, dispense justice, settling disputes
Who did the king settle disputes with?
Earls, Sheriffs, Thegns
What crimes did the king, sheriffs, thegns and earls discuss?
Arson, rape, murder, treason
What were the Shire courts?
Next level down from the kings court
What reputation did Edward gain?
Great giver of justice
What crimes did the Shire courts discuss?
Theft, violence
What crimes did the Hundreds courts discuss?
Local disputes, minor crimes
What was the Danelaw?
Dividing line from London to Chester
What were Burhs?
Fortified towns - small percentage of the population lived here (around 10%)
Were the Burhs a place for international trade?
Yes
What was a geld?
Tax
What was Earl Godwin’s relationship with Cnut?
Chief adviser
Why were the Godwinson’s so powerful?
They owned a lot of England
Were the godwinson’s more powerful than Edward?
Yes
why did Edward increase the amount of Normans in his court?
He became too dependant on the godwinson’s
What happened to the godwinson’s once they found out about this?
They were exiled
Why did Harold and his brothers defeat Gruffyd?
To prove their worth to Edward
What was a “sub regulus”?
Deputy king
Why did Harold make an oath of loyalty towards william?
Harold was shipwrecked and imprisoned by the french. William saved him and on an act of thankfulness, Harold swore and oath of loyalty
Did Tostig truly deserve Northumbria? Why?
No because he forcefully attempted to become the ruler of it
Did the Northumbrians like Tostig? Why?
No because he was viewed as a tyrant
Who was now the Earl of Northumbria?
Morcar
Why did Tostig want revenge on Edward?
Because he was exiled
Did Edward promise Harold the throne?
It is unknown
What does the term “usurped” mean? Who did it apply to?
Harold as he is believed to have not deserved the throne
When did Edward die?
5th January 1066
When was Harold crowned king?
6th January 1066
Who were the claimants of the throne?
William, Harald Hardrada, Edgar the Atheling
Why did the Witan decide to crown Harold?
He was powerful, a skilled warrior, good commander, an English man
Why was Harold’s coronation invalid?
Stigand crowned him - he was a church abuser
Who did Tostig ally with?
Harald Hardrada
Who fought in the battle of gate fulford?
Tostig, Harald, Edwin, morcar
Who won the battle of gate fulford?
Harald and Tostig
Why did they win?
Edwin and morcar were inexperienced fighters
What did Harold do in retaliation?
He travelled north to fight Harald and Tostig
Who took part in the battle of Stanford Bridge
Harold, Harald, Tostig
Who won? How?
Harold as he surprise attacked them
Why did William win in the Battle of Hastings?
His army was strong, well disciplined and William was an experienced leader
How did Harold die?
Shot in the eye with an arrow
