Battle Of Hastings Flashcards
Who was Harold Godwinson
The Earl of Wessex, he was from a very powerful family and the brother-in-law of King Edward.
He claimed he had been promised the throne by Edward the Confessor on his deathbed.
Who was Harald Hadrada
he felt he had a claim to the throne as his ancestors had ruled England from 1016-42. He invaded England in 1066.
He fought a battle against Harold Godwinson at the Battle of Stamford Bridge.
Who was William of Normandy
He had controlled Normandy since he was 7 and was used to fighting.
He had strong links to King Edward and had helped Edward in a rebellion. As a result, Edward had promised him the throne in 1051. Harold G had also sworn an oath to William promising to support him and his claim to the English throne
Key problems faced by William after Battle of Hastings.
Invasion from Scandinavia,
Control of London,
English soldiers in Dover,
Collect taxes,
English earls.
What did william do to secure his position
The harrying of the north
Granting land
Appointing sheriffs
Collecting information
Building castles
What did the harrying of the north do
He killed many of the population of the north burnt their villages and their crops causing a famine. In total 100,000 people were killed.
What did granting land do
William took land from dead English landowners and earls and gave the land to Norman lords and knights who had been loyal to him. He gave his brother Odo 40 estates.
What did appointing sheriffs do
William made some of his Barons sheriffs which enforced laws and collected taxes. He made a rule that harming a Norman was a crime punishable by death.
What did collecting information do
William sent out his officials to see how much everyone owned for tax. This was put in the domesday book.
What did building castles do
William protected himself by building castles. The first was in Pevensy to protect Williams rout back to Normandy.
