Chapter 2 : The Norman Conquest

Question 1

What was the Domesday book?

Answer 1

The Domesday book was a comprehensive survey commissioned by William the Conqueror. It was a record of land holdings, resources and property in England.

Question 2

Why was the survey carried out?

Answer 2

• Control: To strengthen Norman control over England
• Taxation: To have a proper assessment on resources
• Land Ownership: He wanted to keep track of who owned land and how much land did they won.

Question 3

What did the Domesday book reveal?

Answer 3

• Taxable resources : information on resources like livestock, valuables and crops
• Land Ownership : information on land wonders and how much they held
• Economic Status : information on the productivity in different regions

Question 4

What was the feudal system

Answer 4

A system of control

Question 5

Explain the feudal system feudal system (highest ranking to lowest ranking).

Answer 5

1. King
2. Barons
3. Knights
4. Peasants

Question 6

Explain the roles of the feudal system.

1. The King

Answer 6

• He had the highest authority
• He would grant land to the barons
• He owned all of the land

Question 7

Explain the roles of the feudal system.

2. The Barons

Answer 7

• They received land from the King
• They swore loyalty and provided military services to the King
• They were able to have knights

Question 8

Explain the roles of the feudal system.

3. The Knights

Answer 8

• They swore an oath of loyalty to their lords
• They received land from their lords in exchange for their service
• They were warriors and provided service to their lords

Question 9

Explain the roles of the feudal system.

4. The peasants

Answer 9

• They worked on the land and were tied to it.
• They were bound to the land and had obligations to the lord.

Question 11

What is a keep?

Answer 11

A keep is a great tower used for defence. It had a good view over everything and allows soldiers to spot attackers.

Question 12

What is a motte?

Answer 12

A mound of Earth

Question 13

What is a Bailey?

Answer 13

A large courtyard where stables, barracks and storehouses were located

Question 14

Who led the most famous rebellion against William the Conqueror?

Answer 14

Edwin, Morcar and Edgar the Aethling.

Question 15

How did William the Conqueror react to the rebellion?

Answer 15

He first paid the vikings to go back to their home and abandon the rebels. He then ordered people to burn down villages, destroy crops and kill animals

Question 16

What does ‘harrying’ mean?

Answer 16

To attack an enemy’s territory again and again.

Question 17

What was the building built on the site where Christians believed that Jesus was buried called?

Answer 17

The Holy Sepulchre

Question 18

What was the building built on the site where Muslims believe the Prophet Muhammad rose up and visited heaven

Answer 18

The Dome of the Rock mosque

Question 19

What was the building that was the last remaining part of King Herod’s temple and is a site of pilgrimage for Jews?

Answer 19

The Wailing wall

Question 20

What was the name given to Jerusalem?

Answer 20

The Holy Land

Question 21

In what year was the Domesday book commissioned?

Answer 21

In 1085