England before the Normans & the Norman Conquest Flashcards
To learn the basic facts about England before 1066 and the claims to the throne.
Which Tribes arrived in Britain in the 5th Century?
Saxons, Angles, Jutes and Germanic tribes
Who arrived in Britain in the 9th - 11th centuries?
Vikings from Norway and Denmark.
Danelaw
Division of land in AD886
Between King Alfred and the Danish leader Guthrum.
Fyrd
A peasant army (militia) in Anglo-Saxon England
Thegn
A person of high ranking - aristocrat
Wergeld
Money paid to the relatives of a murder victim
Witan
A group of churchmen and nobles who advised the King
What did Earls do before 1066?
Governors and Administrators. Advised the King Upheld law and order Judges in local courts Expected to fight alongside the king Most powerful Ear;: Harold of Wessex
What job / responsibilities did the King have?
In charge of foreign policy and defending the country.
Maintain law and Order.
Should be religious / PIOUS.
Judge in disputes between his people (esp. Earls)
Reasons people ‘Invade’ England in the middle ages
Wealth - coins and art and treasure from churches & monasteries.
Metals - to make weapons, armour and tools.
Food: Farmland - to grow crops and keep animals
& plenty of fish
Who contested the Throne after Edward the Confessor Died.
Harold Godwinson
William, Duke of Normandy
Harald Hradrada
Harold Godwinson
Nationality: Anglo-Saxon
Title: Earl of Wessex
Claim to the Throne: Married Edward the Confessor’s Sister (Brother-in-law)
Supported by English Nobles
William Duke of Normandy
Nationality: NORMAN
Title; Duke
Claim to the Throne: Cousin of Edward the Confessor.
Harold had made an ‘oath’ to support him.
Edward had ‘promised’ the Throne to him. (Because he was religious)
Harald Hardrada
Nationality: Viking - from Norway
Title: King (of Norway)
Claim to the Throne: An ancestor (King Cnute) had been King.
Anglo-Saxon Army
Housecarls - 4000 (Highly trained) with horses, but not for combat.
Double-handed AXE (Brutal!)
Fyrdsmen - 4000 (Peasants)
Few archers.
DEFENSIVE
