Hereward the Wake

Question 1

Why did hereward rebel ?

Answer 1

• Hereford father believe to be leofric earl of Mercia

- angry that William had confiscated land from father and starved brother

Question 2

What did he do ?

Answer 2

• with support of King Swegn of Denmark and Morcar ( Edwin has been killed) hereward began a campaign of guerilla style attacks in Norman settlers in the marshes and fenlands of east anglia
• able to use knowledge of land to frustrate William and prevent capture
• 1070 burnt Peterborough abbey
• based on isle of Ely protected by marshland

Question 3

Events at Ely (7)

Answer 3

1– William besieged Ely
2– William built rampart across marshland with 3km long Castellum ( defence platform)
3– rampart collapsed (too many soldiers)
4– William built a siege tower and brought in local witch to torment
5– hereward set fire to area and siege tower
6– monks of Ely abbey tell William secret way
7– rebels surrendered and hereward disappeared

Question 4

Impacts

Answer 4

-William intimidated people and built castle at Ely