House of Godwin

Question 1

Give 2 reasons why Edward allowed the Godwins to become more powerful

Answer 1

England was under threat from Norway so needed strong military leaders
Growth started under Cnut so Edward could not stop the rise

Question 2

Give 3 reasons why the Godwins were so powerful

Answer 2

Landholdings made them rich
Wessex was the most important Earldom
Political marriages- Edith Godwin + Edward, Harold + Edith the Fair of Mercia

Question 3

When did Harold decide to invade Wales?

Answer 3

1062

Question 4

Why did Harold decide to invade Wales at this time?

Answer 4

King Llewelyn of Wales’s main ally the Earl of Mercia died

Question 5

How did Harold and Tostig defeat Llewelyn?

Answer 5

Pincer movement- Harold took fleet to South of Wales, Tostig over land

Question 6

How did Harold become more powerful after invading Wales?

Answer 6

Implemented a puppet King and took control of his army under the role of sub regulus

Question 7

Give 3 reasons why people rebelled against Tostig

Answer 7

Heavy taxes
Allowed Malcolm to raid across the border
Had rivals murdered (Gospatric)

Question 8

Who was placed in charge of Northumbria instead of Tostig?

Answer 8

Morcar

Question 9

Why did Harold decide to not help Tostig?

Answer 9

He had ambitions to be king

Question 10

Why would helping Tostig have damaged Harold’s chances of the Kingship?

Answer 10

Tostig was a rival to the throne

Harold needed a United Kingdom to hold of foreign threats