How did William establish control over England? Flashcards
What were three problems William faced before they became king?
- Threat of Edgar the Outcast
- Get control over Anglo-Saxon earls (e.g Edwin and Morcar)
- Threat of Vikings’ invasion
What are 4 things William did straight after the Battle of Hastings?
- Moved east to Kent- secured ports stopping Anglo-Saxon trade and allowing Norman supplies entry
- Strengthened his fortifications and moved to Canterbury, heart of the English church, to assert control over it
- William tried to attack London but was fought off by Anglo-Saxons- William burnt part of Southwark
- Gained control of Winchester (west)- center of treasury and key place for the Church
When did Archbishop Stigand put Edgar forwards as king?
November 1066
Why did Edgar become king when Archbishop Stigand put him forwards as king?
-Had support of the Witan but couldn’t get enough support
How did William deal with the threat of Edgar being king?
William received an oath of fealty from Edgar- wasn’t a threat anymore
How did William deal with the issue of getting control over the Anglo-Saxon earls/important figures in England?
- Replaced the Anglo-Saxon with Norman earls
- Gave land in rebellious areas to loyal areas
- (Oct 1066) Archbishop of Canterbury submitted to William
What were the 6 rebellions William had to deal with?
- The Suppression of Edwin and Morcar
- Rebellion of the Welsh border
- Revolt of Eustace
- The South West and Exeter
- Rebellion of the Norman earls
- Rebellion of Hereward the Wake
The Rebellion of Eustace: when, who, what?
(When) 1069
(Who) King Edward’s brother in law - Eustace Count of Boulonge
(What) Eustace attacked Dover castle (Kent). William of Poitiers said that the thegns in Kent offered him their support- Eustace was defeated by knights in the castle
Later made peace with William along with Edric the Wild
The Suppression of Edwin and Morcar: when, who, what?
(When) Oct 1066
(Who) Most powerful earls against William
(What) First rebellion against William. They were upset that Harold has been killed
They rebelled in London and William sent knights to kill sons/daughters - did this brutally to establish control and reduce future threats
The Rebellion of Welsh border: when, who, what?
(When) 1069
(Who) Edric the Wild started a rebellion with lots of English followers
(What) Rebellious and untamed area- often place of outcasts. Edric failed to get enough support in 1067, for his 2nd attack in 1069 the rebels were defeated at the castle
William handled this well, Edric even submitted to him later on!
The South West and Exeter: when, who, what?
(When) 1068
(Who) People in living in Exeter (commoners)
(What) Army held out for 18 days but surrendered
Castle was built on highest hill in Exeter to keep eye on the city and sustain control
Harold Godwinson’s sons came but were defeated
The Rebellion of the Norman earls: when, who, what?
(When) 1075
(Who) de Gael and de Breteuil (Norman earls)
(What) Supported by earl of Northamptonshire (Waltheof) and Philip I of France. William trusted his his regents to deal with the rebels- Lanfranc and Odo forced de Gael to retreat to Brittany.
Waltheof tried to make peace- beheaded
Breteuil- imprisoned
25th Dec- rebels blinded and killed- brutal punishment as it was his own people rebelling and so wanted to avoid it happening
What year did Herewark the Wake rebel in? Where did it take place?
1070
Ely- marshy land!
Why did Herewark the Wake rebel in 1070?
Had a grudge against William as they had taken land away from his father snd killed his brother
Who did Herewark the Wake join with? What did they do?
Herewark the Wake joined with English earls and foregin supporters- King Swegn and Morcar
They launched a series of attacks in Fenland- most famous attack was Peterborough in 1070- they looted and burned the Abbey. Then they set up base in an Abbey on the Isle of Ely and got supplies to survive sieges
