MEP2 England And The Norman Empire Flashcards
When did Cnut’s son Harthacnut die and who took his place on the throne?
1042
Edward, Harthacnut’s half brother
When did Edward die and who became king?
1066
Edward had no children so there was a rush for the throne from people willing to fight for englands land and wealth
Who wanted to be king after Edward died?
- William Duke of Normandy claimed both Edward and Harold Godwinson had agreed he should take the throne
- Harold Godwinson the most powerful man in England, the Witan supported his claim to the throne
- Harald Hardrada Viking ruler of Denmark stated that as Vikings had conquered England for many years he should be king
Who got to be king after Edward died in 1066?
The day after Edwards‘s death the Witan elected Harold Godwinson as king 
What happened at the Battle of Stamford bridge?
1066
Harald Hadrada was defeated by King Harold
What happened on 14 October 1066?
Battle of Hastings
Harold was defeated by William Duke of Normandy
What happened on Christmas Day 1066?
William Duke of Normandy was crowned king
How did William the conqueror control the English?
- Have Norman’s land in return for loyalty
- each Norman Baron and Lord had his own knights and soldiers to keep the peace
- gave supporters top jobs in the church
- encouraged Norman Barons to build castles to control the whole of England
Where did William I spend his time?
Split between England and France to secure his control and power in Normandy leaving England to be looked after by his baron’s and lords
Where did the Norman kingdom cover?
England (not Scotland) northern France, southern Italy, southern coastal region of the Mediterranean, Malta, parts of what is now turky and Syria
How did England change under the Normans?
- French customs where introduced
- French became the language of those in power
- the Norman’s built hundreds of new churches, cathedrals and monasteries
When did William the conqueror die?
1087
What happened to the Norman kingdom when William I died?
It was divided up between his two eldest sons - his youngest son Henry got nothing.
What happened to Henry, William I’s youngest son?
- He became King of England when one of his brothers died.
- he then defeated his other brother and so the Norman kingdom was again united under Henry I of England
What happened after Henry I died?
A powerful noble named Stephen seized the throne - many people felt he had a claim to the throne