Norman Conquest (1066-1086) Flashcards
BACKGROUND- Who were the Anglo-Saxons?
They were these farmer warriors in Britain. The largest two tribes were Angles and Saxons, there were also the Jutes but ew who cares.
They fought each other a lot when they were in Britain. Each of their leaders settled their tribe in different parts of Britain.
What was the Anglo-Saxons journey of invading Britain.
Romans were there before them, but were having a bit of a hard time being attacked by the Picts and Scots from the north, and the Anglo-Saxons from the sea.
The Romans built forts to defend the coast and Hadrian’s wall defended the north.
Saxon warriors were invited to Britain in around AD380 to help the Romans fight the Picts.
The last Roman soldiers were ordered to leave in around AD410. Britain no longer had the strong Roman army to defend it from the invaders. There were many battles between Anglo-Saxons and Britons. Over time, the Anglo-Saxons took control of most of Britain.
Who was Edward the Confesser and what was his tea?
He was the last in the Anglo-Saxon line. He didnt have a child cos no one wanted him cos he was clapped. Jk. dont know why. anyways.
He used to use the fact that he didnt have a child as a way to get lots of parties to try and please him. But these were empty promises.
Who were the three claimants to the throne after Edward the Confesser?
Edgar the Atheling
Harald Hardrada
Harold Godwinson
William, Duke of Normandy
Tell me about Edgar the Atheling
15 years old Saxon prince
HIs dad was promised the throne by Edward the confessor but died under suspicious cicumstances before he could be crowned.
Tell me about Harald Hardrada
King of Norway Viking warrior
the same as Edgar the Atheling in that his dad had also been promised the throne- before Edward, England was ruled by Danish Viking Harthacnut, who promised Magnus the throne, but then gave it to his anglo-saxon half brother Edward the confessor instead.
Tell me about Harold Godwinson
Earl of Wessex- richest man in kingdom
King Edwards brother-in-law
Was king’s chancellor, and even governed the country on his behalf when the king was busy with his religious pursuits.
Says Edward the confessor said he was the heir on his deathbed, which is backed up by Anglo-Saxon chronicles.
Tell me about William, Duke of Normandy
Distant cousin of Edward
Edward knew him well cos he used to live in Normandy
Claimed Edwatd has promised him the throne, which is of course the version reported by the norman chronicles
Had many supporters, including the Pope, which meant he had the backing of God.
How did the new king get decided after Edward the Confesser died?
The Witan, a group of powerful advisers of the king, met up. They decided Harold Godwinson should be crowned and he got coronated the same day.
What was the background to the Battle of Stamford Bridge?
Harald Hardrada and Viking warriors invaded to North.
Harold had been waiting in the South for William. But quickly marched up in four days and surprised Harald.
How did the Battle of Stamford Bridge go?
Anglo-Saxon chronicle says that a Viking was blocking the bridge so a Harold soldier stabbed him from under.
Harold won. Hardrada was killed and his army were allowed to go home. (and Tostigs, who were they??)
What was the background to the Battle of Hastings?
William planned to Invade in August, but poor weather conditions meant he had to wait until September. He carried with him the papal banner, meaning he had the support of the Pope, the leader of the Catholic Church.
William landed on the south coast of England with his army while Harold Godwinson was on his way back from the north, where he had defeated Harald Hardrada’s invasion at Stamford Bridge. William and his army headed to Hastings via London, collecting extra troops on the way. In contrast to Harold Godwinson’s army, William and his men were well-rested and prepared for battle.
What happened during the Battle of Hastings?
- Harold was at top of Seniac Hill and William was at the bottom.
- William ordered his army to charge, and when there was a shield wall they pretended to retreat
- Harolds army chase them
4.Williams army turn around and attack now the shield wall is gone
- Harold got an arrow to the eye bless him. William won.
Why did William win Battle of Hastings?
Tiredness
Tactics
Army Strength
Leadership.
How did the Norman conquest give birth to the feudal system?
William said he would reward the nobles who helped him become king by giving them shires to govern.
All they had to do was be a loyal boy, collect taxes and provide soldiers when needed.
They distirbuted their land to knights in return for loyalty (what were the nobles getting from this though?).
The nobles
