Norman Conquest Flashcards
Key problems faced by William after winning the Battle of Hastings?
Invasion from Scandinavia - Edwin and Morcar
Take control of London
Collect taxes
English soldiers in Doover
English earls
What did William do to secure his position?
Harrying of the North
Granting Land
Appointing Sheriffs
Collecting Information
Building Castles
What was the Harrying of the North?
It was when William decided to make an example of the region in response to a Viking invasion in the North. He marched his soldiers into Yorkshire killed the people burnt their villages and their crops. This caused a famine and around 100 thousand people died due to the invasion and starvation.
Who did William grant land to?
William took land from English landowners and earls (many of whom had died during the Battle of Hastings) and gave the land to loyal Norman lords and knights. He also gave his brother Odo around 400 estates. Lords held the land on condition would fight for William. Many Lords handed land to Knights who promised to look after the land for them.
Who did William appoint as Sherrifs?
He made some of his Barons sheriffs.
What were the sheriffs responsibilities?
To enforce Williams laws and collect taxes for him.
Who did William send to collect his information?
William sent out his officials to every part of England to collect information about who owned what so that William would know how much to tax them.
What laws did William make to prevent uprisings?
He appointed sheriffs to enforce the law
Made harming a Norman a crime punishable by death
He organised English peasants into groups of 10 and made them all responsible for each others behaviour.
Why did William build castles?
//
