Norman Conquest Flashcards
What was the problem in 1066
Edward the confessor died without an heir 5th January 1066
Edgar Atheling
15 years old
Young so would have a long reign
Great nephew of the king
No military support or experience
No support from the public
Harold Godwinson Earl or Wessex
Very rich
Only Englishman out of the 4 contenders
Edward’s brother in law no royal blood
Lots of public support
Support of the Witan
Most powerful man in England after Edward’s death
Promised the throne as Edward was dying
Been involved with the running of the country in later years.
His father had argued with the late King
His brother Tostig joined forces with Harold Hardrada
William Duke of Normandy
Cousin of Edward
Was promised the throne by Edward in 1051
Harold Godwinson also promised William could succeed the throne.
Ambitious and powerful ruler in Normandy
From the strongest part of France
Lots of military experience
People thought he was weak
Harold Hardrada (Hard ruler)
A ruthless warrior, feared throughout Europe
King of Norway
No blood ties to the throne
Ancient promises for throne
Formed an alliance with Tolstig Godwinson
Who were the 4 contenders for the throne
Edgar Atheling
Harold Godwinson Earl of Wessex
Harold Hardrada King of Norway
William Duke of Normandy
Who succeeded Edward
Harold Godwinson
6th January 1066
The Witan met and decided who should be king
Thought he was the best one to defend England against the Vikings and Normans
No threat of civil war
How did the other contenders react
William Duke of Normandy, rose an army of Normans
Harold Hardarda Kind of Norway, rose an army of Vikings
Edgar Atheling couldn’t do anything
Battle of Stamford Bridge
Norwegian victory at Fulford
King Harold was waiting at Southern England for Normandy invasion
Assembled an army 15,000 men, 3,000 or elite troops (housecarls)
Traveled 185 miles in 4 days
Took the Norwegians by surprise
Norwegians drunk from celebrating and battle tired
All killed
Harold Hardrada and Tostig Godwinson both killed
King Harold lost 3rd or army
Why is it called the Battle of Stamford Bridge
One of the vikings stood on the bridge armed with an axe
The English couldn’t pass in 1-1 battle
Floated smallest soldier down the river inside a barrel with a spear and he attacked him from below
English were able to overpower
What happened next
King Harold hear learnt that the winds had changed and the French could now land on the shores and attack.
3rd of army killed
Left wounded soldiers those that couldn’t keep up another 3rd
Went through towns collecting fresh men to help fight off the Normans not trained
Quickly marched
4 days later arrived at Hastings exhausted
Battle of Hastings
Normans Landed 28th September
Pevensey bay
Immediately built a motte and bailey castle Used as their base
9,000 Normans
700 ships
7,000 Englishmen
Battle of Hastings Continued
Tried to take the Normans by surprise but scouts knew they were coming and warned William
English Took up best defensive position on a small hill, later known as Senlac Hill (blood lake)
Formed a shield wall
Norman soldiers ride out but are forced back
Some Norman soldiers begin to flee because they thought William had been killed.
William proves he’s not dead by taking off his helmet and standing in his horses declaring he’s alive.
William Leads a second attack.
Norman cavalry feigns a retreat, English inexperienced soldiers leave the sheiks walk to attack.
Norman’s turn and launch an attack
Harold shot in the eye. The English army are defeated.
Feudal system
King gives land to barrons
Barrons pay taxes to king and give land to the knights
Knights fight for the Barron’s pay taxes and give land to the peasants
Peasants work the land pay taxes to knights
Why introduce the feudal system
To keep control of the country whilst in a different place as everyone has something to gain.
Harrying of the North (persecution of the north)
Northern people weren’t paying taxes
William went up north and destroyed all of the towns killed livestock and people burnt houses and crops
Why did he take such drastic action
To send a clear message of his power
And ensure taxes paid from other areas.
Install fear so people wouldn’t revolt
Battle of Fulford
September
Conclusive win for Harold Hardrada
Vs Edwin and Morcor
King Harold married their sister for loyalty of the north
