Norman Conquest Flashcards
How did the Norman Conquest change the history of Europe?
The Norman Conquest also changed the history of Europe – adding the wealth of England to the military might of Normandy. It made the joint-kingdom a European super-power.
How did Harold use archers to his advantage
William used archers to break up the Saxon shield wall. Arrows fell like rain on the Saxons, killing many of them in the process.
What was a turning point in the battle?
A turning point in the battle was to occur. The Normans pretended to run away, then turned and cut down the Saxons.
The Saxons had lost their main advantage: their control of the top of the hill.
compare and contrast the William and Harold’s army
William’s army of about 10,000 were experienced and well trained. They used swords, bows and arrows, and knights on horseback.
On the other hand, Harold’s army of 8000 were largely peasants, plus the fierce and well trained housecarls. They used spears, axes and swords but also farm tools such as pitchforks.
Describe Harold’s Army
Harold’s army of 8000 were largely peasants, plus the fierce and well trained housecarls. They used spears, axes and swords but also farm tools such as pitchforks.
When was the Battle of Hastings and who fought in it
14 October 1066
Harold (British)
William of Normandy (French)
Why did Harold loose the battle of Hastings
Army was tired - Many had walked 210 miles to fight the Battle of Hastings
less skilled - many were peasants using spears and axes
William’s army was smarter and stronger
William faked his retreat.
What was William of Normandy up to whilst Harold was fighting at Stamford Hill?
While Harold II was in the north of England fighting Hardrada, William, Duke of Normandy invaded Sussex. Harold rushed back south to fight him.
What type of ruler was William?
what is the Harrying of the North?
William was a cruel ruler -
He ordered villages to be destroyed and people to be killed. Herds of animals and crops were burnt. Most people who survived starved to death; there were even stories of people turning to cannibalism. William did not care if they had rebelled or not.
Not only was the population reduced by 75% but land was salted (poisoned) to prevent people growing crops in the future.
This is called the Harrying of the North.
Why was there a crisis in 1066
The king of England Edward the Confessor died with out a child to succeed him.
Three men wanted to be king of England. Each man thought he had the best claim to the throne.
Harold Godwinson, Earl of Wessex, was immediately crowned king and became Harold II. He gathered an army to defend the kingdom.
How did the Norman Conquest change warfare
In warfare, it was the start of the age of the knight-on-horseback.
Describe the advantages of William’s army
William’s army of about 10,000 were experienced and well trained.
They used swords, bows and arrows, and knights on horseback.
They were also fresh - in contrast to Harold’s army who had marched south after the battle of Stamford.
Who were the three main contenders for the throne when Edward the Confessor died?
William, Duke of Normandy
Harold Godwinson (Earl of Wessex)
Harald Hardrada, (King of Norway)
Compare William and Harold’s army
William’s army of about 10,000 were experienced and well trained.
They used swords, bows and arrows, and knights on horseback.
They were also fresh - in contrast to Harold’s army who had marched south after the battle of Stamford.
Harold’s army of 8000 were largely peasants, plus the fierce and well trained housecarls. They used spears, axes and swords but also farm tools such as pitchforks.
How did the Norman conquest change Britain
William ruled as unquestioned conqueror and the Saxons became merely an unpaid workforce for their new lords
How did William use the Feudal system to control Britain?
The feudal system: William could not be everywhere at the same time. To solve this, he lent parcels of his new lands to nobles, or barons, as they were called at the time. In return for loyalty and taxes, they could use the land. The barons then loaned the land to knights who in turn loaned it to peasants who then did all of the hard farming work! If the barons betrayed William, they would lose their land, and the wealth that came with it.
Why did William Win the Battle of Hastings
Skill - well trained army knights on horses and archers with cross bows
Luck - some of Harolds army ran away
Well equipped army - not tired fresh and strong
What advantages did William’s army have
William had a well-equipped army.
He had knights on horseback and archers with crossbows. Harold II had a traditional Saxon army – his housecarls fought on foot with axes and the fyrd were just farmers who fought with any weapons they could get. William’s soldiers were fresh and full-time fighters. The Saxons stood no chance!
Who invaded Britain at Stamford Bridge.
Who won the Battle?
The Vikings invaded
Harold won.
Harald Hardrada was king of Norway. He invaded Yorkshire with a fleet of ships, but was defeated and killed by Harold’s army at the Battle of Stamford Bridge.
How did William take control of Britain
Castles
Feudal System
Domesday Book
How did william use Castles to take control of Britain?
William had new, loyal nobles from Normandy build over 100 castles all over the country. They were built extremely quickly, some in just eight days! From their castles, the new Norman lords could control the local area, and the sight of them made it clear who was now in control. T
Why was Harold’s army not in good shape?
Harold II marched quickly south, immediately after the Battle of Stamford Bridge.
He left many of his foot soldiers behind and exhausted the others. Harold II arrived in Sussex after two weeks of constant marching.
