Norman Conquest Flashcards
Family ties
Who is Edgar the Outlaw?
He was the great nephew of Edward the confessor and was related through the male line.
King Edward called for Edgar to return to England as he wanted a heir.
Family ties
Who was Harald Hardrada?
He was the king of Norway between 1015-1066. He was also related to king cnut.
He had been promised the throne by cnut’s son Harthacnut and had power through his father
Family ties
Who was Harold Godwinson?
?
He would have the throne from Edwards death bed (Novissima bequeathed). He was a sub-regulus (deputy king) for Edward.
Family ties
Who was William of Normandy?
He was a distant cousin through Edwards mum Emma. He was also a successful warrior.
He claimed that Edward had promised him the throne.
Government
England was ruled by King Edward the confessor in
Society
The population was 2 million, but was divided into a hierarchy. (Ordered into a level of importance).
Religion
There were different types of religious groups such as Anglo-Saxons who were very religious. Christians and Catholics, the church showed an important role for the community, it provided rules for living, ownership and marriage.
Wealth
England was a very wealthy country at this time. It had its own minting system which means it can make its own coins, it is one of the most advanced economic system in the world. It had natural resources which meant a good trade link with other countries. They had good trade links with Scandinavia, Norway, Denmark and France.
Defence
The kings and earls had around 2500-3000 housecarls (professional trained soldiers). They could call upon their peasants to fight for them whenever.
Stamford bridge
1
The English army were celebrating their battle from fulford. Harold Godwinson gathered his armies and marched north. Harold Godwinson caught Hardrada and Tostig by surprise at Stamford bridge.
Stamford bridge
2
The vikings were not prepared for a battle. They had left their protective gear behind on the ships while they were celebrating. They were also out numbered by 15000 English men to 11000 vikings which added to Godwinson advantage. Both Hardrada and Tostig were killed in this battle, the rest of the Norwegians fled home. Only 24 out of the 300 ships were used to go home.
Stamford bridge
The lone Norseman
3
One man had taken out 40 men with his bare hands, however one man hid under a bridge and managed to kill him.
Stamford bridge
Positive and negatives
Harold Godwinson
4
Positive
He was able to travel quickly to Hardrada and Tostig.
They had Tactics already
They would feel confident as they have won their previous battle
Negative
He had sent some of his troops home to harvest crops
He had lost some solider in the previous battle, the majority of them would be exhausted and injured
He only had his private army with him at the time to help him fight
They would have a shortage of supplies
King Harold and the Anglo - Saxons
1
Leadership
King Harold was a experienced general and had successfully fought against the vikings. He was a popular king, he had support of the Witan and some of his brothers
King Harold and the Anglo - Saxons
2
Strategy
Shield wall formation; interlocking round shields to prevent enemy soldiers from crossing them, double hand axe, on foot soldiers (no horses used) and King Harold was positioned in the centre
