Norman England 1066-1100 Flashcards
Who was Edward?
The half brother of King Harthacanute
was invited to become king in 1041
What was the wealth of like before 1066?
- England was wealthy and often a target for foreign raiders
- it had natural resources and could establish good trade links with Denmark and Norway
- had a sophisticated minting system
What was the defence of England like before 1066?
- The king had 3000 house carls (soldiers)
- hardly any castles - not well defended
What was the English society like before 1066?
The population was organised into hierarchy by level of importance
What was the hierarchy of English society before 1066?
King, church, Earls and thegns, majority of society, peasants
What was the lay of the land in England before 1066?
- England was ruled by King Edward
- the country was divided into areas ruled by Earls
What was religion like in England before 1066?
- Anglo-Saxons were all Christians with old pagan influences
- the Pope was the head of the Roman catholic church
- church provided rules for living and attached to legal system
- church was a major landowner
What was the population of England before 1066?
2 million people
What was an earl?
The most important aristocrats based on loyalty with King
What were thegns?
Local lords who hold land and live in Manor houses
How many thegns were there by 1060?
5000
What was a peasant farmer?
Majority of the English population who rents small farms and work set hours for the Lord and extra for themselves
What were slaves?
10% of the population who could be bought and sold as they have no freedom or rights so they were seen as property
Who are the Godwins?
A powerful ruling family in Norman England who helped Edward to become king
What was England’s connection to Normandy before 1066?
Edwards mother was the sister of Duke Richard the second of Normandy so Edward grew up there
What happened in 1053 when Earl Godwin died?
Harold Godwinson Who is a strong military leader becomes of earl Wessex
What happened in 1055 to give the Goodwins a strong power base in North England?
Toasty Godwinson, A strong military leader, was made earl of Northumbria
What happens in 1062 to make the Godwins more powerful?
They defeat the Welsh king
What does Harold do in 1064?
Goes on embassy to Normandy
What happens to Tostig in 1065?
There is an uprising against him and he is exiled
What happens in 1066 to the monarchy?
Edward the confessor dies and Harold becomes king
Why did Harold go to Normandy?
In 1064 he went on a mission for King Edward and helped William in military campaigns
What happened to Harold when he went to Normandy?
He was taken prisoner but cheek William demanded that he was handed over
What was Harold and William’s relationship like during the embassy?
How old helped William so William gave him gifts which were symbolic of their relationship
What was the oath that Harold made to William?
He swore on two holy relics to support William’s claim to the throne
Why was Harolds embassy to Normandy significant?
Shows that he was Edwards trusted advisor and was used by the Normans to boost Williams claim to the throne and portray Harold as an oathbreaker
What was the Norman interpretation of the embassy?
King Edward commissioned Harold to talk to Duke William about his succession this involves Harold swearing allegiance to him as future king
What was the Anglo-Saxon interpretation of the embassy?
Harold went to recover two hostages from William
Where is evidence of the embassy shown?
The bayeux tapestry
What was Harold Godwinson‘s claim to the throne?
- His family were the most powerful family in England
- he had been deputy King
What was the stroke of Harold Godwinson‘s claim?
- He was English
- leadership experience
- military Powers (had represented the king in battle)
What was Godwinson’s chance of success?
He was supported by the Witan
What was William of Normandy‘s claim to the throne?
- Based on agreement with Edward after Goodwinsons embassy
- Distant cousin of Edward
What was the strength of William of Normandy’s claim?
- Leadership experience (Duke of Normandy)
- military power (fought since young)
- relations
What was William of Normandyis chance of success?
He had the popes backing
What was Edgar Aethling’s claim to the throne?
Bloodline (Edwards nephew, thought of as his adopted son)
Anglo-Saxon
What was the strength of Edgar Aethlings claim?
Blood tie
English
What was edgar aethlings chance of success?
- Had the support of Earls
- only 12 years old (not a wise ruler)
What was Harald Hadrada claim to the throne?
- grandson of King Cnut
- could easily invade England
- father was promised thrown
- tostig told him that England didn’t want godwinson
What was the strength of hadradas claim?
- Military strength(15,000 worriers and 300 longships)
- leadership experience (king of Norway)
What was Hadrada is chance of success?
England may welcome a Viking king as half of England were Vikings
What date was Harold Godwinson crowned King?
Sixth of January 1066
What were the three battles that led to the loss of England?
- Fulford gate
- stamford Bridge
- Hastings
When was the Fulford gate battle?
20th of September 10 66
Describe the Battle of Fulford gate
Harald Hadrada and Tostig joined forces in York and defeated English Earls Edwin and Morcar’s 3500 men with the vikings 10000
When was the Battle of Stamford Bridge?
25th of September 10 66
Who was the Battle of Stamford Bridge between?
Harold (king)
Hadrada
What did Harold decide to do after a Hadrada won the Matt,e at full ford gate?
He regathered his army and marched 180 miles in 4 days to York
Why was Hadrada unprepared for battle?
- left amour on ships
- Force was scattered
- assumed godwinson wouldn’t leave south to fight in north
Describe the battle of Stamford bridge
A lone axe man delayed them from crossing the bridge, but someone stabbed him from underneath
Hadrada and Tostig were killed (TP)
How many English died in the battle of Stamford bridge?
3500 - they lost half of their men
How many vikings died in the battle of Stamford bridge?
Only needed 24 out of 300 ships to sail home
Why were godwinsons men not able to defeat Hadrada easily?
Too tired from marching to north