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
How did Harold prepare for the Battle of Hastings?
He was waiting in the south for William as he had anticipated the invasion until he ran out of money and supplies and had to send his army home
How did William prepare for the battle of Hastings?
William had his whole army and a fleet of ships on the north costs trying to set sail to England but were constantly stopped by powerful southernly winds
When does William arrive in England?
3 days after the battle at Stamford bridge - Harold is still in the north and so has to travel back down to meet William
Why was William at and advantage in the battle of Hastings?
Depleted and tired English army
Williams army larger and are rested
Why did William invade?
Harold had sworn an oath of allegiance to William to be the next king, but has now gone against William
How long after William invaded did it take for Harold to prepare?
Two weeks
What major key mistake did Harold make just before going to fight William?
Could’ve waited longer in london for more men but was too confident and wanted to surprise William
How did Harold loose the element of surprise?
Williams scouts found out they were coming
Why was the location a bad place for both Harold and William?
Harold was on top of senlac hill so could only defend not attack
William were shooting uphill and at an unfavourable angle
What was the turning point during the battle for the normans?
They broke the Anglo Saxon line - some came down off the hill as Norman’s retreated (cunning plan)
How did the battle of Hastings end?
Harold was struck in the eye causing Anglo Saxons to surrender
What were the normans strengths during the battle of Hastings?
- mercenary soldiers (paid and trained)
- larger army (2000 cavalry, 700 ships, 7000 men)
- better shields (tear shaped)
- better weapons (cross bows and lances)
- organised and rested army
What were Williams weaknesses during the battle of Hastings?
- base of senlac hill
- didn’t know the land
- had no choice but to cross senlac hill to get to London
What were Harold’s strengths in the battle of Hastings?
- shield wall (interlocking)
- know land
- house arts and thegns (trained)
- one blow from a housecarls axe could decapitate a horse
What were Harold’s weaknesses in the battle of Hastings?
- depleted and tired army (many untrained)
- basic weapons (bow and arrow - heavy and hard to aim)
- circular shields
How many motte and Bailey castles did the Normans build in 20 years?
500
Why did William build castles?
Part of his long-term strategy to secure his position on the throne by using them as a physical and metaphorical symbol of his presence
What is the palisade of a motte and bailey castle?
A strong fence that is deep in the ground and quick to build
What is the keep of the motte and bailey castle?
A lookout point used as a final line of defence if necessary
What is the motte in a motte and bailey castle?
A large mound of earth which was fire proof and took 4-9 months to build the whole castle
What is the bailey of a motte and bailey castle?
Stables and barracks for Calgary and trips enclosed below the motte, locals and livestock could take shelter here in an attack
What is the gatehouse fo a motte and bailey castle?
A drawbridge for access and defence
What is the diton in a motte and bailey castle?
A form of defence to control entry, like a moat, that is sometimes filled with water
What were the uses of castles?
- Defence
- offensive control bases for protection from hostile locals
- intimidate Anglo Saxons
- quickly gain control
What is significant about the sites used to build motte and bailey castles?
- strategically important (protection)
- near existing towns, on high ground or close to water
- clusters in certain areas as they posed a larger threat
Why was the first castle made in pevensy?
- temporary shelter used a base to launch attack
- gateway to Britain (costal location)
- On remains of roman fort
How did pevensy castle change?
In 1066 it was motte and bailey
After 1100ma large stone keep was built
Who supported the Edwin and Morcar 1066 rebellion?
Local citizens of London
Why did Edwin and morcar rebel in 1066?
Unhappy that foreigner was king and most likely to defeat the king as they were the two most powerful Earls
What happened when Edwin and Morcar rebelled in 1066?
Williams nights dealt with the rebels and Edwin and morcar surrendered and pledged an oath to William so their lands were returned to them
Who supported the Welsh border rebellion in 1067 to 69?
Edric the wild with a large number of English followers and gained the support of the Welsh prince
Why was there a rebellion that the Welsh border in 1067 to 69?
The Welsh borders were wild and untamed land which were difficult to rule as they were a refuge for English outlaws
What happened at the Welsh border rebellion in 1067 to 69?
They stole the property along the border but failed to take control so launched an attack in 1069 but Williams forces met them and defeated them
Who supported the revolt of Eustace in 1067?
King Edwards brother-in-law with support from the Kent thegns
Why did the revolt of Eustace happen?
after the failure of the welsh rebellion
What happened at the revolt of Eustace in 1067?
They were defeated by knights in the castle but later made peace with William and Edric the wild
Who supported the South – West and Exeter rebellion in 1068?
Whole city of Exeter
What happened at the south-west and Exeter rebellion in 1068?
It lasted 18 days until the king surrounded the city and on his way home the king suppressed Bristol, Gloucester and Somerset
Who supported the Norman Earls rebellion in 1068 to 69?
Led by Ralph De Gael and roger de breteuil, encouraged by Philip first of France and had support from overseas
Why did the norman earls rebel in 1068 to 69?
William had forbidden Ralph’s marriage and Roger didn’t have as much power as his father had
What happened to the Norman earl rebellion in 1068 to 69?
Lanfran and Odo (Williams regents) fought them and had rebels blinded and murdered
What happened in September 10 69?
Vikings arrived on the English coast in the north-east with 240 ships
How did the Danish Vikings rebel against William?
They coordinated with Edgar to attack William and combined an army that marched to York on September 21st
How did the Normans respond to the Viking – Anglo-Saxon rebellion?
They marched out to meet the rebels but lost 3000 men and both the castles in york
What did the Normans do after the Danish – Anglo-Saxon victory in York?
The rebels scattered and Williams army hunted them down so the vikings returned to their ships
Why did the Vikings return to their ships in 1069?
William paid them money to leave
What did William do in response to the scattered Anglo-Saxon rebels?
He laid waste on the land surrounding York and salted the land to insure nothing would grow there
What was the Danish – Anglo-Saxon rebellion known as?
Harrying of the north
Who was hereward the wake?
A local thegn who was The leader of the English - Danelaw alliance
how did hereward the wake rebel?
Using the fenland terrain to their advantage they fought a geurilla war against the Normans
What motivated hereward the wake?
- wanted his land back
- his brother was killed by the normans
How much of a threat was hereward the wake to William?
A big threat - he had an alliance with the locals and danish king on his side
What was the feudal system?
In mediaeval social system which classed every person and meant that they gave loyalty and military service to those above in return for land
What is the Kings role in the feudal system?
He bestows land on nobles and churches and receives money and military service on demand from the nobility and the church
What is the nobility and the churches role in the feudal system?
They bestow land on knights and provide military service and protection on demand
What are the knights role in the feudal system?
They bestow land on peasants and provide military service on demand
What are the peasants role in the feudal system?
Provide military service and food on demand
How did William use the feudal system to control England?
He gave large amounts of land to the barons and small areas of land to knights who have to share it with peasants or villeins, and ensured that he could have soldiers without paying for them
How did William pay back all of the people who had been loyal to him?
He gave them land as a reward
How did William get money from land?
Taxed people
How did William sort out rebellions?
Cut them out of feudal system
How did William keep an army ready for future threats?
Had knights on standby
How did William gain control over all of England?
He replaced Anglo-Saxon earls with Normans
How was land distributed?
20% was the kings
25% was held by church
25% was held by members of the aristocracy
Less than 5% was held by Anglo Saxons
When was the Domesday book carried out?
1086
What questions were asked in the Domesday book?
How many free men, slaves, animals, machines and land was owned
Why was it called the Domesday book?
People felt that it was the day of judgement
What did the findings of the Domesday book reveal?
20% of wealth was kings
50% was barons
25% was Norman church
5% was English nobles
How did the Domesday book help William keep control of England?
- He was able to get money from taxes
- He could control the lords - they couldn’t lie
- Record arguments over land
- Raise numerical army
- Administrate land
What was the oath system like under the Anglo-Saxons?
- valued peoples words
- persuaded people to make oath of allegiance (not be involved in major crime)
- entire family were punishable
How did the oath system change under Norman rule?
-murdrum fines introduced (entire areas were punished is any Norman was hurt)
What Were ordeals like under Anglo-Saxon rule?
- if innocent, god would save you
- ordeal by fire (put arm into cauldron or hold a red hot iron)
- ordeal by water (strapped to chair and thrown into lake - if they drowned they were innocent)
How did ordeals change under Norman rule?
Introduced ordeal by combat
-accuser fight accused, winner was right
How did the forest laws change under Norman rule?
Could no longer hunt freely, anyone caught hunting could be fined, mutilated or executed
What were shire courts like under Anglo Saxon rule?
- Met twice a year to discuss land, crime, taxes and rebels
- heard by sheriffs
- main method of law enforcement
How did shire courts change under Norman control?
- earldoms replaced by smaller Norman ones
- law was based in castles
- importance declined as honorial courts were introduced where tenants could appeal
- juries introduced
What were hundred courts like under the Anglo Saxons?
Looked at local issues in each area, usually land
How did hundred courts change under Norman rule?
Met more frequently and run by sheriffs deputy
What was inheritance like under the Anglo Saxons?
It was common to divide your land holding amounts family
How did inheritance change under the normans?
- New earldoms remained in tact and not split up
- all of your land was given to eldest
