Norman Revision 1 - The succession crisis and the rising against Tostig Flashcards
Why was the House of Godwin so powerful by 1066? 3 reasons
Economic strength and wealth, military strength, and family connections.
Harold Godwinson’s economic strength and wealth evidence.
He had access to the Earldom of Wessex, which gave him a powerful position as advisor to the king and access to the riches and resources of Wessex.
By 1065, the Godwinson brothers received around £8,500 a year, while King Edward received around £6,000.
Harold’s military strength evidence.
Had control of many hundreds of thegns and access to the powerful Wessex fyrd.
His military skill was renowned, shown in 1062 when he and Tostig defeated King Llewelyn of Wales.
By 1066 Harold had assumed the role of ‘sub regulus’ - the King’s deputy and leader of his armies.
Harold’s family connections evidence.
In 1055, Tostig Godwinson was appointed Earl of Northumbria by Edward.
In 1057, Gyrth Godwinson was appointed as the Earl of East Anglia.
In 1057, Leofwine Godwinson was appointed as the Earl of the Midlands.
Why was there a rising against Earl Tostig in 1065? (3 points)
Northumbrian resentment
Tostig’s abuses of power
Scottish invasions
Northumbrian resentment against Tostig evidence
The Danelaw had very different laws and customs from the rest of England.
It is likely that Tostig, who was from the South, would have found it difficult to understand the culture, customs, and way of life of the people of Northumbria.
One major difference was that the ‘geld tax’ was much lower in Northumbria than in the rest of England. Tostig increased the taxes.
Tostig’s abuses of power evidence
Many of Tostig’s rivals were falsely accused of crime and had their money and land confiscated.
In 1065, Tostig arranged the assassination of two followers of his rival Gospatric.
Gospatric was also assassinated by Tostig’s followers, which was viewed as treachery by the people of Northumbria.
Tostig doing nothing about Scottish invasions evidence
Tostig did little to defend the people of Northumbria from attacks from Scotland.
Tostig was a close friend and ally of the king of Scotland: King Malcom III
In 1061, Malcom invaded Northumbria and caused much destruction while Tostig was away. Tostig did not retaliate and agreed to peace terms with Malcom.
What was Harold Godwinson’s response to the uprising against Tostig?
Edward ordered him to raise an army and suppress the uprising, but instead he met with the rebels and agreed to their terms.
Tostig was exiled and Morcar was made the new Earl of Northumbria.
Why did Harold not support Tostig during the uprising against him? (4 points)
1 - Harold believed Tostig had abused his power and deserved what he got
2 - by helping Morcar gain the Earldom of Northumbria, he gained powerful allies in Edwin and Morcar
3 - he wanted to remove Tostig and a potential rival to the throne
4 - a war with Northumbria would have weakened England’s chances of defeating invasions from Scandinavia or Normandy, so he wanted to make sure that England was united
Why was there a succession crisis in 1066? 4 points
Edward died without a son
Edgar Aethling was not a suitable heir
Edward had promised the throne to William
Edward had promised the throne to Harold
Edward died without a son evidence
As he died without a son there was no clear successor to Edward - disputed succession
It was either because he/his wife was infertile or he was too religious, or that he didn’t want and heir of Godwin on the throne
The Witan would have to choose someone else - leading to a dispute over who deserved it most
Edgar Aethling was not a suitable heir evidence
Edgar was too young (14) to take the throne
He wasn’t a strong military leader and England was facing many international threats
The Witan did not support him and saw him as weak
Edward had promised the throne to William evidence
Norman sources claim Edward promised the throne to William in 1051
While on embassy to Normandy in 1064, Harold Godwinson supposedly reconfirmed Edward’s offer of the throne to William - swore an oath on holy relics
Edward had promised the throne to Harold evidence
Harold Godwinson claimed that Edward promised him the throne on his deathbed, which would have given him a stronger claim to the throne, but he had no evidence.
