Norman Revision 5 - Revolt of the Norman Earls Flashcards
What was different about the revolt of 1075, and what was the overarching reason that it happened?
Normans rebelled against William, and Anglo-Saxons defended him.
They were angry because they inherited a smaller portion of land than had been held by their fathers.
Who were the three Earls involved?
- Ralph de Gael - Earl of East Anglia
- Roger de Bretuil - Earl of Hereford
- Waltheof - Earl of Northumbria
Why did Ralph de Gael revolt against William?
His father was an Anglo-Norman who was given the Earldom of East Anglia by William. When Ralph was given it, he was given less land.
He resented the loss of land, power, and wealth.
Why did Roger de Bretuil revolt against William?
He was the son of William FitzOsbern, and inherited the Marcher Earldom of Hereford but a smaller amount of land and none of the special powers that previous marcher Earls had, e.g. had to pay taxes and provide knights.
Why did Waltheof revolt against William?
His father was the Earl of Northumbria, but it was given to Tostig. Waltheof submitted to William, joined the rebellions in 1069, submitted again, was pardoned, and was given Northumbria in 1072. However he was only given half, most of which was a waste after the Harrying of the North.
Why did the Earls feel that they had the opportunity to rebel in 1075?
Normandy was under threat from other French nobles, so William was away and left Lanfranc in control as regent.
Who did the Earls think that they would be supported by, and why?
- Brittany: Ralph’s family was from Brittany
- Anglo-Saxons: Waltheof was the last AS Earl, so they thought the ASs would rise up, especially Northumbria because of history of rebellions
- Danes: Waltheof had a strong relationship with the Danish people of Northumbria
Explain why the Earls rebelled against William in 1075. 3 points
1 - Resentments held by the Norman Earls and Waltheof - loss of land, power, and privilege
2 - The perfect opportunity - William was away in Normandy
3- Powerful allies
Explain why the revolt of the Earl’s failed in 1075. 3 points
- Waltheof betrayed the rebels and leaked the plans to Lanfranc
- Lanfranc’s swift and decisive response which divided and defeated each rebel
- The Danish support did not arrive and the Anglo Saxon population did not support the rebellion
