Norman Revision 6 - Harrying of the North, changes to land ownership

Question 1

What was the Harrying of the North?

Answer 1

William took action as a result of the many rebellions that had begun in the Danelaw. It began in Yorkshire (the centre of the rebellions) and spread. William’s army destroyed all they came across - homes burned, crops destroyed, animals slaughtered, resistors murdered.

Question 2

Explain why William carried out the Harrying of the North. 3 points

Answer 2

1 - To end the rebellions in Northumbria
2 - To prevent a foreign invasion
3 - To intimidate would-be rebels

Question 3

William carried out the Harrying of the North to end the rebellions in Northumbria - evidence

Answer 3

• W. had faced three significant rebellions from the Danelaw
• 1069 W. faced two uprisings by Edgar Aethling, and by 1069 rebellions were springing up all across the north of England, but would scatter wherever W. and his men arrived
• It was designed to make life in Northumbria impossible because despite his best efforts, he had not been able to tame the wild people of the Danelaw

Question 4

William carried out the Harrying of the North to prevent a foreign invasion - evidence

Answer 4

• 1069 - uprising of Edgar Aethling was supported by King Malcom III of Scotland and King Sweyn of Denmark
• Especially worried because people of the Danelaw had a similar culture to the Danes
• Homes burned, crops destroyed, animals slaughtered, resistors murdered = meant that Danes would have no allies in the Danelaw if they invaded

Question 5

William carried out the Harrying of the North to intimidate would-be rebels - evidence

Answer 5

• Designed to send a clear message to the rebels - they would be punished severely
• Rebellions in the North inspired other rebellions (e.g. Eadric the Wild) - harrying intimidated his enemies and forced their surrender
• Focused attack on Yorkshire - centre of rebellion - then divided his armies into small forces that were sent to hunt down his enemies and devastate the surrounding areas

Question 6

What was the feudal system?

Answer 6

All land was owned solely by the King, who then granted land to his tenants in return for knight service, tax, or other services.

Question 7

What were tenants-in-cheif?

Answer 7

190 loyal Norman lords who held land

Question 8

What were great tenants? Name 2

Answer 8

11 of William’s most trusted allies who held half of the land.
Bishop Odo, William FitzOsbern