Norman Society, Culture And Warfare Pre 1066

Question 1

Stirrup

Answer 1

The invention of the stirrup made cavalry possible. This meant that the rider could charge at their enemy and swing their sword while still in the saddle

Question 2

Frankish kingdom

Answer 2

•Normans crushed rebellions brutally big adopted the local language and customs of the people they ruled
• by the early eleventh century, Normandy was one of the more stable parts of the Frankish kingdom

Question 3

Church

Answer 3

• Williams vassals had to fight for him, but the Pope’s support meant other powerful rulers from across northern France supported William
• Normans were devout supporters of the Roman Catholic Church and were at the forefront of Church reform.
• Monks and nuns were praised for their devotion and the quality of their teaching, as well as their religious art and music
• Churchs were larger and finer than those in Anglo Saxon England. Even in small towns, the churches were usually built from stone
• Normans favoured a style called Romanesque, with clean lines and elegant rounded arches in churches

Question 4

Stable until…

Answer 4

• Normandy was stable until an eleventh century crisis led to William becoming Duke at the age of 8, but was too young to rule

Question 5

Brutal

Answer 5

1047 - full scale revolt broke out
William took charge and persuaded the King of the Franks to help him crush the rebels
He was merciless and regained control of the duchy

Question 6

William’s marriage

Answer 6

Made a very advantageous marriage to Matilda of Flanders. Flanders was a powerful neighbouring country