NORMANS Flashcards
Who were the 3 contenders to the throne in 1066?
Harold Godwinson
William of Normandy
Harold Hardrada
Who was Harold Godwinson?
Harold was from Wessex. He was a wealthy, nobleman and is claimed that Edward the confessor named Godwinson the king on his deathbed. Godwinson’s sister(Edith) was married to Edward making Harold him Brother in law. Born in 1022
Who was Edward the confessor?
He was the king in England, born in 1003 and died in 1066 without any statement saying who was the next king.
Who was William of Normandy?
William was a duke who controlled Normandy. he was a distant cousin to Edward the confessor and claimed that he had been promised the throne in 1051. He helped Godwinson when he was stranded in 1061 and Edward said that William would get the throne. William was born on the 8th of November 1028.
Who was Harold H?ardrada
He was a viking king of Norway. He was a distant relative of King Cnut, who had previously been a king of England. There were alot of vikings in England and they said that Hardrada should take the throne. He was also very ruthless.Born in 1015.
Who were the Fyrd and who did they belong to?
They were part-time soldiers and belonged to Harold’s army.
Who were the house carls and who did they belong to?
They were elite soldiers of about 2000 men and had battle-axes and worked for Harold.
What was Harolds army made up of and what was their energy?
Harolds army was made up of the Fyrd and house Carl’s. he had an army of about 7000-8000 men. Harolds army was very tired as he just defeated Harold Hardrada at stamford bridge.
What was William’s army made up of and how was his army’s energy.
Made up of Calvary, archers, foot soldiers and knights. He had an army of 7000-8000 men and his army was well rested and ready for battle
Explain the Norman fight between Harold Godwinson and William.
- Harold’s army starts at the top of the hill which gave an advantage.
2.William’s army charge uphill but Godwinson’s army use their shield. They pretend to retreat.
3.Harold’s army follow them downhill breaking up their advantage.
4.William’s army turns around and attacks.
- Harold is killed an William won the battle of Hastings.
Why did William win?
-Harolds tiredness, tactics, army strength and Leadership
What was the Harrying of the North?
William defeated the rebellion. From 1069-1070, William ordered all the villages to be burnt down, farm animals being slaughtered and no more crops. In the Domesday Book, it says that the Population in the North decreased by 75%.
What was Feudalism?
A way of looking how society was organised in medieval times.
Who were the People from the top to the bottom of society?
Top—-
-William
Middle—–
-Barons
Knights
Poor—-
-Peasants
What percentage population did the Peasants have in the Norman society?
90%
When was the Peasants revolt?
1381
Who were known as tenants-in-chief?
Barons or Lords
TRUE OR FALSE: Feudalism was all because William wanted to control England?
TRUE
What were Motte and Bailey castles?
Motte and Bailey castles were made from wood and the ‘keep’ was situated at the top of the motte(small hill).These castles were protected by a Palisade (tall wooden fence) and There was also a moat. these castles weren’t meant for luxury, they were meant for quick building and control. Over 500 motte and bailey castles were built after the Norman conquest.
