Normans Flashcards
Government
England was ruled by king Edward the confessor.
Government
It was divided into different areas ruled by earls
Defence
The king and earls had around 2500-3000 housecarl soldiers
Defence
They called upon these peasants to fight for them when necessary
Lay of the land
Most of the south half of England was covered in forest
Lay of the land
There were small villages where forest was cleared and the land was farmed
Population
There were 2 million people lived in Norman Britain but even fewer lived in northern parts of the country.
Population
Not many people lived there because it wasn’t well defended
Battle of Hastings
1066
Battle of Stamford bridge
25 September 1066
Who won the battle of Hastings?
William won the battle because he was well prepared and had good tactics.
He did a feigned retreat which worked by pretending to run away then turning and attacking when the enemy wasn’t ready
William becoming king
He could not become king after he killed the reigning king and only controlled a small portion Around pevensey.
William becoming king
He said he was the rightful king as Edward the confessor has promised him the thrown. He wanted to show the legitimacy of his claim but was still overpowered but very important earls
William becoming king
English people were unhappy with the normans and hated the Norman rule so he struggled to gain power.
The 3 earls
They plotted to overthrow William and divide all of the land between all three of them.
The 3 earls
They includes Norman and Anglo Saxons working together.
The leader was Ralph de gael the earl of east anglia who plotted with roger de bretuell and Walthoef
William establishing control
Terror for example using violence to crush rebellions
Terror
Harrying of the north where he terrorised farms and villages by burning crops and putting salt in the soil so food can’t grow.
Terror
He made people loyal in Canterbury by threatening them with violence.
Military presence
For example intimidating people by stationing soldiers or castles nearby
Military presence
He fortified the town of Romany
Military presence
He waited at Hastings with soldiers waiting for the earls
Patronage
For example giving land and positions or power to ensure loyalty
Patronage
Royal writs and people could buy land t become earls
