Normans how William won the crown Flashcards
When I did Edward the confessor die
1066
What were reasons why Harold Godwinson should have the throne?
Kings brother in law
Godwins we’re most powerful family controlled Wessex
Supported by Witan
Excellent military leader
Edward offered Harold throne on death bed
Why should Harold Hardrada have the throne?
Experienced king
Northern England had Viking ancestors
Powerful warrior led Varangian Guard
Supported by Tostig Godwinson
Why did William have claim to the throne?
Distant cousin to Edward
Wessex and Normandy allied since 998AD
Claimed Harold had promised him the throne under oath in 1064
Who were the invaders at fulford gate ?
Harald Tostig and 7000 Viking solidiers
Who were the defenders at fulford gate ?
Earl Edwin and Morcar and 3500 Saxons
What happened at fulford gate ?
Vikings overwhelmed solidiers and heavy losses both sides then Edwin and Morcar fled
When was the Battle of fulford gate ?
20th September 1066
When was the battle of Stamford bridge?
25th September 1066
What happened at battle of stanford bridge?
Harold marched 190 miles in 4 days to York and surprised Vikings . Hardrada and Tostig were both killed
When was the battle of Hastings?
14th October 1066
Why did the Anglo Saxons lose at Hastings ?
Solidiers approx 7000 mostly fyrds
Army exhausted after 4 day march
Harold fought on foot and had poor leadership
Shield wall formation was predictable
Back luck as it was harvest so had less solidiers
Why did Normans win at Hastings?
8000 well trained troops- knights trained from age 3
Feigned flight tactic
Knights on horseback Calvary
Good leadership - 12pm archers pushed to front
William horseback so could easily give orders
Why did Edgar Aetheling have claim to throne?
Nearest blood relative but only 14 years older
Methods of control - terror
After Hastings took army to Romney to punish town for killing Normans
Burned and habitants slaughtered
Land seized and un inherited
Methods of control - military
By 1086, 48 large castles
Symbol of Norman oppression
Methods of control - patronage
English lords swore oaths of allegiance to William
Harold’s sons kept land and titles
Methods of control -concessions
Saxon Archbishop of Canterbury kept until 1070
Methods of control- legality
William claimed rightful heir as promised by Edward
Took enemies with him to Normandy to prevent rebelling in his absence
