Paper 2 - Anglo-Saxon and Norman England Flashcards
What was the role of the king in Anglo-Saxon society (1060-1066)?
Head of the government.
Had to defend his country.
Pass good laws.
Defend the Church and appoint its leaders.
Manage his earls and other nobles.
What was the role of the king’s household and the court in Anglo-Saxon society (1060-1066)?
The king’s household consisted of the king, his family, and his household soldiers (housecarls), and the servants needed to care for the royal family.
Court consisted of the king’s household and his advisors - the chief landowners and bishops who the king consulted on important decisions.
Administrators wrote down the king’s laws and sent out written orders (writs) to officials around the country.
What was the role of the Witan in Anglo-Saxon society (1060-1066)?
Meetings with the king to discuss important issues. It met when the king decided to hold a meeting and only those he summoned could attend.
Members included earls, thegns, senior members of the Church, including archbishops and bishops.
King had the final decision.
Most important role came if there was doubt about who would be the next king.
What was the role of the earldoms in Anglo-Saxon society (1060-1066)?
Four main earldoms were Wessex, Mercia, Northumbria, and East Anglia.
The earls was expected to ensure that there were no rebellions, that crimes were punished, and armies were raised for the king.
Earls were second only in power to the king and could rival the king if they handed together.
What were the shires and hundreds in Anglo-Saxon society (1060-1066)?
There were about 40 shires or counties.
The king appointed a local thegn as sheriff. They were expected to collect taxes and fires, carry out justice in the king’s shire-court, and raise soldiers for the royal army whenever needed.
Hundreds were sub-divisions of shires, and they contained around 12 villages.
Each hundred had its own reeve, who held a hundred-court each month to deal with less serious crimes.
What were punishments like in Anglo-Saxon society (1060-1066)?
The wergild was a fine paid to the victims of crime or their families as compensation.
The wergild for killing a nobleman was 300 shillings, a freeman was 100 shillings, and for killing a peasant was even lower.
Capital/physical punishment was a small number of serious crimes that carried the death penalty, such as treason against the king or betraying your lord.
Reoffended were also punished harshly - punishment for repeat offenders included mutilation, such as cutting off a hand, ear, or nose.
Prisons were only used for holding criminals before trial so they couldn’t escape as it was so expensive to build and run prisons.
What was policing like in Anglo-Saxon society (1060-1066)?
Self-help system called a tithing.
Every male over the age of 12 joined a tithing, a group of 10 men who were responsible for each other’s behaviour. If one broke the law, the other members of the tithing had to bring him to court, or pay a fine. There was a collective responsibility for stopping crime.
If a crime was committed, the victim or witness was expected to raise the ‘hue and cry’ - the entire village was expected to join the hunt to catch the criminal, and if a person didn’t join the ‘hue and cry’, then the whole village would have to pay a fine.
What were trials like in Anglo-Saxon society (1060-1066)?
Jury consisted of men who knew both the accuser and the accused.
When the jury couldn’t decide on a person’s guilt, the accused was subjected to trial by ordeal in a church.
Before the ordeal, the accused had to fast for 3 days and hear Mass.
There were many different ordeals. Generally, if a resulting wound healed cleanly, it was a sign from God that the accused was innocent. If it didn’t heal, they were guilty and should be punished.
What was the Anglo-Saxon economy (1060-1066)?
Villages had an agricultural economy - they used plots of land to grow crops and raise animals.
Many developed craft skills and made goods, such as pottery, iron weapons, tools and woven cloth.
Produced just enough food and clothing for their own family (called a subsistence economy).
Some people produced a little extra to barter or swap (called an exchange economy). They bartered to exchange goods for money or coins.
In towns it was an exchange economy, with a weekly market where goods could be exchanged.
Towns on the coast were important ports for international trading routes.
What were the similarities between villages and towns in Anglo-Saxon society (1060-1066)?
Houses were built from wattle and daub.
Houses were usually built on narrow plots.
Animals inside towns/villages and grazed in fields outside the walls.
Churches were one of the most important buildings.
Farming was the main occupation.
Ploughs were important - grew crops.
What were the differences between villages and towns in Anglo-Saxon society (1060-1066)?
Villages had agricultural economies, whereas towns had exchange economies.
Towns had defensive walls, a mint, and a marketplace.
People in towns had higher status and more money.
Markers in towns sold a wide range of goods that weren’t made in villages, which included jewellery, leather items (like bags), woven cloths, and weapons. Some traders sold luxury goods like wine from France, pepper from Asia, fine cloth (silk etc), spices and gems from Spain, Italy, Middle East.
Towns on the coast or on large rivers were important ports for international trading routes.
Crops were also grown in fields outside the town by townspeople and they could also sell their produce on market day.
90% of population lived in villages.
Villages were smaller (12-15 houses).
Towns could have up to 10,000 people.
How did the Church influence Anglo-Saxon society (1060-1066)?
Church owned 25% of the land in England.
Archbishops and bishops were often members of the Witan.
Each archbishop was in charge of the Church in his region.
There were about 15 bishops, each one in charge of a diocese.
Monks and nuns mainly prayed, but acted as teachers and advisors to lords.
Selling crops grown on monastery farms made monasteries very wealthy.
Anglo-Saxons believed in heaven and hell, so people went to Church to worship God.
What kind of king was Edward the Confessor?
Respected ruler.
Very religious (vow of celibacy).
Not a warrior king.
Believed to be God’s representative on Earth.
Loosely related to King Cnut.
Why did Edward the Confessor not receive full support in the north of England?
Before Edward, the Vikings had ruled England and they still had support in the North. In the North, they believed in Danelaw, where Danish laws and customs were still followed. These people wanted local men, not Edward, to rule them.
What happened to Tostig Godwin?
In 1055, Tostig was made Earl of Northumbria, which was a very difficult job.
He had to raise armies against potential invaders, but was never fully accepted by the people.
He spent a lot of time away from Northumbria and when the people rebelled, he dealt with it heavy-handedly.
In 1065, the Yorkshire thegns rebelled against Tostig and demanded that Morcar replace him.
Harold Godwin was sent to speak to the rebels.
Harold Godwin must have agreed that Tostig couldn’t keep control of Northumbria, and recommended that Edward agree to the rebels’ demands.
Tostig went into exile and was furious with his brother.
Why did the Godwin family have so much influence over Edward the Confessor?
They were advisors to the king, which made them important as they could influence his decisions, and were a key part in any decision.
Helped Edward become king, which made them important as Edward trusted them and needed to show them loyalty.
Harold was a great military leader, and Edward wasn’t. Edward had to rely on Harold to protect England from invaders.
The Godwins were very wealthy, which led to great power. They also had the ability to raise a large army.
Edward the Confessor had married Edith, sister of Harold, so the two families were officially connected, allowing Harold to have a claim to the throne.
Harold led the king’s army - England would be vulnerable without the Godwin’s military support.
What did Harold and Tostig Godwin do between 1055 and 1063?
They led a series of military campaigns in Wales to end the violence caused by the rebellious princes.
How did Harold Godwin develop strong links with the Church and why was this important?
Won the support of influential bishops, founded an abbey, and going on pilgrimage to Rome.
The Church was very influential and its members were often on the Witan, who got to chose who would be king if there was no heir.
How did Harold Godwin’s marriages benefit his power?
He had an unofficial marriage with Edith Swan-neck.
At the start of 1066, he married another Edith, who was the sister of Earls Edwin and Morcar. This meant he had the support of some of the most powerful earls, and support in the north.
What happened to Harold Godwin in 1064?
He was sent on an embassy to Normandy (according to William to confirm Edward’s promise to him) but was captured. When William heard, he freed Harold immediately. This put Harold in William’s debt and during the visit, Harold promised on holy relics to support William’s claim to the throne.
What happened when Edward the Confessor died 6th January 1066?
Harold Godwin became king.
Harold was with Edward when he died and claimed Edward promised Harold the kingdom on his deathbed.
The Witan supported Harold as king.
William of Normandy believed he was promised the throne by Edward, and Harold Godwin - Harold went against a religious oath.
Tostig was unhappy - his brother was king yet he was living in exile.
People in the north were unhappy (went against Danelaw, the belief that locals should be in charge).
Danes weren’t happy - they’d ruled England before (1015-1042) and saw Edward’s death as an opportunity to rule again.
Why was it decided that Edward the Confessor’s only blood relative couldn’t rule?
His great nephew Edgar Atheling was only 14 years old.
Why did Harald Hardrada have a claim to Edward’s throne?
His father, Magnus of Norway, made an agreement with King Cnut of England that if one of them died childless, the other would take the throne. Cnut did die childless, but his half-brother, Edward the Confessor, took the English throne. Now that Edward had died childless, Harald was claiming the throne on behalf of his father.
When was Harold Godwin crowned as king?
The same day as Edward’s death (6th January 1066) which shows he was perhaps anxious that opposition could gather. It is believed that some monks at the time saw this as disrespectful.
What were some strengths to Harold Godwin’s position as king?
He could raise a large army, which was well-equipped and professional soldiers.
He’d been an advisor to Edward the Confessor and served as ‘Sub-Regulus’ when Edward was very sick.
He managed to strengthen his position in the north by visiting and also marrying the sister of Edwin and Morcar.
Harold minted coins, which were widely used, suggesting that central government continued to operate.
Harold was able to assemble a fleet of ships and this was a strong force when fully equipped.
He was able to maintain his force for 4 months which was a great achievement, showing military capability.
He had a successful reign and used the time well to prepare for the impending attack.
The Witan selected Harold to succeed Edward the Confessor after his death.
Harold’s family had dominated the Witan and advised the king, establishing alliances with earls all over England.
What were some weaknesses to Harold Godwin’s position as king?
He lacked support in the north where the Northumbrians rejected him as king.
In 1066, there was no naval fleet.
He was crowned by Archbishop Stigand, who was seen as corrupt, which caused people to question how legal his coronation was.
With a threat from the north and south, Harold had to split his armed forces.
His coronation immediately after Edward’s death looked suspicious.
Harold’s army was poorly organised and relied solely on infantry.
Harold’s army didn’t use technological advances, like using castles as defence, horses or archers in battle.
What happened at the Battle of Gate Fulford, 20th September 1066?
Hardrada arrived in York in September 1066, his men totalled 6,000-7,500.
Morcar and Edwin rallied armies to meet him, they totalled 4,500-6,000 men, positioned in high ground as Riccall and formed a defensive shield-wall, and were protected by the marshland and the River Ouse.
The Saxons initially had the advantage and pushed Hardrada’s troops into the marshland.
Hardrada ordered his troops to attack the centre of the shield-wall, they managed to cross the fjord and push up the banks, and drove the Saxons back. They used an old Roman road to cross the marsh and attack the Saxons.
Many Saxons were killed in the marsh, many drowned in the River Ouse.
Survivors fled to York for safety.
Edwin and Morcar survived, but their armies were virtually destroyed.
Hardrada won.
What were the results of the Battle of Gate Fulford, 20th September 1066?
Hardrada won and went to York, where the leaders surrendered to him.
Rather than occupy York, he arranged for a meeting to take place in the days following the battle.
In the meeting, Hardrada demanded that money, soldiers and hostages be given to him. He planned to use these as he ventured south to take on King Harold, and he returned to his camp.
What happened just before the Battle of Stamford Bridge, 25th September 1066?
Hardrada set out for Stamford Bridge to wait for hostages, money and soldiers.
Hardrada was met by Harold Godwin and his army.
Harold had ridden 190 miles in 5 days to meet Hardrada.
This caught Hardrada by surprise as his men weren’t expecting a battle and were caught without armour and supplies (it was an unseasonably warm day, so many weren’t wearing armour before Harold arrived).
What happened at the Battle of Stamford Bridge, 25th September 1066?
Hardrada’s troops were positioned in the east bank on the River Derwent, but the Vikings were at a disadvantage and had to arm up and move into higher groups so they could get into position. A group of Hardrada’s men had to guard a wooden bridge to stop the Saxons until the Vikings could get into position. One single Viking guarded the bridge until Harold’s men killed him from under the bridge. This allowed Harold’s men to flood across the bridge. The Vikings got into a defensive formation. Harold gave Tostig a message that he could have Northumbria and a third of the kingdom if he surrendered, which Tostig refused. After, the Norwegian army opened fire with archers and javelins, but it quickly became a savage hand-to-hand battle, with the Saxons trying to break up the Viking defensive formation. Harald was killed by an arrow in a windpipe.
What happened after Harald Hardrada was killed during the Battle of Stamford Bridge, 25th September 1066?
Vikings refused to surrender as reinforcements had arrived from Riccall, led by Eystein Orre. They fought with ‘berserker rage’ and the Saxons were pushed back. However, the Viking reinforcements began to tire, were pushed back, broken into smaller bands and picked off, one by one.
Why was the Battle of Stamford Bridge, 25th September 1066, considered to be a victory for King Harold?
Winning in the north was important as it showed off his power in a region that had troubled kings in the past.
What did Tostig do once Harold Godwin had been crowned?
He fled to Scotland and started plotting with Hardrada. Harold’s army guarded the south coast all summer. However, this was expensive. By September, the Norman Invasion hadn’t come, so Harold’s men stood down. In September 1066, Hardrada and Tostig launched their attack. His fleet numbered 200-300 warships, carrying 10,000 Vikings. This led to the Battle of Gate Fulford, 20th September 1066.
When did William the Conqueror set sail for England?
27th September 1066
What were Harold’s disadvantages before the Battle of Hastings?
He was in the north when William arrived in the south.
Men were exhausted and now had to march south.
Lost men in previous battles, so needed to quickly recruit a new army during the journey.
Low morale.
What were William’s advantages before the Battle of Hastings?
William secured parts of the south by pillaging and forced Harold into battle.
Lots of time to prepare.
Intimidated English people - more likely to surrender.
Caught Harold off-guard and his scouts spotted Harold’s army coming.
William used cavalry.
Why did William the Conqueror win the Battle of Hastings?
His army was superior, and his leadership was strong.
Harold had lost some of his best men at the Battles of Gate Fulford and Stamford Bridge.
Harold was in the north when William arrived and only had limited time to prepare.
Harold fought alongside his men, good for morale, but when things went wrong, he was powerless to act, unable to rally his troops who then fell for the feigned flight tactic.
Some of Harold’s men were inexperienced (around 6,000 men believed to be fyrd soldiers, peasants), carried weapons but weren’t skilled, later the shield walls became weak allowing Normans to take advantage.
Harold died at a key moment in the battle, soldiers lack direction/motivation to keep fighting, some fled, others surrendered, was easy for Normans to kill off remaining Saxons.
How did William’s horses help win the Battle of Hastings?
Specially bred to be strong enough to carry an armoured knight. They could charge at the enemy and strike down at Saxon soldiers. William had the advantage as he could send in the mounted knights who could charge at the shield wall and break it up.
How did William’s strong preparations help win the Battle of Hastings?
William build flat-bottomed boats so the horses could be transported across. William also bought with him a pre-fabricated castle with sections ready-made that could be constructed quickly. This gave his troops security from attackers.
What did William fight under and why was this important for his success?
He secured backing from Pope Alexander, and used this to recruit men into his army. This meant he fought under a papal banner. William could now say that the invasion was a holy crusade and those who took part would be rewarded by God. This encouraged men from all over Europe to join William.
