The Godwin family Flashcards
how did the Godwins gain/maintain so much power
they gained earldoms around their country
what earldom did Harold Godwinson control
He controlled the earldom of the wessex
what earldom did harolds brother, Tostig Godwinson control
Earldom of Northumbria
What Earldom did Harolds older brother Gyrth Godwinson control
Earldom of East Anglia
how did having so many earldoms allow the Godwin family to maintain so much power
the rents for the land they owned gave them lots of money
The Godwins had a large army which helped them maintain power. Why did they have such a large army?
they had hundreds of thengs working for them
who did Harold Godwinson’s sister Edith marry
King Edward the confessor
The Godwin family was also powerful due to military success. where were they successful in battle
Wales
Who did the Godwins defeat in Wales
Gruffudd ap Llywelyn
How did military success give the Godwin family more power
it massively increased their reputation and made potential rivals scared to challenge their power
There was a massive rebellion against Tostig Godwinson in Northumbria. What were the economic causes
too much taxation
what were the social causes
the North was ‘Danelaw’ and not used to Tostig’s southern ways
How did Harold Godwinson react to the rebellion against his brother Tostig in the North
Harold and Edward the Confessor did not support Tostig, they blamed him for the rebellion and Tostig fled to Europe in exile
How did Tostig react to his brother not supporting him
He was furious, and joined up with the King of Norway, Harald Hadrada
