The Normans Flashcards
Upon the death of king Harthacnut in 1042, who inherited the throne?
Edward the confessor.
How was William related to Edward?
Through Emma, who was the sister of williams great grandfather. Making William a distant cousin of Edwards.
What are the main ways used to pass the throne on?
- )A son of the king could inherit it.( if king didn’t have sons, then a male relative of previous kings could inherit.)
- Post Obitum.
- )Novissima verba.
- )The use of force ( claimants challenge each other for the throne, successful one gets it.)
What doe the term Post Obitum mean?
Meant ‘after death’. Meant the king could nominate or bequest someone to inherit the throne.
What does the term ‘Novissima Verba’ mean?
That the king could nominate a heir of his choice; if this decision was made on his deathbed.
Who were the 4 claimants to the throne?
William of Normandy, Harold Godwinson, Harold Hardrada and Edgar the Aethling.
Why did Edgar believe he had the right to the throne?
- ) He was the great nephew of Edward the Confessor.
- )Had the closest blood tie to Edward.
- )Edgar was treated as Edwards adopted son, any many saw him as such.
What were some weaknesses of Edgars claim?
1.) Edward never named Edgar as his heir.
Why did Harold Hardrada believe he had a right to the throne?
- )Harold was related to King Cnut. (Edward had no sons, hence, a relative of the previous king should be chosen, himself.)
- )Hardrada’s father Magnus had been promised the throne by Cnut’s son, Harthacnut. Therefore, Hardrada believed he had a claim to the throne through his father. Edward claimed the throne instead of stepping aside for Hardrada.
What was a weakness in Harold Hardrada’s claim to the throne?
1.) Had no direct blood ties to english royal families.
Why did Harold Godwinson believe he had a right to the throne?
- ) As he was a ‘sub-regulus’, a deputy king who ran England for Edward and represented him in battle from 1066 onwards.
- )Harold said Edward promised him the throne on his deathbed.
What were some failures of Harold Godwinson’s claim to the throne
1.) No blood connection with Edward. Edwards brother-in-law.
Why did William of Normandy believe he had the right to the throne?
- ) Was a distant cousin to Edward through Edward’s mother,Emma
- )Claimed Edward promised him the throne, earlier in his reign.
What were some failures of William of Normandy’s claim to the throne?
- ) There is no proof or evidence, that Edward said this.
2. ) According to his doctor he used ‘Cunning force’ to make Edward make him king. Not naturally said by Edward.
Who was automatically crowned king the day after Edward died?
Harold Godwinson.
William started to………his forces in preparation for an invasion of England as soon as he found out about Harold’s……………
- ) mobilize
2. ) Coronation.
What were 5 ways William prepared to invade England?
- ) Support from the French.
- )Support from God
- )Military Preparations - The Fleet.
- )Military Preparations - The Army.
- )Getting Across the channel.
What boats did William build to transport horses?
Flat-bottomed boats.
What were ‘Flat-Pack castles’?
temporary castles, used so that when the normans landed they could put castles up quickly.
Who did the Pope give the papal banner to?
William
Why did the pope give the papal banner to William?
As William sent Lanfranc, a leading member of the Norman church, to Rome, to persuade the pope that the English church needed reforming and that William was the man to do it.
What did the papal banner signify?
That the pope supported William and that the war was now a ‘Holy war’.
Why did so many people want to join William?
As it was a now a ‘Holy War’ and they were promised land and riches.
How many people were ready to cross the english channel with William?
8000
Where did William relocate the journey to Britain from?
Moved the starting point from the river dives to saint-valery-sur-somme. Halving the journey by 33km (20 miles.)
Why could William not invade as soon as Edward died?
As he wanted to opt for a long term strategy and amass his military forces. Also prepare political and religious support for his campaign.
And the winds were facing the wrong direction pushing them back.
Why was Harold no there to fight Edward as soon as he landed in pevensey?
As Harold had waited in the south with an army, however William didn’t come so he travelled north with his elite soldiers to fight off an invasion from Hardrada, at fulford gate and stamford bridge.
What did William order his troops immediately after they landed?
Built castles using the flat pack structures they brought with them. defending there landing spot.
Who did Harold Hardrada ally with against Godwinson?
Harold Godwinson’s brother - Tostig Godwinson.
Where did Hardrada sail from?
Norway
How many men did Hardrada have during bring for his invasion.
7,000 Viking soldiers
How many ships did Hardrada bring?
300
When did the battle of Fulford Gate happen
20th September 1066
Who won the battle of Fulford Gate?
Hardrada
What were some outcomes of the Battle of Fulford Gate?
- )Northern army became disorganised and scattered
2. )Edwin and Morcar were forced to flee.
Who won the battle of Stamford bridge?
Harold Godwinson