The Normans And 1066 Flashcards
How many children did Edward the Confessor have?
He had no children despite being married to a Saxon wife.
What did it mean that Edward had no children?
The throne of England was up for grabs
Throughout 1066 what happened for the throne of England?
Throughout 1066 a number of contenders for treating throne of England would fight each other to be King
What did each contender have?
Each contender had a claim to the throne sand they each had their own supporters
Who were the contenders for the throne of England?
Harald Hardrada (Hard Raider), William of Normandy, Harold Godwin, Edgar the Atheling
Give a title for Harald Hardrada?
Harald III King of Norway and Denmark (1047-66) (Viking)
Give a title for William of Normandy?
Duke of Normandy (since 1035)
Give a title for Harold Godwin?
Harold II, King of England. Previously Earl of Wessex
Give a title for Edgar the Atheling?
Prince Edgar
What were the reasons for Harald Hardrada being King of England?
Claimed to be the true heir of Canute. Since Canute had ruled England as well as Norway and Denmark so should he. Harald Godwin’s brother Tostig supported him and would supply him an army and ships to help him dethrone Harold. He was also supported by the Vikings.
What were the reasons for William of Normandy being King of England?
Claimed that Edward the Confessor had promised him the throne of England. Claimed that Harold had sworn to back him as King. He was an experienced commander and had good equipment. He had the support of the Pope which meant he had the support of God.
What were the reasons for Harold Godwin being King of England?
Brother-in-law of Edward the Confessor. A good strong fighting leader. Very popular with most of the English. He had been elected King by the Witan (Saxon council made up of bishops, novels and advisors). He was a member of the Witan.
What were the reasons for Edgar the Atheling being King of England?
Great grandson of Ethelred the Unready. Grand nephew of Edward the Confessor. Thus a direct descendant of the Saxon royal family. Harold had only married into it. Blood claim to the throne of England.
What were the reasons against Harald Hardrada being King of England?
He was in Norway, not England. Most Englishmen preferred Harold. If he invaded England it would renew the old wars between Danes and English.
What were the reasons against William of Normandy being King of England?
Harold was already established as King. An invasion of England would require a fleet and could be very risky. He would have little support in England.
What were the reasons against Harold Godwin being King of England?
William claimed that Harold had promised to support him as the next King, and had sworn on holy relics to do so.
What were the reasons against Edgar the Atheling being King of England?
Only a boy so could not fight either Duke William or the King of Norway. Had been brought up in Hungary so had few supporters in England.
When did Harold Godwinson become the new King of England?
6th January 1066
In February and March 1066, what did Harold Godwinson tell English people about?
New laws and about ruling England because he wanted to show everyone that he was in charge of the country.
In April 1066, what was Harold Godwinson really scared by?
Something he saw burning in the night sky and the people thought this meant it was a message from God telling them that maybe God was angry at the new King.
How many soldiers did Harold Godwinson arrange for a big army to gather in the summer of 1066?
10,000
How are William and Harold described?
Harold is described as a tall striking man with long hair and a general Saxon moustache. William was popular, powerful and if you betrayed him he would kill you, but if you were nice to him he would reward you.
Who made up Harold’s Saxon army?
A core of full time professional soldiers made up Harold’s Saxon army also known as Housecarls. Also there was a part time army called the furred, though they weren’t as professional as the Housecarls.
Why did William not invade in the Summer of 1066?
The weather in the English Channels were too rough
