Wiliam's Preparations to Invade Flashcards
What area did William’s dukedom cover?
Normandy
Where had William conquered in 1063?
Maine- neighbouring area next to Normandy
Why did the King of France in 1066 not present a serious threat to William’s independence?
He was 14 years
What made William one of the most powerful men in north western Europe?
A civil war in Anjou
King of France being 14
No real threat nearby
What could the Duke do due to lack of any real threat?
Look across the English Channel
What was vital for William? How did he achieve this?
Keeping the men and fleet in good condition
Kept them well fed and insisted on total discipline- brutal punishments for those who stepped out of line
Where did William station his fleet?
On the mouth of the River Somme
When did William set sail with his fleet?
27th September 1066
What direction did William move his fleet? How did this cut the distance?
South
Cut the distance to England down to 20 miles
How did William secure the support of the Pope for his invasion of England?
Persuading him that as king he would be able to reform the English Catholic Church
What did the Pope give William?
Papal Banner
What did marching behind the Papal Banner help William gain?
Wider support for his invasion as people believed God was on his side
What did William spend a fortune on to sail across the Channel?
Building a large fleet
What were built to make it easier to transport horses?
Flat-bottomed boats
What type of castles were prepared to be put up as soon as the Normans secured land in England?
Flat-pack castles
