Medieval Migration to England: Vikings, Normans, Jews and Other Migrants

A set of QUESTION_AND_ANSWER flashcards covering Vikings, Normans, Jewish migration, and other migrant groups in medieval England, including motivations, impacts on language, law, economy, and the built environment.

Who were the Vikings and where did they come from?

They came from Scandinavia, specifically Norway, Sweden, and Denmark.

What did Vikings do along the British coast in the late 8th century?

They raided villages, towns, and places of worship during spring and summer, then returned to Scandinavia.

What kinds of items did Vikings steal during raids?

Gold, jewels, and books, as well as food, cattle, clothes, and tools.

When did Vikings begin to settle in Britain rather than just raid?

From the mid-800s.

Why did Vikings migrate to England?

They were attracted by English wealth from trade, political tensions made England weak, and farming societies offered opportunities.

Which region in England did Vikings eventually govern and settle?

The Northeast, known as the Danelaw.

Who were the Normans and where were they from?

The Normans were from Normandy, a region in France, with ties to England through Edward the Confessor.

How did William become king after the Norman invasion?

After invading England and defeating Harold Godwinson at the Battle of Hastings, he was crowned king on Christmas Day 1066.

How did William encourage Norman supporters to settle in England?

By offering them land.

When did Jews first live in England and how many were there by November after the conquest?

There were no records before October; by November there were about 5,000 Jews.

Why were Jews invited to settle in England under Norman rule?

They were essential to the economy, lending money to fund large projects like castles and cathedrals, since Christians prohibited charging interest.

What restrictions did Jews face in medieval England?

They could lend money but were barred from joining craft guilds, and antisemitism grew.

What events marked rising antisemitism against Jews in England?

Blood libel accusations and subsequent pogroms, leading to further persecution.

What action did Edward I take regarding Jews in December?

Expelled Jews from England and seized their land and property.

How did Jewish moneylending impact the English economy?

Loans funded major building projects and wars, enabled by lending and taxation, boosting wealth and infrastructure.

What is denization?

A process by which migrants could be treated as British citizens with a letter of denization.

Who were the Hanse merchants and what was their impact on English trade?

Merchants from the Holy Roman Empire who controlled parts of English wool trade; they helped England become a major European trading center in the 13th–14th centuries.

Who were the Flemish migrants and why were they invited?

People from the Low Countries who brought weaving skills to help develop the wool industry.

Who were Lombardy bankers and what was their role?

Bankers from Lombardy (in the Holy Roman Empire) who lent money to English monarchs, aiding wars and growth.

What artisans and other groups settled in England by the end of the medieval period?

Artesians from the Low Countries (tailors, brick makers, shoemakers); winemakers from Spain and Portugal; Scottish migrants as servants and laborers; and migrants from Africa and Asia.

Why did migrants come to England during this period?

Some were invited by the monarch (e.g., Henry III inviting Low Countries weavers); opportunities arose after the Black Death; others fled natural disasters, war, or persecution.

What cultural influences did the Vikings bring to England?

Viking origins contributed to English words (e.g., happy, husband), fashion and dress, and the growth of towns like York as trading hubs.

What was the Norman influence on language, culture, and law?

French became the language of power; Norman names appeared; the feudal system was introduced; new laws (e.g., Murdrum fine) and churches, castles, and monasteries were built.

What were some economic and political impacts of Norman rule on English towns and crafts?

Towns like Southampton, Bristol, and Lincoln grew; craft guilds and a new tax system were introduced; land was granted to Normans to consolidate control.

What was Brettegate?

An area outside York where Celtic Britons lived, enslaved by the Vikings

How many mints did York have?

1 in the region, showing the cities financial importance.