The Norman Conquest OCR B History GCSE

How was their War and Turbulence in late Anglo Saxon England?

Border with Scotland unsettled, Vikings invaded, threat of Civil War

How was there inequality in late Anglo Saxon England?

Powerful individuals, slavery survived, thralls born into slavery (property of master), selling children to slavery

Give 2 corrupt individuals in the church in late Anglo Saxon England?

Archbishop Stigand (focussed on money), Harold Godwinson (supported Stigand to become wealthy)

How was England in a good economic condition before 1066?

Royal mints with trusted coins, system of shires and burhs, taxation. England was one of the wealthiest states in Europe.

How was Anglo Saxon culture wonderful?

Alfred's Jewel, Beowulf, well protected burhs, diverse place, St Dunstan

What was the position of women in Anglo Saxon England?

Legal right to own land, same Wergild value, ability to divorce. In practice, they were not treated as equals, however.

Who was Archbishop of Canterbury in 960AD? What were his aims?

St Dunstan worked to end corruption, improve education, rebuild churches, abbeys and monasteries.

How many men did Harold have at the Battle of Hastings?

7000 (all on foot)

How was William lucky to win the Battle of Hastings?

Hardrada and Tostig had attacked Harold in York and the bad weather delayed his attack so Harold's army was not as strong.

How did William's Norman background help him win at Hastings?

Normans were very professional, well-equipped soldiers, best at fighting on horseback in Europe due to stirrup, utilised archers, fake retreat tactic, Motte and Bailey castles, Feudal system so army easily called on.

How did William's personal qualities help him win at Hastings?

He inherited Normandy when 8, married Mathilda of Flanders to gain power, great tactician, strong claim to the throne (blood link to Emma of Normandy, Godwinson's oath and Pope's support)

When was the Harrying of the North?

1068-70

Who did William appoint as Earl of Northumbria? Why? What did he do?

Robert of Comines, to keep the North under control, his army attacked people in Durham

When was Hereward the Wake's rebellion in Ely? What happened to the rebels?

1070, the leaders were imprisoned, other rebels had their hands cut off and their eyes gauged out

How was William reasonable in the way he took control over England?

He allowed Earls to keep most of their land, he allowed nobles to keep positions if they submitted to him, he offered his daughter's hand in marriage to Edwin.

How was William reasonable in Exeter?

He promised not to: plunder the city, punish the people, demand more tax or take their precious objects.

What were burh-geats?

Anglo Saxon fortified sites built by thegns, they had a hall, ditch, gatehouse and wooden palisade.

What do the remains of Exeter gatehouse suggest about its purpose?

Gatehouse facing into city, large wooden doors, large windows so it would have been useless for defence.

What can landscapes tell us about the purpose of Norman Castles?

More than 80% built in countryside, not well defended, located near already defended burhs (no need for castle).

What do the surroundings of Castle Acre, Norfolk tell us about its purpose?

A road had been moved to give a better view of the castle. This was a two-storied house surrounded by a ringwork, so not for defence.

What do earthworks suggest about the purpose of Norman Castles?

Most built from timber and earth, simple motte and bailey structures, so not elaborate status symbols.

What do earthworks around Elmley Castle, Worcestershire tell us about its use?

The ringworks remain, used as fortifications

What do the archaeological digs of Hen Domen (English-Welch border) tell us about its purpose?

Large tower at top of the motte was a vantage point. Lack of luxury items found suggests military site. Strong defences of double ramparts and ditches.

What percentage of the 2 million people in England were Norman in 1087?

1%

How many English tenants-in-chiefs were there out of 180?

4

How was the land distributed between Norman lords, the King, the Church and English landowners? (%)

50% (Norman lords), 20% (king), 25% (church), 5% (English landowners)

When was the Domesday Book commissioned? Why?

1085, to work out the maximum he could tax

What laws did the Normans bring into England?

Trial by Combat, Murdrum Fine, Forest Law

From 1065 to 1087, by what percentage did the number of slaves fall?

25%

What were some improvements to the Church by 1087?

Stigand was ex-communicated, larger cathedrals built at Durham, Canterbury and York, Monasteries restored and built