Year 7 Norman Conquest Revision Flashcards

Comprehensive vocabulary flashcards covering the key terms, people, and events of the Norman Conquest as detailed in the Year 7 revision guide.

Conquest

Taking control of a country or place by force, such as William conquering England in 1066.

Claimant

A person who says they have the right to something, such as the several men who said they should be King of England in 1066.

Succession

The process of deciding who becomes the next king or queen after the old ruler dies.

Invasion

When an army enters another country by force, as Harald Hardrada and William did in 1066.

Battle of Stamford Bridge

The battle in September 1066 where King Harold defeated Harald Hardrada in the north of England.

Battle of Hastings

The battle fought on 14 October 1066 where William of Normandy defeated King Harold to become King of England.

Coronation

A special ceremony where someone is officially made king or queen, such as William's ceremony on 25 December 1066.

Consolidation

The process of making power stronger and safer after becoming a ruler.

Rebellion

When a group of people fight against their ruler or government.

Harrying of the North

William’s harsh punishment of northern England in 1069–1070 where villages, crops, and animals were destroyed.

Castle

A strong building used for defence and control that William built to help him rule England.

Motte-and-bailey castle

An early Norman castle made from wood and earth, consisting of a raised mound (motte) and a courtyard (bailey).

Feudal system

A way of organising society where land was given in return for loyalty and service.

Baron

A powerful Norman lord who was given land by William in exchange for loyalty and providing soldiers.

Villein

A peasant who worked on a lord’s land and was not free to leave without the lord’s permission.

Domesday Book

A survey of England completed in 1086 recording land ownership, wealth, and resources for tax purposes.

Edward the Confessor

The King of England whose death on 5 January 1066 caused a succession crisis.

Harold Godwinson

The man crowned King of England on 6 January 1066 following the death of Edward the Confessor.

Bayeux Tapestry

An account of events from 1064 - 1066 that is 70 metres long and was produced by the Normans.

Senlac Hill

The location where Harold’s army formed a shield wall at the top during the Battle of Hastings.

Feigned retreat

A tactic where Norman soldiers pretended to run away to trick the English army into leaving their strong position.

Housecarls

Harold’s best soldiers who were strong and experienced fighters.

Fyrd

Ordinary men called up to fight in Harold's army.

William of Poitiers

A Norman writer and chaplain who provided a positive interpretation of William as a brave military leader.

Anglo-Saxon Chronicle

A source written by English monks that gives a negative interpretation of William's rule, citing fear and distress.

Bishop Odo

William’s half-brother who stayed behind to build castles and is believed by some historians to have arranged the Bayeux Tapestry.