Chapter 1: The Normans - Conquest and Control

Danegeld

Payments made by the English to the Vikings to prevent raids.

Earldoms

Divisions created by Canute to effectively control England, including Wessex, Northumbria, Mercia, and East Anglia.

Witan

The English advisers who resented the appointment of Normans in Edward's court.

Housecarls

Professional soldiers in Harold's army.

Fyrd

The militia of ordinary people called by the King to fight.

Thegns

Lords in the Anglo-Saxon system who provided military service.

Papal Banner

Symbol given to William by the Pope, indicating divine approval for his invasion.

Feigned retreat

A military tactic used by the Normans to lure the English into breaking formation.

Harrying of the North

William's brutal campaign against the Northumbrians, involving mass killings and destruction.

Garrison

A body of troops stationed in a particular location to provide security.

Disinherited

To deprive someone of their right to inheritance or property.

Burhs

Fortified towns that were the closest form of castles built in England before 1066.