GCSE AQA History: Normans c1077-1100: Norman Conquest & Control

Who was Edward the Confessor?

Anglo-Saxon king who ruled for 25 years between 1042 and 1066. His father was Ethelred the Unready and his mother was Emma of Normandy. He married Edith Godwin, but produced no heir.

What was the Government like in England before 1066?

England was ruled by Edward the Confessor since 1042. The calm and order of Edward's rule followed a time of instability. The country was divided into earldoms. Earl could become very powerful and needed to be managed by the King to maintain order. An example of a powerful Earl is Earl Godwin.

What was the population like in England before 1066?

The population was around 2 million, with the majority living in the southern part of the country.

What was society like in England before 1066?

There was a clear hierarchy in Anglo-Saxon society. The King was at the top, followed by the earls and the clergy (Church). The peasants were at the bottom.

What was the country's defence system like in England before 1066?

The King and Earls had professionally trained soldiers known as housecarls. They also had the right to call upon the peasants to fight for them in times of need.

What was religion like in England before 1066?

This was central to the lives of Anglo-Saxons and the Catholic Church was very powerful. Led by the Pope in Rome but controlled in England by bishops and other members of the clergy, the Church owned large amounts of land and made rules on everything from marriage to inheritance.

Who were the Witan?

Important Earls and Bishops who advised the King

What was the economy like in England before 1066?

England was wealthy and was a target for foreign raiders like Vikings, This put coastal areas, particularly in the north, at risk. Trade, notably with France and Scandinavia, allowed England to add to its wealth. It had one of the most advanced economic systems in the world with its own minting system for producing coins and a treasury that co-ordinated taxation and spending by the government.

Why was the Godwin family so powerful?

Earl Godwin of Wessex and has family controlled the largest and most important earldom in the country, stretching from Cornwall in the south-west to Norfolk in the east, but also commanded huge support among the people. Unlike Edward, Godwin was a respected military leader. Over time, the family's power increased further after his daughter's, Edith, marriage to King Edward and the appointment of his sons, Sweyn, Harold and Tostig to powerful positions. After a public fallout, Edward exiled the family in 1052, but later returned with a large army.

When did Edward the Confessor die? Why was a death a massive issue?

5th January 1066. Edward the Confessor was unable to produce an heir, therefore England had no successor.

How could a claim to the throne of England be made?

You could make a claim if you were the King's son (generally the eldest); Another male relative of the King, for example the King's brother or nephew; A male relative of a previous King; Naming a successor to take over when the King died; Naming a successor on the King's death bed; The Witan could nominate the succesor; Claimants could use force to take the throne.

What is the Post Obitum promise?

A promise made between a King and his potential successor before he dies.

What is the Novissima Verba promise?

Known as the death bed promise. This is a promise made between a King and his potential successor on the King's death bed.

Who were the four main claimants to the English throne?

Harold Godwinson, Earl of Wessex. William, Duke of Normandy. Harald Hardrada, King of Norway. Edgar the Aetheling, great-nephew of Edward the Confessor.

Why did Harold Godwinson believe to have claim to the English throne?

After Earl Godwin's death in 1053, Harold succeeded him and became an extremely important figure in Edward's government. He became sub-regulus, meaning 'deputy king'. He was also Edward's brother-in-law, as his sister Edith was Edward's wife. Harold had shown loyalty to Edward, even over his own brother Tostig. Harold had claimed Edward promised him the throne on his deathbed (Novissima Verba). In addition, Harold had the support of the English Nobles and the Witan.

Why did Duke William believe to have claim to the English throne?

William was a ruthless military leader, having become Duke of Normandy by the age of 7. He was a distant cousin of Edward the Confessor, through Edward's mother Emma, who was William's great-aunt. Edward had grown up in Normandy and his court and rule were clearly influenced by this. Some historians argue that Edward's actions as King suggested he wanted a Norman to succeed him. William claimed that he and Edward made the Post Obitum promise in 1051, and also claimed that Harold Godwinson sworn to support William in 1064 over holy relics. This was therefore binding in the eyes of God.

When was Harold Godwinson crowned King?

6th January 1066 (same day as Edward's Funeral).

Why did Harald Hardrada believe to have claim to the English throne?

Although he didn't have any direct blood ties to the English royal families, he had a reputation as a strong and powerful warrior. Harald was related to King Cnut, who ruled England from 1016-1035. As a result, he believed that a relative of a previous king should take over. Harald also claimed that his father, Magnus was promised by Cnut's son, Harthacnut, the English throne for when he died. However, in 1042 it was Edward who took over instead. Harald was determined to claim what he thought was rightfully his.

Why did Edgar the Aethling believe to have claim to the English throne?

Edgar was the great-nephew of Edward the Confessor, and was the last Anglo-Saxon prince alive after his father was killed in 1057. He was the only claimant that had a true blood connection with the English royal family. Edgar had lived with King Edward since childhood and was treated as his adopted son. As he was wan Anglo-Saxon, he also had the support of many English earls. However, since he was a teenager in 1066, Edgar lacked the experience and political and military skill to challenge Harold Godwinson's coronation.

What was the Battle of Fulford Gate?

A battle between Edwin and Morcar and the Anglo-Saxon army, against Hardrada, Tostig Godwinson and the Viking army. Hardrada and Tostig won the battle.

When was the Battle of Fulford Gate?

20th September 1066

Who were Edwin and Morcar? What was their relationship to Harold?

They were brothers, and some of the most powerful earls in England at the time. After the exile of Tostig, Morcar replaced him as Earl of Northumbria. To Harold, they were his brother-in-laws.

When was Tostig exiled? Why?

1065. He was hated for his harsh rule and the people of Northumbria refused to accept him as their Earl.

What happened to Tostig after his exile?

He travelled to Scotland, Normandy, and finally Norway to gain support for his bid to return to power in England. He, along with Harald Hardrada, sailed to the coast of North-East England.

What were the events of the Battle of Fulford Gate?

The initial attack by Edwin and Morcar took the Vikings by surprise, but the Viking number overwhelmed the Anglo-Saxo army. They created a shield wall along the river Ouse. They faced Tostig who had some of Hardrada's forces. However, the tide came in which halted the battle. It is believed that Hardrada and the forces he had with him were hidden from view by raised land. At midday, the tide went out and the battle resumed. The Vikings took the Saxons by surprise from attacking from behind which led to the victory for the Vikings. Edwin and Morcar were forced to flee.

How many Viking ships did Harald Hardrada have?

300

How many troops did Edwin and Morcar have during the Battle of Fulford Gate?

5000, with no reserves. They were outnumbered by the Vikings.

How many troops did Tostig and Hardrada have during the Battle of Fulford Gate?

6000, with 4000 reserves. They outnumbered the Anglo-Saxons

Why did the Anglo-Saxons lose to the Vikings in the Battle of Fulford Gate?

They were outnumbered. Hardrada had an army almost twice the size of the Anglo Saxons. Hardrada was a good tactician and an experienced warrior. Edwin and Morcar stationed their troops in front of marshland, leaving them nowhere to retreat.

What was Harold Godwinson's response to the Battle of Fulford Gate?

He knew he had to move quickly, and so he assembled his army - the housecarls and fyrd - and marched 185 miles in 4 days to reach the North, gathering more troops as he went.

What was the Battle of Stamford Bridge?

A battle between Harald Hardrada and the Vikings against Harold Godwinson and the Anglo-Saxons after Harold heard about the Viking victory at Stamford Bridge.

When was the Battle of Stamford Bridge?

25th September 1066

How many troops did Harold Godwinson have during the Battle of Stamford Bridge?

15,000

What were the events of Stamford Bridge?

Harold took the Viking army by surprise as they were marching with such speed that Hardrada didn't notice them until they saw them rushing towards their camp. The Vikings were not prepared for this attack as they had left their armour and weapons at the ships and were slain before they could gather reinforcements. The fighting mostly ensued on the Bridge, and stories tell of a lone Viking who killed 40 Saxons until he was killed from below by a soldier. Hardrada sent for reinforcements, and both armies began to form a shield wall. Godwinson had the larger force and the Viking line began to break. Tostig was killed, and Hardrada died by being shot with an arrow in the neck. The Anglo-Saxons were victorious

How many Viking ships left after the Battle of Stamford Bridge?

24, compared to the 300 that arrived originally.

Why did Harold win the Battle of Stamford Bridge?

The Vikings had left their armour on their ships as it was a hot day, along with around a third of their men. Harold took Hardrada and Tostig completely by surprise, as they had not expected him to arrive in the north so quickly. Hardrada's army had recently fought a battle, and were not expecting another so soon. Harold's housecarls showed endurance and skill in breaking the Viking shield wall.

How did the situation in France allow Duke William prepare for the Battle of Hastings?

Despite his dukedom only covering the area of Normandy, he conquered the neighbouring area of Maine in 1063. The French King was just 14 in 1066 and did not pose a threat to William's independence. This, along with a civil war in Anjou meant that William was one of the most powerful men in north-western Europe.

How did naval preparations allow Duke William prepare for the Battle of Hastings?

William made sure to keep his soldiers well fed and well disciplined. Punishments were brutal for those who stepped out of line. He spent a fortune building a large fleet in order to sail across the channel. Flat-bottomed boats were built to transport horses easier. 'Flat-pack' motte and bailey castles were prepared, ready to be put up as soon as the Normans secured land in England. He stationed his fleet in Saint-Valery-sur-Somme, cutting the distance to England to just 33km (20 miles).

What was the size of William's fleet for the Battle of Hastings?

700 ships

How did securing the Papal Banner allow Duke William prepare for the Battle of Hastings?

William was able to secure the support of the Pope for his invasion of England by persuading the Pope that as king, he would be able to reform the English Catholic Church. Marching behind the Papal Banner helped him gain wider support for his invasion as people believed God was on his side.

How did Harold Godwinson prepare his army for the Battle of Hastings?

His army was comprised of mostly fyrd, with some thegns. He had some elite housecarls, however most had been killed at Stamford Bridge. Survivors of the battle were extremely exhausted. The fyrd were inexperienced fighters and were inferior to the more experienced housecarls. Harold had the option to wait for 30,000 more troops, but denied it.

How did Duke William prepare his army for the Battle of Hastings?

As well as loyal Normans, William recruited men from across western Europe. His army included highly skilled archers and cavalry. Many were willing to fight beneath the Papal Banner in a Holy War, others were simply mercenaries, attracted by the promise of riches and land in England.

How many men did William assemble for the Battle of Hastings?

8000

How did Harold Godwinson prepare his weaponry for the Battle of Hastings?

He had double-handed axes, pikes, and large circular shields. The housecarls had armour, the fyrd used pitchforks, farming equipment and armour taken from fallen soldiers.

How did Duke William prepare his weaponry for the Battle of Hastings?

He had bows, large tear-shaped shields that covered from chin to knee, pikes and armour.

How did Harold Godwinson prepare his battle tactics and strategy for the Battle of Hastings?

He used the shield wall - interlocking of shields to prevent an enemy advance. All soldiers were on foot (infantry).

How did Duke William prepare his battle tactics and strategy for the Battle of Hastings?

He used both infantry and cavalry. He included archers to wear down the enemy. He organised the army into divisions and a flag system was used for communication to allow tactics to be changed during battle. He also had horses that were trained to bite enemies.

What is the name of the flag system used for communication to allow tactics to be changed during battle?

Gonfanon

Why did Duke William delay the Norman invasion?

He delayed it for six weeks because the wind was blowing in the wrong direction. This worked to his advantage as when he arrived at the English coast, it was completely undefended.

Where and when did Duke William arrive at England?

Pevensey, 28th September 1066.

What was the Battle of Hastings?

A battle that took place between the armies of William, Duke of Normandy and Harold Godwinson, king of England. It was a victory for the Normans.

What were the events of the Battle of Hastings?

William was aware of Harold's approach and there was a dash for the top of the hill, which the Anglo-Saxons won. Gaining the higher ground gave the Anglo-Saxons an advantage. The battle commenced at 9am, and the Anglo-Saxons formed a shield wall at the top of the hill, which the Norman archers could not break. William sent his foot soldiers up the hill, followed by his cavalry, but they could not break the wall. A rumour suggested that William had died, but he raised his helmet to show that he was still alive and to continue fighting. After a number of failed attacks, the Normans retreated, which led to the Anglo-Saxons breaking the formation of the shield wall and chasing after them. However, the Normans turned round and slaughtered the Anglo-Saxons. The Anglo-Saxon line began to wear down. William moved his archers to the front and ordered them to fire. Arrows landed on top of the Anglo-Saxons, behind the shield wall, causing chaos. With the shield wall fallen, Anglo-Saxons were cut to pieces and Harold, along with his brothers Leofwine and Gyrth died.

What was the name of the hill where the Battle of Hastings took place?

Senlac Hill - Harold and the Saxons were at the top, with William and the Normans at the bottom.

How did the Anglo-Saxons use the shield wall at the Battle of Hastings?

The shield wall at the top of the hill protected the Anglo-Saxon army against arrows and the Norman cavalry. While it remained disciplined, it was very difficult to break. It involved setting troops out in several close-set, parallel lines. The men at the front overlapped their shields and stuck their spears through the gaps. The shield wall formed a strong defensive position, effective against archers and difficult even for cavalry to break. It relied on discipline of the troops to hold the line. It was an effective tactic that had been used by Harald Hardrada at the Battle of Gate Fulford.

What is feigned retreat?

The Normans faked a retreat, causing the fyrd to break the shield wall and run down the hill to give chase. William's cavalry then doubled back and cut them down. This happened three times.

How did Harold Godwinson's mistakes lead to the victory of William the Conqueror at the Battle of Hastings?

Harold marched straight to battle against William after fighting at Stamford Bridge, without resting his men or gathering more troops. Harold had also disbanded his army, which was made up of mostly the fyrd, because of the harvest. Harold was aware of the feigned retreat, but his men still fell for it. He was also on foot with his men, which showed that although he was willing to fight alongside them, it limited his ability to command his army.

How did William the Conqueror's tactics lead to his victory at the Battle of Hastings?

William's men believed God was on their side as they were fighting under the Papal Banner. The Normans were welled organised with clear communication around the battlefield and William could be seen by his men. William had archers and cavalry, and also chose the battle sight.

How did luck lead to the victory of William the Conqueror at the Battle of Hastings?

The weather delayed William's invasion; it was bad enough to damage the English fleet and to convince Harold that William wouldn't strike, but not bad enough to stop the Normans from sailing to England. Harold was unlucky that the Vikings attacked shortly before the Normans sailed. Even though Harold had already disbanded the fyrd, this put the Anglo-Saxon troops at a disadvantage and meant they were exhausted by the time they arrived at Hastings. William's army had time to rest before the battle.

What happened after the Battle of Hastings?

William took steps to secure his position in England. The other English earls surrendered to William, but not without a fight. They wanted Edgar as King. William had to take action in order to make England surrender.

How did William the Conqueror cause the Anglo-Saxons to surrender?

He moved east to Kent to secure the ports in order to stop Anglo-Saxon trade and allow supplies to be brought in from Normandy. He built more motte and bailey castles around England to strengthen his fortifications. He sent troops to Winchester to take control of the treasury and confirm the surrender of Queen Edith.

What did William the Conqueror do to places like Romney and Dover because of their refusal to surrender?

Romney had refused to surrender to William and played in role in killing Normans, so he burned the town and killed key people. Dover, from hearing this, swiftly surrendered, William refortified the town and left a garrison to defend his position. Canterbury was next, fearful of violence, they promised to be loyal.

Who was Stigand?

The last Anglo-Saxon Archbishop of Canterbury. He had a reputation for corruption. William refused to be crowned by him and removed him from his position in 1070.

What happened at Berkhemstead?

In December 1066, Edgar Aethling, Edwin and Morcar, Waltheof and other leading Earls swore loyalty to William the Conqueror.

When was William the Conqueror crowned King of England? Where was his coronation?

Christmas Day, 1066. This happened in Westminster Abbey, the church built by Edward the Confessor in London.

How did William reward his Norman supporters after the Battle of Hastings?

He kept about a fifth of the Godwinsons' and Edward's lands for himself, but granted the rest of it to his followers. His half-brother Odo, Bishop of Bayeux, received all of Kent. William FitzOsbern, William's relative and advisor, was granted large areas of Hampshire and the west, along with the Isle of Wight. Roger de Montgomery, who ruled Normandy while William was away, was made Earl of Shrewsbury. He also received land in Essex and Sussex.

How did William reward his Anglo-Saxon supporters after the Battle of Hastings?

The Anglo-Saxons who swore loyalty to William hoped for a share in the Godwin family's lands, but that went to William's supporters. Earls such as Edwin and Morcar were allowed to keep their earldoms. Bishops such as Ealdred kept their positions. The Northumbrian Gospatrick was made Earl of Northumbria after paying a heavy tax to William. William also gained support by promising marriage alliances. For example, he promised that Waltheof could marry his daughter.

When was the first castle built in England?

Pevensey, just after William arrived at England to battle Harold Godwinson at the Battle of Hastings.

What type of castles did William build initially?

Motte and Bailey castles - they could be built in weeks and could be built anywhere.

What was the 'motte'?

A mound of earth with a keep on top - basically a hill with a castle on the top of it. It was surrounded by a moat (a dry ditch).

What was the 'bailey'?

The outer bailey wall was a very high wall with plenty of lookout posts. The slightly raised ground leading up to the wall made it difficult to attack. The outer bailey itself was the area within the outer wall - a courtyard. This included houses and other buildings that needed to be kept safe. The inner bailey was the area within the inner wall that protects the keep - the last line of defence.

When did the Normans switch to building stone castles?

1070

Who mainly built the castles in Norman England?

Anglo-Saxons, as they were forced to do so.

How many castles were built in England by 1086?

500

What were the purposes of castles?

They acted as a centre of administration for an area. They protected Norman settlers, particularly the new lords. They intimidated the local population and reminded the English that the Normans were in charge. Building castles involved moving large amounts of earth and stone and clearing forests, which demonstrated the strength and power of the Normans. They also established control of an area, particularly in the North and Welsh border where many rebellions had taken place. It also demonstrated the social structure of Norman England, with the Norman rulers living at the top of the hills in castles, and Anglo-Saxon subjects lived at the bottom.

Where were castles mainly built?

In areas of strategic importance e.g. on old Roman roads or river crossings. They were built on high ground to see attackers coming and near existing Anglo-Saxon towns. They were also built on places where there were previous rebellions such as in York or on the Welsh Border.

What were the Marcher Lords?

They were new lords with new earldoms created by William along the border of Wales, to prevent the threat of Welsh attacks. The earldoms were smaller than Anglo-Saxon earldoms, which made them easier to control, but also meant that the lords were not as powerful and important as the king. They did not need to pay any tax to the King and could build castles without William's permission.

Name the rebellions that happened during William I's establishment of control in England.

Rebellions in Kent, Northumbria, and on the Welsh border, in 1067. A rebellion in Exeter in 1068. William besieged Exeter, and prevented a further outbreak by granting the rebels concessions. A major rebellion in the north, led by Edwin and Morcar, in 1068. A major rebellion in the north, led by Edgar Aetheling, in 1069. A major rebellion in East Anglia, led by Hereward the Wake, in 1070-71.

What was the rebellion of the Welsh border?

In 1067, a Herefordshire thegn, Edric the Wild, started a revolt with a large number of English supporters and the support of the Welsh princes. They managed to steal property along the border. Edric failed to take control but tried again in 1069 reaching Cheshire. When Edric and his followers reached the Norman castle at Shrewsbury, the commanders at the castle held them at the gates and William led his forces to meet them in battle. The rebels were soon defeated.

Who was Eustace?

King Edward's brother in law who attacked Dover castle, which was in the care of Bishop Odo while Willam returned to Normandy, after the Welsh rebellion. He was defeated by knights in the castle and later made peace with William.

What was the rebellion in Exeter?

In 1068, the people of Exeter refused to swear loyalty to William. This was because they hated the taxes imposed, and they were supporters of the Godwin family. Harold's mother, Gytha, lived in the South-West and was plotting to challenge William with other surviving members of the Godwin family. The rebellion lasted for 18 days until it was besieged by William. Rather than punishing the people of Exeter, he was conciliatory, which may have been a tactic to win support in the south-west. He built a castle in the city and left it guarded by William's half-brother, Robert of Mortain. There were further problems in 1068 and 1069 where the sons of Harold Godwinson tried to invade, but they were defeated.

What was the rebellion in the North?

The earls of Northumbria were replaced 5 times between 1066 and 1071. After the death of two Norman earls, Gospatrick became Earl of Northumbria by paying William, however he quickly changed sides and became involved in the rebellion against William in the north, led by Edwin, Morcar and Edgar Aethling. They gained more support after the massacre of Robert of Comines who was made Earl of Northumbria and later killed by Anglo-Saxons in Durham who did not want a Norman earl. Edgar joined the rebellion after this and became the leading figurehead.

What was the Harrying of the North?

After facing continous rebellions, William the Conqueror decided to 'harry' the North, destroying large parts of it such as Durham and York, to assert his Norman authority.

When was the Harrying of the North?

The winter of 1069-1070

What were the causes of the Harrying of the North?

Edwin, Morcar and Edgar Aethling fled North in 1068 and gained support from King Malcolm of Scotland, who had recently married Edgar's sister. Following this, in January 1969, the Norman Earl of Northumbria, Robert of Commines, was murdered along with 900 Normans by a group of Anglo-Saxon rebels. The Bishop of Durham's house was set on fire. In addition, Edgar attacked the city of York, and with 240 Danish Viking ships supported by the King Sweyn, they invaded the North of England and took control of York Castle. They also defeated the Norman army stationed in the city.

Which Kings supported Edgar Aethling in his rebellion in the North/

King Malcolm of Scotland and King Sweyn of Denmark.

What was William's response to the invasion led by Edgar Aethling and the rebellion in the North?

William paid the Vikings to abandon the English army and return to Denmark. Determined to teach the people of the North a lesson, William laid waste to huge areas of land around York. He ordered the slaughter of all livestock, the burning of all crops and the salting of the land so that nothing else could grow.

Why did William respond so violently to the rebellion in the North?

William tried to deal with the North peacefully, having to go back to the North to deal with rebelliosn three times in just 18 months. Hostility towards Norman rule grew strong when he left England in the hands of his vice regents, Odo and William FitzOsbern. Fighting all over the country and facing foreign invasion, William believed the best way to control the North was to depopulate it.

What were the consequences of the Harrying of the North?

Farmers immediately loss their income and peasants starved across the region. 80% of Yorkshire was regarded as 'waste' in the 1086 Domesday Book. Many people fled from William's army and settled in other parts of the country. Some escaped to southern Scotland, as refugees. Pickering dropped in value to £1. There was never a rebellion in the North after the Harrying.

Pickering fell in value to £1 after the Harrying of the North. What was its original value?

£88

How many people were estimated to be dead as a result of the Harrying of the North?

100,000-150,000

How much was the wealth of the North reduced to as a result of the Harrying of the North?

25%

What was the Scottish invasion of 1070?

King Malcolm of Scotland invades Northern England. As a response, William leads a military campaign to Soctland and ravages areas over the border in response.

What was the Treaty of Abernathy 1072?

Scotland submits to William and King Malcolm signs the Treaty of Abernathy where Malcolm pays homage to William. In addition, Malcolm would give his son to William as a hostage, and expel Edgar Aethling from the Scottish court.

Why was the Treaty of Abernathy weak?

King Malcolm breaks the treaty in 1079 and raids Northumbria

Who was Hereward the Wake?

He was a thegn associated with the most famous rebellion in East Anglia.

Why did Hereward the Wake cause a rebellion?

He was angry that William and the Normans had confiscated land from his father and killed his brother. With the support of King Sweyn of Denmark and Morcar, Hereward began a campaign of guerrilla-style attacks on Norman settlers in the marshes and fenlands of East Anglia. His men fought in small groups and hid to take the enemy by surprise. Hereward's supporters were able to use their knowledge of the land to avoid capture and frustrate William's attempt to end the rebellion in the way he had others. The rebels were based at the abbey on the Isle of Ely, which was defended and surrounded by marshland.

When was the rebellion of Hereward the Wake?

1070-1071

What did Hereward the Wake do in response to the death of his brother?

He killed 14 Normans and placed the heads on pikes in front of his father's barn, which was where he found his brother's decapitated head swinging from.

What was Hereward the Wake's most famous attack?

The looting and burning of Peterborough Abbey in 1070.

How did William deal with the Danes during the rebellion of Hereward the Wake?

In 1070, he paid the Danes off so that they would not conquer England.