1.3.9 Grade 9 - Establishing Control

Question 1

What were 2 motivations for the Harrying of the North?

Answer 1

• William wanted to send a message that rebellions were not acceptable
• William wanted to seek revenge for the death of Robert Cumin

Question 2

Was the Harrying of the North successful in achieving its aims? (2)

Answer 2

• William I wanted to show his people that he was not afraid to use force against them. His harsh treatment certainly gave this impression. 100,000 people died and some even resorted to cannibalism to survive
• Although William was widely criticised for his brutality, there was no further rebellion from the north which suggests that he had achieved his goals

Question 3

What was the aim of increasing the concentration of land in the hands of the Normans?

Answer 3

Securing their power in England

Question 4

Why did the northern Earls revolt in 1075? (4)

Answer 4

Many factors came together to make the earls revolt in 1075
- By this point, Waltheof (one of the leaders of the rebellion) was the last Anglo-Saxon earl and he felt threatened by Norman power
- In 1075 William had returned to Normandy, leaving the government vulnerable to attack
- The Earls were also angry that the size of their earldoms had been reduced

Question 5

Did the Revolt of the Earls have significant consequences for William I? (2)

Answer 5

• The revolt did not have much of an impact in England because not all Anglo-Saxons joined the revolt
• Also, once William found out about the revolt he was quick and decisive to act. Roger de Breteuil and Ralph de Gael had all their land taken away and Waltheof was executed