Alfred the Great and the Making of England Flashcards

1
Q

When was Alfred the Great born?

A

849

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2
Q

When did Alfred the Great die?

A

899

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3
Q

When did Alfred the Great inherit the throne?

A

871

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4
Q

When did Alfred the Great capture London from the Danes?

A

886

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5
Q

What are the names of Alfred’s brothers that he succeeded?

A

Aethelbald, Aethelbert, Aethelred

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6
Q

Who was Alfred’s father?

A

Aethelwulf

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7
Q

How did he help his people become more educated?

A

Invited scholars into his court and learnt latin to translate educational books

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8
Q

What did Alfred believe about the viking raids?

A

They were a divine punishment for people’s sins and that people sinned due to the decline of learning.

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9
Q

Who was Asser?

A

A Welsh monk and scholar who wrote the Life of King Alfred. Taught Alfred Latin and made Bishop of Sherborne

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10
Q

How did Alfred rearrange the military to defend Wessex against the Danes?

A

Divided east and west, assigned posts, allowed soldiers to farm when off duty which provided food, captured viking ships and used them, made it defense orientated, set up network of burhs (fortification)

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11
Q

What was the Great Heathen Army?

A

A viking army led by Halfdan, Ubbe, Ivar and Guthrum

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12
Q

What was the Incident of the Swineherd’s Wife and the Burning of the Cakes?

A

Alfred, in disguise at Athelney, took shelter from a swineherd and was asked to look after cakes. Alfred fell asleep and the swineherd’s wife scolded him. Alfred apologised

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13
Q

What did the Incident of the Swineherd’s Wife and the Burning of the Cakes aim to teach about Alfred?

A

That Alfred was humble and possessed the Christian quality of humility

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14
Q

What was the Appearance of St. Cuthbert?

A

Cuthbert of Lindisfarne, disguised, asked Alfred for food. Alfred gave him half. Cuthbert reappeared in his dream and gave him rewards in food and information about the vikings

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15
Q

What did the Appearance of St. Cuthbert aim to teach about Alfred?

A

He was kind and spiritual. Those who wrote this story wanted their saints to be included in Alfred’s success.

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16
Q

What was Alfred’s Minstrel Impersonation?

A

Alfred, disguised as a minstrel, enters Guthrum’s viking camp to spy and after information is gathered, successfully leaves

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17
Q

When did the Great Heathen Army arrive in East Anglia

A

865

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18
Q

When did the vikings capture York in Alfred’s reign?

A

866

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19
Q

Thegn

A

Below Ealdormen but has land from king and does military service

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20
Q

Aethelwold

A

Son of Aethelred I

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21
Q

Why was Alfred crowned instead of Aethelwold after Aethelred I died?

A

Surviving brother given right to pass on throne to his children instead of Aethelred’s child

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22
Q

Battle of Wilton

A

871, First battle as king, made peace by offering money redirecting vikings to other kingdoms

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23
Q

Viking Siege of Wareham

A

876, Second invasion of Wessex, Alfred blocked off approach to Wareham and offered another peace deal including an oath.

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24
Q

What happens to the Viking army at Exeter?

A

877, Guthrum’s fleet experiences storm, 3000 soldiers lost, Alfred offers peace deal again, Guthrum ‘accepts’ and moves to Gloucester

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25
Q

Battle of Chippenham

A

Jan 878, Guthrum breaks peace deal and attacks at Epiphany and Alfred flees to Athelney in Somerset

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26
Q

Battle of Edington

A

May 878, Alfred returns from Athelney to battle Vikings and wins, forcing Guthrum to ally with him and settle in East Anglia

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27
Q

Rochester and Benfleet

A

885, Vikings from Francia attack Rochester. Alfred forces them out. Some manage to conspire with ex-vikings in East Anglia. Alfred attacks with fleets and Benfleet. Alfred was defeated

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28
Q

Treaty of Wedmore

A

886-890 Guthrum becomes baptised and all Vikings who settled in East Anglia must take an oath

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29
Q

What were the consequences of Alfred capturing London?

A

Forced all Englishmen to submit to Alfred, strengthened bond with Mercia as he shared authority with Ealdorman Aethelred (Lord of the Mercians), improved commerce of London

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30
Q

Viking attack on Lindisfarne, church of St. Cuthbert

A

793 Marked beginning of Viking Age for Europe. Showed viking’s threat to Christendom

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31
Q

Why did the Vikings return in the 890s?

A

Vikings forced to flee Europe due to losing a battle in Francia and suffering from famine.

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32
Q

Why did the Viking return in the 890s threaten English defences?

A

The Viking Army from Europe and ex-vikings in Northumbria and East Anglia joined forces, increasing in size.

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33
Q

How did England claim victory over the Vikings in the 890s?

A

Organised fortification network of burhs and co-operation between all Saxons (Anglo-Saxon Chronicle helped create common identity between Saxons) made military action efficient.

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34
Q

What year was Asser’s Life of King Alfred and the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle published?

A

893

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35
Q

Ealdormen

A

Senior officials and landowners, collected tax and raised armies

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36
Q

Witan

A

Council of King’s leading advisors and nobles which met to discuss matters affecting the country

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37
Q

Reeves

A

Senior official with local responsibilities e.g. collecting tax, enforcing law

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38
Q

Burhs

A

Fortified settlement under nobles often used for administration, commerce and defense. Placed 32km away from each other for communication

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39
Q

Burghal Hidage

A

First major record of an administrative system in England, recorded 33 burhs and their hides. There are two versions of it.

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40
Q

Hide

A

Measurement of land which was a farm enough to support a peasant family (about 120 acres)

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41
Q

Consequences of the burh system

A

Ended viking threats, introduced new codes of law

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42
Q

How were soldiers raised from the burh system?

A

1 man from each hide was to act as a guard therefore the amount of defense was proportional to the population

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43
Q

Why did Asser write the Life of King Alfred?

A

To encourage the Welsh to ally with Alfred.

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44
Q

Fyrds

A

Army raised from local, able-bodied men to defend their shire

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45
Q

When did Alfred’s law code appear in writing?

A

880s-890s

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46
Q

What were Alfred’s motives behind his law code?

A

To show his values and emphasise Christianity and the Mosaic laws

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47
Q

Main features of Alfred’s law code

A

Life or death was decided for criminals using trials. Punishments were appropriate for the crimes. Oaths were taken seriously.

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48
Q

Why does Alfred the Great become more significant centuries after his death?

A

Inspired Charles I and II’s reign, founded navy which was integral to the British Empire and he contributed to the defense of England which’s remains are still present.

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49
Q

West Mercian Contingent

A

Group of West Mercian scholars who helped Alfred develop his program of learning. West Mercia had many scholars as they were unravaged by the vikings. (Included Plegmund, Werewulf, Werefurth and Athelstan

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50
Q

Charlemagne

A

Holy Roman Emperor and King of Francia lived 747-814. Had biography written about him by Einhard. Encouraged education and loved learning

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51
Q

Gregory’s Pastoral Care

A

Written by Pope Gregory 590 to guide bishops in handling duties. Translated by Alfred and used by the Anglo-Saxons as a code of conduct for not only Bishops.

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52
Q

Boethius’ Consolation of Philosophy

A

Written while Boethius was in prison before his execution (525). Included ideas such as denying self pity and accepting what God has intended for you. Alfred’s translation included more Christian Ideas and converted Roman analogies into English ones to make it accessible to the English people e.g. applying philosophy to Viking raids

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53
Q

Augustine’s Soliloquies

A

Written 4th century. Included ideas such as focusing on God and having good virtues and immortality of the soul. Alfred’s translation included his own views about God.

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54
Q

When did Edward the Elder rule?

A

899-924

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55
Q

When was Edward the Elder born?

A

870s, 2nd child of King Alfred

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56
Q

Battle of the Holme

A

902-903, Aethelwold convinced East Anglian Danes to revolt, raiding the Kentish army which had stayed behind while Edward was fighting in Essex/East Anglia. Resulted in death of Eohric (Danish King of East Anglia) and Aethelwold

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57
Q

Did Edward the Elder have control over Mercia?

A

Mercia independent - had church and no charter of an overlordship from Edward
Edward control - Inherited Alfred’s throne which had control over Mercia, coins in Mercia minted under West Saxon King, allied with Mercian army

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58
Q

What evidence suggests that Scandinavians assimilated into Northumbria and East Anglia?

A

Place names, material culture (such as pottery and gravestone patterns), genetics

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59
Q

How did Edward the Elder gain control of Danelaw and when?

A

920, conquered Manchester and restored old defenses. Scots, Welsh and Raegnald submitted to Edward. Burhs utilised from 911 to make Viking armies submit in areas and to threaten attack. Encouraged thegns to buy land in Danelaw. Raided Danelaw from 909

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60
Q

Edward’s reasons for marriage

A

1st marriage: provide heir and secure lineage (no primogeniture at time), 2nd marriage: niece of aethelwold, granddaughter of aethelred to unite Wessex dynasty, 3rd marriage: daughter of Ealdorman from Kent for alliance across Wessex

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61
Q

How did Aethelwold initiate the attack on Edward’s throne?

A

Seizes Wimborne where Alfred was buried

62
Q

When did Edward take control of East Anglia?

A

917

63
Q

When did Aethelflaed die?

A

918

64
Q

When was Aethelstan born?

A

895

65
Q

Aethelstan’s mother

A

Rumoured to be ‘low social status’ for a royal wife or common prostitute, never wed

66
Q

Where was Aethelstan brought up and why did this cause problems for him?

A

Mercia - nobles in Wessex didn’t know or trust him when he came to power making him unpopular with the Witan

67
Q

Aethelstan’s brother, Edwin

A

Accused of spreading conspiracies against Aethelstan, sent away on a boat with no supplies which he threw himself out of and died

68
Q

How did Aethelstan deal with Sihtric and take control of Northumbria?

A

Married his sister to him - he died a year later and Aethelstan took Northumbria

69
Q

What was Aethelstan’s relationship with surrounding ethnic groups?

A

Wales, Cornwall and Scotland paid homage to him early in his reign. However, Scots later collaborated with Irish Vikings to attack Aethelstan.

70
Q

Battle of Brunanburh

A

937, Irish Vikings and Scots attack Aethelstan. English win, 5 kings and 7 earls die, Scottish king flees

71
Q

What reforms did Aethelstan introduce?

A

Laws on theft, oppression, fraud, made provisions for the poor and reducing severity of punishments for young offenders

72
Q

Viking threat from Ireland against Edward

A

Scots invade northern Ireland, Irish chiefs kick out vikings, Raegnald comes to England and captures York

73
Q

When did Raegnald arrive in Northumbria, England?

A

914

74
Q

When did Raegnald capture York?

A

919

75
Q

When did Raegnald die?

A

921

76
Q

Wessex plot (against Aethelstan)

A

West Saxon nobles plotted to blind Aethelstan to rid him of power as killing him would be a sin and give Aethelwaerd power instead however he died later.

77
Q

When did Aethelstan take York?

A

927

78
Q

What were the consequences of Aethelstan storming York?

A

Able to show military prowess, gained control over trading city, prevented York from becoming a center for the Vikings, rescued his sister, threatened Scots, established presence in the North

79
Q

Why did the Battle of Brunanburh happen?

A

Scots made an alliance with Vikings from Ireland due to threats they felt from Aethelstan’s capture of york and raid of Scottish territory from 934

80
Q

Effects of Battle of Brunanburh

A

Scotland wasn’t integrated into England as there were still independent factions in the North however Aethelstan had power from appointing positions e.g. Archbishop of York to spread Anglo Saxon influence

81
Q

Reasons for why Aethelstan forged links with the continent

A

Religious connections, build allies against threats, consolidated power, received relics and manuscripts, scholars, spread royal family across Europe

82
Q

Harald Fairhair

A

King of Norway, formed alliance with Aethelstan, sent his son Hakon to Aethelstan’s court - Aethelstan later helped him reclaim the throne to Norway

83
Q

Guthfrith

A

Sihtric’s brother, tried to siege York after Sihtric died - Aethelstan burns down York, Guthfrith surrenders and submits becoming the King of Dublin

84
Q

Law: I Aethelstan

A

Dealt with taxes towards the Church overseen by reeves. Believed it was for Godly protection

85
Q

Law: II Aethelstan

A

Dealt with justice (thieves, coinage, trials). Children below 12 could not be punished for thievery. Enhanced reeves status. All shires had to pledge to follow the law.

86
Q

Law: V Aethelstan

A

Thieves could be pardoned if they confessed, asked forgiveness and made up for the crime. If reeves neglectful = fined and/or fired

87
Q

Law: IV Aethelstan

A

Assigned thieves death penalty. Everyone had the duty to kill them if they attempted to run. Reeves heavier fines and social consequences for neglecting duty.

88
Q

Law: III Aethelstan

A

Subjects acknowledge laws and understood them to be implemented. Statement of appreciation from Kentish. May have acted as propaganda

89
Q

Law: VI Aethelstan

A

Focused on law and order in London. Created London Peace Guild to combat thievery and other crimes. Revised death penalty of thieves to 15

90
Q

What was the purpose of Aethelstan’s law codes?

A

Showed consideration of subjects consent from King, laws were negotiable, discussed and rewritten, created to combat problems, emphasised Christianity and Anglo-Saxon identity

91
Q

When was Edmund the Magnificent born and when did he die?

A

921-946

92
Q

When did Edmund become king?

A

939

93
Q

What problems did Edmund face regarding York?

A

Olaf Guthfrithson retook York 939 without opposition and raided the midlands 940. Olaf did not view army as threat and simply redirected attacks when he met them.

94
Q

How did Edmund solve the issue of Olaf Guthfrithson?

A

Edmund surrounded York and a peace treaty negotiated by Archbishops. New borders = lost Northumbria, East Anglia and Mercia north of Watling Street. However, Edmund planned to regain land. + Olaf Guthfrithson dies 941 and Olaf Sihtricson replaces

95
Q

When did Edmund regain the land he lost?

A

942 takes back Mercia, 944 takes back Northumbria.

96
Q

Edmund’s attack on the King of Strathclyde, Dunmail

A

945 Pre-emptive strike as Strathclyde were close with Danes. Ravaged and gave Strathclyde to Scottish King Malcolm. Blinded Dunmail’s sons. Speculated to be supported by Welsh army. Dunmail retook land after few years.

97
Q

Olaf Guthfrithson

A

Son of Guthfrith, ruled York. Defeated in the Battle of Brunanburh. Wanted revenge and retook York for a few years under Edmund. Died 941.

98
Q

Raegnald Guthfrithson

A

Olaf Sihtricson’s brother, replaced him as King of York 943. Driven out by Edmund 944.

99
Q

Olaf Sihtricson

A

Son of Sihtric. Ruled York from 941. Said to be weak-willed. Fled when Raegnald took York

100
Q

What problems did Edmund face with religious reformers and how did he resolve them?

A

Some members of church believed that people should follow the rule of St. Benedict/monasticism and less pious. Edmund appointed Dunstan I to act reforms. However some clergy at Bath disagreed which Edmund still allowed suggesting he didn’t fully support the movement.

101
Q

What main problems did Edmund focus on when writing laws?

A

Feuds and increasing runaway slaves. Tried to control (w/o banning) feuds/hostility between groups. Made harsher punishments for runaway slaves.

102
Q

When did Eadred rule and when did he die?

A

946 and 955

103
Q

What was Eadred’s challenge of religious reform?

A

Close relationship with Dunstan, faced factional problems as east anglian court pro reform and wessex conservative court. Continued monastic reforms from Edmund. Appointed reformer Aethelwold. Delegated authority to Dunstan as he fell ill.

104
Q

How did Eadred die?

A

Suffered illness

105
Q

First Northumbrian rebellion during Eadred’s reign

A

947 rebellion instigated by Wulfstan and Erik Bloodaxe. Eadred attacks Ripon 948 and razes it to ground. Northumbrian army counterattacks and defeats Eadred, angering him. Eadred threatens to destroy Northumbria turning half the Northumbrian nobles to his side. Renewed allegiance.

106
Q

Second Northumbrian rebellion during Eadred’s reign

A

~950-1 under Olaf Sihtriccsson who was then driven out and replaced by Erik in 952. Eadred arrests Wulfstan. Erik driven out of Northumbria and killed.

107
Q

Erik Bloodaxe

A

Son of Harald Fairhair, King of Norway. Fierce warrior but inept ruler. Killed by Earl Maccus. Plotted by Earl Oswald who gained land after Bloodaxe was expelled - wanted to prevent him taking back land.

108
Q

When did Edgar the Peaceful reign?

A

957-75

109
Q

How did Edgar take the throne and from who?

A

Mercian and Northumbrian nobles swore allegiance to Edgar instead of Eadwig in 957 as Eadwig was seen as an uneffective ruler. Eadwig died 959

110
Q

When was Dunstan recalled from exile?

A

959

111
Q

When was Edgar coronated, how was his ceremony conducted and what was its effect?

A

973, ceremony where celtic nobility of England, Wales and Scotland rowed Edgar on a boat symbolising Saxon power over celts. Inspired modern coronation ceremonies. Likely the second consecration.

112
Q

When was the secular clergy cleared out and why?

A

964 to get rid of corrupt and degenerate clergy

113
Q

Regularis Concordia

A

Issued by Edgar 970s, set of monastic customs based on St. Benedict’s rules. Written by Aethelwold

114
Q

Aethelwold the Bishop of Winchester

A

Tutored Edgar. Close friends with Dunstan. Oversaw charters with Dunstan. Integral part of government. Wrote Regularis Concordia

115
Q

What are the reasons speculated for Edgar’s late consecration in 973?

A

He either had a consecration prior around 960-1 to cement his relationship with Dunstan for his religious reform or that he did it as it was the time when men were eligible to become priests and when Jesus started preaching

116
Q

What resulted from Aethelflaed’s military campaigns?

A

Captured Derby and Leicesrer

117
Q

Shipsoke (shipfyrd)

A

Naval recruitment based on land of 3 hundreds. Used by Aethelstan, formalised by Edgar. Strengthened navy. Placed under jurisdiction of church. Caused disputes between ealdormen (landowners) and church. Effective for administration.

117
Q

When did Aethelred reign?

A

978-1016

118
Q

I Edgar

A

Formalised the hundreds as an administrative unit

119
Q

II-III Edgar

A

Protects interests of churches by connecting them to Edgar’s ideas of monastic reform. Attention also given to secular matters about crime and justice.

120
Q

IV Edgar

A

Included strict administration and punishments. Expected all groups to follow Edgar’s one law code ensuring stability across Anglo-Saxon society.

121
Q

Edgar’s charters

A

Charters originate from one office = centralised government. Witness lists headed by archbishops. Made many references to women being given land

122
Q

Coinage

A

Single currency shared across Anglo-Saxon society. Changed regularly (around every 6 years) designed around king. Coins cut to represent smaller fractions of the value.

123
Q

When did the viking attacks begin in Aethelred’s reign?

A

990s

124
Q

When was England conquered by Swein?

A

1013

125
Q

When was England conquered by Cnut (after Swein’s death)?

A

1016

126
Q

Problem of monastic reform for Aethelred during his younger years

A

Edward (the Martyr) supported monastic reform which wanted to expand religious houses and authority of church. Aethelred anti-monastic reform, wanted to regain authority and property lost. Characterised by regionalism suggesting a non-unified England. (reformers from east mercia and anglia, anti-reformers from west mercia, kent and northumbria)

127
Q

Why was Edgar the Martyr not supported by some nobles?

A

Accused of being illegitimate as he was likely a product of incest

128
Q

Why were the vikings stronger in Aethelred’s reign?

A

Denmark started to become unified after failed attacks (Erik Bloodaxe proved raid and trade policy fail). Attacks centralised from royal family. Danes started to build fortresses similar to burhs.

129
Q

Aethelred’s allyship with Richard of Normandy

A

991, agreed both states prevent vikings using their territory as a base after Aethelred suspected vikings used France to cross into England.

130
Q

Second Battle of Maldon

A

Byhrtnoth wins first battle, vikings return for revenge. Byrhtnoth gives second chance for actual battle, agrees on location near River Blackwater (viking advantage). Byhrtnoth dies in battle. Tribute introduced after Battle of Maldon

131
Q

Total of Danegeld paid over Aethelred’s reign

A

£107,000

132
Q

Danegeld

A

Tax paid to Danish to save land being ravaged. Paid every 4 years and increased in price.

133
Q

Ealdorman from Hampshire

A

992, gave secret plans to Vikings. Aethelred gave punishment by blinding his son

134
Q

Eadric Streona

A

Married Aethelred’s daughter, held in high esteem by Aethelred. Ealdorman of Mercia. Betrayed 1015 for Cnut. Cnut didn’t trust him, executed him in 1017.

135
Q

Wulfnoth Cild and Bihtric (Eadric Streona’s brother)

A

Bihtric accuses Wulfnoth of crime. Wulfnoth (enraged) gets 20 ships and raids south coast. Bihtric follows with 80 ships. Both fleets in storm. Royal navy cut down in strength.

136
Q

Sweyn Forkbeard

A

Raided England from 990s with Olaf Tryggvason. Returned 1003 and conquered 1013. Died 1014.

137
Q

Thorkell the Tall

A

Christian Dane. Formed alliance with Aethelred 1015. Aethelred gave 40 ships and tribute. Had strong power base in Denmark. Turned to Cnut after brother was killed in Saxon rebellion after Swein’s death.

138
Q

Cnut rise to power

A

Became King of England 1014 after Swein’s death. Saxons rebelled and asked Aethelred to return. Cnut comes back 1015 and tries to take York. Aethelred died and Cnut defeated Edmund, claiming Mercia. Edmund died 1016. Cnut becomes king and consolidates power by marrying Aethelred’s widow.

139
Q

Olaf Tryggvason

A

Raided England from 990s with Sweyn. Made alliance with Aethelred 994 and baptised. Used tribute to fund campaign to become King of Norway.

140
Q

Edmund I

A

Aethelred’s son. Recognised by Wessex as King after Aethelred died but defeated by Cnut. Claimed Wessex but not Mercia. Died 1016.

141
Q

II Aethelred

A

Around 991-994, dealt with matters involving Vikings and Saxons and their truce including tribute. Governed trade with other countries.

142
Q

III Aethelred

A

Reinforced role of senior officials. Jury system developed. Thegns and reeves act as witnesses. Dealt with punishments for counterfeiting. Moneyer of king suggests centralised control.

143
Q

V Aethelred

A

1008, written by Archbishop Wulfstan. Dealt with governing and religion. Religious figures behaviour guided, punishments fair to crime.

144
Q

VII Aethelred

A

1009, written by Archbishop Wulfstan. Advises nation to fast for 3 days and pay tax (tribute) to ward off Vikings. Written in response to Thorkell’s invasion

145
Q

VIII Aethelred

A

1014, written by Archbishop Wulfstan to emphasise importance of the church and to pay homage to past kings while criticising Aethelred (e.g. the church has been neglected since the reign of Edgar)

146
Q

Why did Aethelred introduce a new law code?

A

To gain peace and stability, make a fair and efficient legal system, control coinage and strengthen church.

147
Q

Why did cultural development occur in Aethelred’s reign?

A

The production of literary work by leading monastic reformers by Wulfstan and Aelfric

148
Q

Wulfstan the Homilist

A

Active in Aethelred’s reign. Archbishop of York. Drafted 3 of Aethelred’s laws. Works distributed widely. Linked suffering of England to the decline of monasticism and death of Edward the Martyr.

149
Q

Aelfric

A

Monk/abbot who produced educational books on Latin and literary works on the church, the antichrist, vikings and how to subdue threats. Produced biographies on saints.

150
Q

Aethelweard

A

Great-great-grandson of Aethelred I. Witnessed many charters. Leading Ealdorman under Aethelred II. Wrote Latin translation of Anglo-Saxon Chronicle with added material. Convinced Olaf Tryggvason to ally with the Saxons.