Anglo-Saxon England 1035-1066 Flashcards
(11 cards)
Why did Cnut’s death in 1035 lead to instability?
Hardecnut had been the designated heir to both the English and Danish throne, but he was away in Denmark and unable to return when Cnut had just died.
His absence led to an increase of support for Harold ‘Harefoot’ (who had been previously unpopular)
What were Harald ‘Harefoot’’s actions after Cnut’s death, and why did they bring him into conflict with Emma of Normandy?
(show available evidence of coinage)
Harald marched into Winchester (where Emma controlled the treasury) with Earl of Mercia, Londoners, northern earls, and his mother.
Coinage: BOTH Hardecnut and Harald’s name had first been appearing on coinage; after the second year of issue only Harald’s name appeared on the coins.
How did Emma of Normandy try to take control of England in 1036?
She asked Edward and Alfred - her children with her first husband, Aethelred - for help to secure the throne for Hardecnut (her son with Cnut).
They then attempted to invade England but failed.
When did Harold ‘Harefoot’ die? What happened afterwards - including plans for the succession?
death: 1040
Hardecnut was invited to claim the throne.
Voyaging from Denmark to England would be expensive, so he imposed taxes which amounted to £32,000.
This caused much unrest and even 2 tax collectors were killed.
This angered Hardecnut so he ordered many earls to plunder and burn the city.
The Anglo-Saxon Chronicle: those who used to be in favour of Hardecnut were now ‘ill-disposed towards him’.
Why did Edward the Confessor feel more at home in Normandy than England?
He spent much of his reign in exile in Normandy, and he spoke Norman-French as well as/better than English.
Because of his absence, he was unfamiliar with England and its leading families.
Why did Edward the Confessor dislike the Godwins?
Because Godwin had been influential in keeping Edward from claiming the throne after Aethelred’s death.
It was also likely he was involved in his brother Alfred’s murder.
Who was Edward the Confessor in relation to Emma of Normandy
Edward the Confessor = Emma’s son through Aethelred
When and why did Edward the Confessor become king?
Edward the Confessor = crowned 1043
After Hardecnut’s death in 1042, he was able to succeed the throne with Godwin’s support
How and why did Edward promote Normans and Norman practices during his reign?
How did Edward’s promotion of Robert of Jumièges antagonised the Godwins?
Edward promoted Jumièges as the new Archbishop of Canterbury; this went against Godwin’s desire - as he wanted his own kinsman (Ælric) to be promoted to that position.
This created the impression that Edward wanted to build his own following at court to oppose Godwin’s following.
What was the Dover fracas?
- Edward’s brother-in-law visits Dover (Godwin’s hometown); is **rejected accommodation
- A fight occurs as a result
