anglo saxon england and the norman conquest 1060-1066 Flashcards
(122 cards)
1
Q
What was the structure of society in Anglo-Saxon England?
A
A hierarchy with the king at the top, followed by earls, thegns, peasants, and slaves.
2
Q
Who were the most powerful men in the nobility during Anglo-Saxon England?
A
The earls.
3
Q
What was expected of earls in return for the land given to them by the king?
A
To ensure their lands were well governed.
4
Q
What was the role of peasants in Anglo-Saxon society?
A
They were farmers who did agricultural work for their lord in exchange for land.
5
Q
What were thegns in Anglo-Saxon England?
A
Less powerful members of the nobility who received smaller areas of land.
6
Q
What responsibilities did the king have in Anglo-Saxon England?
A
Protecting the country from invaders and overseeing the running of the kingdom.
7
Q
What does the term ‘ord’ refer to in Anglo-Saxon society?
A
Anyone who had dependents relying on them for food, land, and protection.
8
Q
What was the Witan in Anglo-Saxon England?
A
The king’s council composed of powerful nobles and high-ranking churchmen.
9
Q
What role did churchmen play in the government of Anglo-Saxon England?
A
They created written records necessary for managing the kingdom.
10
Q
What is an earldom?
A
A large area of land overseen by an earl.
11
Q
What was the function of a sheriff in Anglo-Saxon England?
A
To control government within a shire.
12
Q
Fill in the blank: The Anglo-Saxon tax system was based on the _____ of its land.
A
value
13
Q
What was the fyrd in Anglo-Saxon England?
A
The region’s fighting forces summoned by the king.
14
Q
What types of cases did shire courts handle?
A
Criminal cases and cases involving land and property.
15
Q
What were hundred courts responsible for?
A
Less serious crimes like failing to repay small debts or stealing livestock.
16
Q
True or False: The punishments for crimes in Anglo-Saxon England ranged only from fines to imprisonment.
A
False
17
Q
What was the role of earls and sheriffs in regards to law and order?
A
To run local courts and bring criminals to justice.
18
Q
What was the primary occupation of the majority of people in Anglo-Saxon England?
A
Farming
Most people were peasants or slaves who worked the land.
19
Q
What type of governance did villages in Anglo-Saxon England have?
A
Governed by a thegn
The thegn was a local lord or nobleman.
20
Q
How did social status affect the lives of people in Anglo-Saxon England?
A
People’s lives were shaped by their social status
Those at the top could become wealthy and influential, while those at the bottom often remained poor.
21
Q
Where did the majority of the population live in Anglo-Saxon England?
A
Villages
Only a small minority lived in towns.
22
Q
What role did towns play in Anglo-Saxon England?
A
Centres of business and commerce
Towns had a wider variety of people, including craftsmen and merchants.
23
Q
What materials were Anglo-Saxon craftsmen known for using?
A
Gold and textiles
They created various products that were highly valued.
24
Q
What was the structure of the Church in Anglo-Saxon England before 1066?
A
Divided into dioceses and parishes
Sixteen large dioceses were controlled by bishops, which were further divided into smaller parishes.
25
What key ceremonies did priests perform in the parish?
Baptism and confession
## Footnote
Priests also said mass regularly.
26
What was the relationship between the Church and the nobility?
Mutual influence and patronage
## Footnote
Nobles provided land and protection to churches, while the Church offered spiritual support.
27
What was the significance of patronage from the nobility to the Church?
Helped the Church grow and reduced land competition
## Footnote
Nobles sent their second-born sons to train as priests.
28
How did nobles try to control the Church?
By influencing the appointment of bishops and priests
## Footnote
They aimed to place their relatives and followers in these influential positions.
29
Why was prayer important to the nobility?
Believed it would ensure success and divine favor
## Footnote
They thought it would help them in life and after death.
30
What did a king need from the Church to legitimize his power?
The Church's support
## Footnote
It was believed that a ruler needed God's backing to be successful.
31
True or False: The majority of the population in Anglo-Saxon England lived in towns.
False
## Footnote
Most people lived in villages.
32
Fill in the blank: The Church in Anglo-Saxon England was split into sixteen large areas called _______.
[dioceses]
33
Fill in the blank: Nobles sent their second-born sons to train as _______ to help the Church grow.
[priests]
34
Who was King of England from 1042 to 1066?
Edward the Confessor
35
What was Godwin's title?
Earl of Wessex
36
In which year did Godwin become Earl of Wessex?
1018
37
What relationship did Godwin have with Edward the Confessor?
Godwin backed Edward's claim to the throne
38
Who did Edward the Confessor marry that increased Godwin's power?
Edith, Godwin's daughter
39
True or False: Godwin became more powerful as Edward favored Normans.
False
40
In what year did Godwin rebel against Edward?
1051
41
What was the outcome of Godwin's rebellion in 1051?
He was outlawed by the king
42
What did Godwin do in 1052?
Returned to England with a large army
43
What title did Harold Godwinson hold after Godwin's death?
Earl of Wessex
44
What earldom did Harold give up to become Earl of Wessex?
East Anglia
45
Who were some important churchmen that Harold had strong relations with?
* Stigand - Bishop of Winchester
* Archbishop of Canterbury
46
What role did Harold play in governing the country?
Assisted Edward in ruling
47
True or False: The Godwins were dominant figures in England during Edward's reign.
True
48
Who were Godwin's sons that became powerful in England?
* Harold
* Tostig
* Gyrth
* Leofwine
49
What did the Godwins control that contributed to their power?
A large amount of land across the kingdom
50
In what year did Harold and Tostig defeat a Welsh king?
1063
51
Fill in the blank: Edward's mother was from _______.
Normandy
52
What was Godwin's strategy to strengthen his family's position?
Granting land and gifts to allies
53
Who was King Edward's successor?
King Edward was childless, so he had to name someone else as his successor.
## Footnote
William, Duke of Normandy, believed the throne had been promised to him
54
What oath might Harold have sworn to William of Normandy?
Harold might have sworn an oath to support William's claim to the throne.
## Footnote
According to Norman sources, Harold was sent by King Edward to name William as the next King of England.
55
What were the conflicting accounts regarding Harold's visit to Normandy?
Harold's visit was said to be for:
* Naming William as the next King
* Securing the release of his brother and nephew
* Being shipwrecked during a fishing trip
## Footnote
Norman sources provide conflicting details about the visit.
56
Why is it difficult for historians to determine what happened during Harold's visit?
Most sources are biased and give conflicting information.
## Footnote
The Norman sources were created to support William's claim post-1066.
57
How did the Normans use the oath to their advantage?
The Normans used the oath to undermine Harold's claim to the throne and justify the invasion in 1066.
58
What was the role of the Bayeux Tapestry in the narrative of Harold and William?
The Bayeux Tapestry depicts Harold swearing an oath to William, commissioned by William's half-brother.
## Footnote
This supports the Norman narrative of William's claim.
59
Who was Tostig and what was his position?
Tostig was Harold's brother and the Earl of Northumbria, a powerful earl and military leader.
60
Why was Tostig unpopular with the Northumbrians?
Tostig raised taxes and ordered the murder of several noblemen from Northumbrian families.
61
What event led to Tostig's exile?
The Northumbrians rebelled against Tostig in 1065, demanding Morcar be appointed as earl.
62
What was the outcome of Tostig's exile for Harold?
Harold gained new allies and removed a potential rival for the throne.
63
What happened after King Edward's death in January 1066?
Edward's death led to a succession crisis as he had no clear successor.
64
What were the implications of Edward's lineage?
Edward's father was Aethelred II, and his mother was a daughter of the Duke of Normandy.
65
Who were the Scandinavian kings of England before 1042?
The kings included:
* Swein
* Cnut
* Harold Harle
* Harthacnut
## Footnote
These rulers were in power between 1013 and 1042.
66
What was the significance of the connections between England, Normandy, and Scandinavia?
There were people in all three regions who believed they had a strong claim to the throne.
67
True or False: Harold was in a weak position after Tostig's exile.
False
## Footnote
Harold was the most powerful earl in England by the time Edward died.
68
Fill in the blank: Harold agreed to appoint _______ as earl of Northumbria.
Morcar
69
Who were the main claimants to the throne in 1066?
Harold Godwinson, William of Normandy, Harald Hardrada
## Footnote
These individuals had different claims based on relationships to King Edward and other factors.
70
What was Harold Godwinson's relationship to King Edward?
Close to the royal family; his father helped Edward become king and his sister was Edward's wife
## Footnote
Harold claimed that Edward asked him to become king on his deathbed.
71
What was a key factor in claiming the throne in Anglo-Saxon England?
Military force was necessary to take control and show effectiveness as a ruler
## Footnote
Succession lacked fixed rules, but being related to the king strengthened claims.
72
Why did Harold Godwinson believe he needed to become king?
To secure his authority and prevent threats to his power
## Footnote
Powerful nobles were often seen as threats to royal authority.
73
What was William of Normandy's claim to the throne based on?
Being a distant relative of King Edward and a promise made by Edward
## Footnote
William's claim was also supported by the Pope.
74
What advantages would ruling England provide William of Normandy?
Increased power and wealth
## Footnote
England was rich in precious metals and fertile land.
75
What was Harald Hardrada's claim to the English throne?
He claimed to be the true successor of the Scandinavian kings who ruled England
## Footnote
His claim was supported by Tostig, Harold Godwinson's brother.
76
Who supported Harald Hardrada's claim to the throne?
Tostig, Harold Godwinson's brother
## Footnote
Tostig sought revenge on Harold and aimed to reclaim his earldom.
77
True or False: There were fixed rules about succession in Anglo-Saxon England.
False
## Footnote
Succession was not governed by fixed rules, allowing for various claims.
78
Fill in the blank: William of Normandy was a powerful military leader and became Duke of _______.
Normandy
## Footnote
He had years of experience as a ruler before claiming the throne.
79
What did Harold Godwinson claim Edward asked him on his deathbed?
To become king
## Footnote
This was part of his justification for claiming the throne.
80
Who became King after Edward died?
Harold Godwinson
## Footnote
Harold was chosen by the Witan and crowned on the same day Edward was buried.
81
How long did Harold's reign last?
Nine months
## Footnote
Harold spent most of his reign securing his position and preparing for invasions.
82
What role did the Witan play after an Anglo-Saxon king died?
Choosing the successor
## Footnote
The Witan could choose a new king, especially amidst disputes.
83
What was the fyrd?
A part-time defensive force made up of ordinary men
## Footnote
Fyrd members were not professional fighters and served for limited time.
84
What preparations did Harold make for an invasion in mid-1066?
Gathered forces and prepared to defend the south coast
## Footnote
He anticipated Norman invasions after being crowned.
85
Who were the housecarls?
Highly trained professional warriors
## Footnote
They made up part of Harold's army.
86
What happened after Harold dismissed the fyrd?
An army led by Harald Hardrada invaded north-eastern England
## Footnote
Hardrada was supported by Tostig.
87
What was the outcome of the Battle of Gate Fulford?
Edwin and Morcar were defeated
## Footnote
This victory allowed Hardrada and Tostig to gain a foothold in northern England.
88
What advantage did Harold have at the Battle of Stamford Bridge?
He took Hardrada by surprise
## Footnote
Harold raced north to face the invaders after dismissing the fyrd.
89
What was the significance of the Battle of Stamford Bridge?
Harold defeated a powerful Scandinavian army
## Footnote
However, many troops were killed, leaving the south coast undefended.
90
What was a consequence of Harold's victory at Stamford Bridge?
The south coast was left undefended and vulnerable to invasion
## Footnote
This vulnerability was exploited by the Normans shortly after.
91
True or False: Harold Godwinson was inexperienced compared to Harald Hardrada.
False
## Footnote
Harald Hardrada had many years of battle experience.
92
Fill in the blank: The Battle of Gate Fulford took place on _______.
20th September
## Footnote
This battle was significant for the invasion of northern England.
93
Fill in the blank: Harold defeated Hardrada at the Battle of _______.
Stamford Bridge
## Footnote
This battle occurred on 25th September.
94
Who became King after Edward died?
Harold Godwinson
## Footnote
Harold was chosen by the Witan and crowned on the same day Edward was buried.
95
How long did Harold's reign last?
Nine months
## Footnote
Harold spent most of his reign securing his position and preparing for invasions.
96
What role did the Witan play after an Anglo-Saxon king died?
Choosing the successor
## Footnote
The Witan could choose a new king, especially amidst disputes.
97
What was the fyrd?
A part-time defensive force made up of ordinary men
## Footnote
Fyrd members were not professional fighters and served for limited time.
98
What preparations did Harold make for an invasion in mid-1066?
Gathered forces and prepared to defend the south coast
## Footnote
He anticipated Norman invasions after being crowned.
99
Who were the housecarls?
Highly trained professional warriors
## Footnote
They made up part of Harold's army.
100
What happened after Harold dismissed the fyrd?
An army led by Harald Hardrada invaded north-eastern England
## Footnote
Hardrada was supported by Tostig.
101
What was the outcome of the Battle of Gate Fulford?
Edwin and Morcar were defeated
## Footnote
This victory allowed Hardrada and Tostig to gain a foothold in northern England.
102
What advantage did Harold have at the Battle of Stamford Bridge?
He took Hardrada by surprise
## Footnote
Harold raced north to face the invaders after dismissing the fyrd.
103
What was the significance of the Battle of Stamford Bridge?
Harold defeated a powerful Scandinavian army
## Footnote
However, many troops were killed, leaving the south coast undefended.
104
What was a consequence of Harold's victory at Stamford Bridge?
The south coast was left undefended and vulnerable to invasion
## Footnote
This vulnerability was exploited by the Normans shortly after.
105
True or False: Harold Godwinson was inexperienced compared to Harald Hardrada.
False
## Footnote
Harald Hardrada had many years of battle experience.
106
Fill in the blank: The Battle of Gate Fulford took place on _______.
20th September
## Footnote
This battle was significant for the invasion of northern England.
107
Fill in the blank: Harold defeated Hardrada at the Battle of _______.
Stamford Bridge
## Footnote
This battle occurred on 25th September.
108
When did the Normans land at Pevensey?
28th September
109
What strategic decision might William have made regarding the timing of his invasion?
He delayed the invasion until Harold had moved north, leaving the south coast undefended.
110
What condition was Harold's army in when he rushed south to face the Normans?
Weakened and exhausted
111
On what date did the Battle of Hastings take place?
14th October 1066
112
What defensive position did Harold choose for his army at the Battle of Hastings?
The top of a ridge
113
What tactic did the Normans use to break the Anglo-Saxon shield wall?
Feigned flight
114
What was the consequence of the Anglo-Saxon army following the Normans during the feigned flight?
It weakened their defenses
115
Who was killed during the Battle of Hastings?
Harold, Gyrth, and Leofwine
116
What factor, besides military leadership, contributed to Harold's defeat?
Chance
117
What could have improved Harold's chances in the battle?
Resting his troops and waiting for reinforcements
118
What was a significant advantage of the Norman cavalry?
They could attack with greater speed and strength
119
How did the experience level of Harold's troops compare to that of the Normans?
Harold's troops were less experienced and disciplined
120
Fill in the blank: The Anglo-Saxon army relied on a _______ for their defensive strategy.
shield wall
121
True or False: The Anglo-Saxon army primarily fought on horseback.
False
122
What significant battle weakened Harold's army before the Battle of Hastings?
Battle of Stamford Bridge
