As Philip Made Steady Advancements into Normandy, John Improved his Defences Flashcards
What’s 1 thing John did to fortify Rouen?
Constructed new ditches.
What’s a 2nd thing John did to fortify Rouen?
Second line of defence.
What’s a 3rd thing John did to fortify Rouen?
Fortifications on the Isle River
Who did John replace his Norman Barons with due to paranoia (they guarded the key castles)?
Mercenaries
When did Philip begin a siege on Chateau Gaillard?
August 1203
What did John do in response to Philip beginning a siege on Chateau Gaillard?
He made sure the castles near it were well prepared - EG. Vaudreuil Castle with extra defences and a lot of supplies.
Who surrendered the expensive, fortified Vaudreuil Castle without a fight?
Roger Fitzwalter
Why were the mercenaries becoming even more unpopular with the Norman Barons?
They regularly stole from Norman properties (eg. Abbess of Caen)
Which place did William Marshal and Lupescar attack in September 1203 ?
Chateau Gaillard
When did William Marshal and Lupescar attack Chateau Gaillard ?
September 1203
Why did John send a 2 layered attack by William Marshal and Lupescar in September 1203?
To attack Chateau Gaillard by land and water.
Which River did the force on boats travel by in William Marshal and Lupescar’ attack?
The River Seine.
Why did William Marshal and Lupescar’s attack on Chateau Gaillard fail?
The current of the River Seine slowed down the boats, so when Marshal and Lupescar arrived earlier, they were outnumbered and had to retreat.
When did John announce he was ‘going away to England’?
December 1203
Why did John announce he was ‘going away to England’?
To consult his English barons
Why did the Norman barons doubt John was actually ‘going away to England’?
Because he took Queen Isabella with him
On his way to England, why did John change his mind instead of sleeping the castle of Bonneville?
He feared betrayal of more Norman barons, and his kidnapping
Which castle did John initially say he would sleep in?
Castle of Bonneville
Where did he sleep instead of the castle of Bonneville?
In the town
What was John’s meeting with His English barons, early 1204 called?
Great Council at Oxford
When was John’s meeting with his English barons at the Great Council at Oxford?
Early 1204
What was the reason for John’s meeting with his English barons at the Great Council at Oxford?
To discuss defences of his Norman lands
Why could you say that John was a good commander when considering negotiation skills?
He negotiated a levy of 2 and a half marks, rather than the average 2 marks, via scutage from his english barons, so he can afford war.
What would John use the 2 and half marks per english baron for?
For ships, and goods for war.
