Conquest And Control/Life under Normans Flashcards
(75 cards)
1
Q
Why was England an attractive target for invaders in the 10th–11th centuries?
A
- Rich mineral resources and fertile land.
- Thriving wool trade and valuable cloth exports.
- Efficient administration and Christian identity.
- Wealthy towns providing tax revenue.
2
Q
Why was Edward the Confessor’s reign (1042–1066) unstable?
A
- Weak ruler, focused on religion (built Westminster Abbey).
- Relied on Godwin family but tensions led to rebellions (e.g., 1051).
- Norman influence at court angered English earls.
- Died childless, triggering a succession crisis.
3
Q
Who were the four claimants to the English throne in 1066?
A
- Harold Godwinson: Powerful Earl of Wessex, crowned hastily after Edward’s death.
- William of Normandy: Claimed Edward promised him the throne; Harold swore oath to him.
- Harald Hardrada: Viking king, asserted claim via Cnut’s agreement with Magnus of Norway.
- Edgar Aetheling: Young blood relative (grandson of Edmund Ironside), lacked support.
4
Q
Why did William of Normandy believe his claim was valid?
A
- Distant cousin of Edward (through Emma of Normandy).
- Claimed Edward promised him the throne in 1051.
- Alleged Harold swore oath in 1064 to support his claim (Sources 4–5).
- Pope supported his invasion.
5
Q
How did Harold prepare for invasion in 1066?
A
- Built a large navy to block Norman forces.
- Raised an army using housecarls (elite troops) and fyrd (levied soldiers).
- Weaknesses: Fyrd was inexperienced, and navy couldn’t stay mobilized indefinitely.
6
Q
What happened at the Battle of Stamford Bridge (September 1066)?
A
- Harald Hardrada and Tostig Godwinson invaded Northumbria.
- Harold marched north, surprised, and defeated them.
- Hardrada and Tostig killed, but Harold’s army was weakened.
7
Q
Key reasons William won the Battle of Hastings (October 1066)?
A
- Harold’s exhaustion: Army marched south after Stamford Bridge.
- Norman tactics: Feigned retreats broke Saxon shield wall.
- Luck: Harold killed by arrow/melee (Bayeux Tapestry).
- Leadership: William rallied troops; Harold’s death caused collapse.
8
Q
Keywords to remember
A
- Housecarls: Elite professional soldiers.
- Fyrd: Levied peasant army.
- Sub-regulus: Deputy ruler (Harold’s role under Edward).
9
Q
What was the “Tostig interlude,” and how did it impact Harold?
A
- Tostig (Harold’s exiled brother) allied with Harald Hardrada, raiding England in May 1066.
- Harold’s forces repelled Tostig, but it diverted attention from Normandy.
- Tostig later joined Hardrada’s invasion in September.
10
Q
How did William prepare for invasion (May–September 1066)?
A
- Assembled 7,000 troops (including cavalry/archers), 3,000 horses, and 700 ships.
- Trained troops extensively; used prefabricated materials for quick castle-building.
- Waited for favorable winds at Saint-Valery.
11
Q
How did Harold react to William’s landing?
A
- Rushed 200 miles from York to London in 4–5 days.
- Gathered a new fyrd army but lacked experienced troops.
- Ignored advice to wait, marched to Hastings (overconfident after Stamford Bridge).
12
Q
What was the feigned retreat tactic, and why was it effective?
A
- Normans pretended to flee, luring English to break shield wall.
- English fyrd (inexperienced) chased, were cut down by Norman cavalry.
- Crumbled Harold’s defenses.
13
Q
Why did William win the Battle of Hastings?
A
- Tactics: Feigned retreats, cavalry charges.
- Leadership: William rallied troops; Harold died.
- Luck: Harold’s army exhausted from Stamford Bridge.
- Preparation: Norman troops better trained/equipped.
14
Q
Key sources for Hastings and their biases?
A
- William of Poitiers (Norman): Praises William’s leadership.
- Bayeux Tapestry (Norman-made): Ambiguous about Harold’s death.
- Anglo-Saxon Chronicle (English): Brief, less detailed.
15
Q
What were William’s five methods to establish control after Hastings?
A
- Terror (e.g., Harrying of the North).
- Military presence (castles, garrisons).
- Patronage (land grants to loyal Normans).
- Concessions (e.g., allowing some English earls to keep titles).
- Legality (coronation, continuity with Edward’s reign).
16
Q
How did William secure his coronation (December 1066)?
A
Marched to London, terrorizing Kent (burned Romney).
- English nobles (e.g., Edwin, Morcar) submitted after fearing violence.
- Crowned at Westminster Abbey on Christmas Day, despite chaos during the ceremony.
17
Q
Who was Earl Waltheof, and why was he significant?
A
- Last major Anglo-Saxon earl (Northumbria).
- Joined rebellions (1069, 1075) but later swore loyalty.
- Executed in 1076—only English earl William killed.
18
Q
What was the Harrying of the North (1069–70)?
A
- Brutal suppression of rebellions: burned crops, homes, and killed civilians.
- Aim: Make the north uninhabitable to prevent future revolts.
- Orderic Vitalis claimed 100,000 died (disputed by historians).
19
Q
Why did William build castles?
A
- Strategic: House troops, suppress rebellions (e.g., York, Pevensey).
- Symbolic: Remind English of Norman dominance.
- Built motte-and-bailey castles (quick, wooden, later stone).
20
Q
Who was Hereward the Wake?
A
- English rebel leader in East Anglia (1070–71).
- Allied with Danes, based at Ely.
- Eventually pardoned; seen as a nuisance, not a threat.
21
Q
What caused the Revolt of the Earls (1075)?
A
- Norman earls (Roger of Hereford, Ralph de Gaël) + Waltheof plotted.
- Motives: Power grievances, Danish support.
- Failed: Waltheof betrayed them; rebels exiled/executed.
22
Q
How did William use patronage to control England?
A
- Gave land to loyal Normans (e.g., Fitz Osbern, Odo).
- Allowed some English (e.g., Edwin) to keep titles temporarily.
- Married niece to Waltheof to secure loyalty.
23
Q
What was the Peace of Abernethy (1072)?
A
- Treaty with Scotland’s King Malcolm III.
- Malcolm recognized William as overlord; expelled Edgar.
24
Q
A
25
26
How did William **centralize power**?
- Replaced Anglo-Saxon earls with Norman barons.
- Used sheriffs to enforce laws.
- **Domesday Book** (1086) to track wealth/taxes
27
Who were William’s key **deputies**?
- **Bishop Odo**: Half-brother, ruled Kent, built Bayeux Tapestry.
- **William Fitz Osbern**: Cousin, Earl of Hereford, crushed rebellions.
28
What was the **significance of Pickering Castle**?
- Built during Harrying of the North.
- Showed **dual role** of castles: military base + intimidation.
29
Who succeeded William?
- **William Rufus (William II)**: Given England (disliked Robert).
- **Robert Curthose**: Given Normandy.
- **Henry I**: Later seized both (1106).
30
How did **Henry I** consolidate power?
- Defeated Robert at **Tinchebrai (1106)**.
- Ruled England + Normandy.
- Issued **Charter of Liberties** to appease barons.
31
What was the **role of sheriffs**?
- Enforced laws, collected taxes.
- Replaced Anglo-Saxon **thegns** with Normans.
32
How did William **control the Church**?
- Replaced English bishops with Normans (e.g., Lanfranc).
- Used Church to legitimize rule (coronation).
33
Why did **Norman barons rebel**?
- Land disputes (England vs. Normandy).
- Loyalty split between Rufus/Robert.
34
**Legacy of Norman control**?
- Feudal system strengthened.
- English nobility replaced.
- Castles/churches rebuilt in Norman style.
35
**Golden rules** William might give successors?
1. Use **terror** to crush rebels.
2. Build **castles** to dominate.
3. Reward **loyalty** (land/titles).
4. Control **Church** for legitimacy.
36
What was the **Act of Homage** in the feudal system?
- Vassal knelt, clasped hands, and swore the **Oath of Fealty**.
- Lord accepted the oath, symbolizing loyalty and service.
- Religious act—breaking it risked divine punishment.
37
How did **primogeniture** change inheritance under the Normans?
- **Anglo-Saxon**: Land divided among sons.
- **Norman**: Eldest son inherited **all** land to maintain large estates.
- Strengthened baronial power and royal control.
38
How did **Royal Forests** enforce Norman control?
- Created hunting reserves (e.g., New Forest).
- **Forest Law**: Banned hunting; punished offenders (blinding).
- Hated by English—deprived of food/sport.
39
What was the role of **Marcher Lords**?
- Controlled Welsh borders (e.g., Chester, Shrewsbury).
- Extra powers:
- Built castles without permission.
- Made local laws.
- Raised private armies.
40
How did William use **sheriffs** to centralize power?
- Replaced Anglo-Saxon sheriffs with Normans.
- Duties:
- Collected taxes.
- Presided over shire courts.
- Raised armies.
41
What were the **courts** in Norman England?
1. **King’s Court**: Serious crimes (murder, treason).
2. **Shire/Hundred Courts**: Land disputes, theft.
3. **Lord’s Court**: Tenant issues.
4. **Manor Courts**: Village disputes.
42
How did **trial by ordeal** work?
- **Hot iron**: Carry iron; if wound healed = innocent.
- **Cold water**: Sink = innocent (holy water rejected sinners).
- Administered by priests (divine judgment).
43
What was **trial by battle**?
- Introduced by Normans for serious crimes.
- Accuser vs. accused (or champions).
- Victory = divine favor.
- Could end in death or mutilation.
44
How was law enforced **without police**?
- **Hue and cry**: Community chased criminals.
- **Tithing**: 10–12 men responsible for each other’s crimes.
- **Murdrum fine**: Hundred fined if Norman killed.
45
What was the **Domesday Survey** (1085–86)?
- Recorded land ownership/value post-Conquest.
- **Aims**:
1. Resolve disputes.
2. Maximize tax revenue.
3. Track military obligations.
- Excluded northern areas/London.
46
Why did the **Church** support Norman rule?
- Legitimized kings (coronations, divine right).
- Landowners: Provided knights/soldiers.
- Administered oaths/trials (ordeals).
47
How did **Henry I** reform inheritance abuses?
- Issued **Charter of Liberties** (1100).
- Promised fairer treatment of barons/heirs.
- Reacted to Rufus’ exploitative wardships.
48
What was **government by writ**?
- Short written orders sent nationwide.
- Replaced earls’ regional autonomy.
- Increased **royal standardization**.
49
How did **knights** differ from Anglo-Saxon **thegns**?
- Swore **oaths of fealty**.
- **Required** military service (40+ days).
- Part of formal feudal hierarchy.
50
What were **constables/watchmen**?
- **Constables**: Enforced laws, managed stocks.
- **Watchmen**: Enforced curfew (often ineffective).
- Unpaid/part-time roles.
51
What was the **murdrum fine**?
- Hundred fined if a Norman was killed and murderer not found.
- Deterred violence against Normans.
- Funded royal treasury.
52
Why keep **Anglo-Saxon shires/hundreds**?
- **Efficient** tax collection/local governance.
- Symbolized continuity (legitimized Norman rule).
- Eased transition for English populace.
53
How did the **Harrying of the North** (1069–70) impact the economy?
- Burned crops/homes; made land uninhabitable ("waste" in Domesday).
- **York sacked**; trade disrupted.
- Reduced taxable wealth in the region.
54
What evidence shows the **decline of freemen** post-Conquest?
- **Domesday Book**: Records fewer freemen; many reverted to **villeinage**.
- Villeins owed labor to lords, losing freedom to farm independently.
55
How did **castle/cathedral building** affect the economy?
- **Short-term**: Used forced English labor (no wages).
- **Long-term**: Employed craftsmen/soldiers, but wealth flowed to Normans.
56
What were the **long-term economic benefits** of Norman rule?
1. **Security**: Reduced invasions → trade growth.
2. **European ties**: Wool/cloth trade with Flanders expanded.
3. **Jewish moneylenders**: Boosted commerce via loans.
57
Why did **Jewish moneylenders** matter economically?
- William invited them to **manage royal finances**.
- Provided loans to merchants/traders, stimulating business.
58
How did **population growth** reflect economic recovery?
**Back**:
- By late 1090s, villages/towns expanded.
- **Trade/wealth increased** as Norman control stabilized.
59
How did **land ownership** change in villages after the Norman Conquest?
- **Anglo-Saxon lords** replaced by **Norman lords** (e.g., Hoddesdon held by King William, Count Sussex).
- **Domesday Book** shows nearly all English landowners lost property.
60
What were the **social classes** of peasants in Norman villages?
1. **Freemen**: Paid rent; declined post-Conquest.
2. **Villeins**: Worked lord’s land; bound to village.
3. **Bordars/Cottars**: Poorer, less land.
4. **Slaves**: 10% in 1066; declined under Normans.
61
How did the **Harrying of the North** affect villages like Pickering?
- **Value dropped** from £881 (1066) to £11 (1086).
- Land described as "waste" due to destruction.
62
What does **Wharram Percy** reveal about Norman changes?
- Anglo-Saxon village taken by **Percy family**.
- Wooden → stone buildings; higher rents.
- Social shift: Norman lords, French language imposed.
63
What were **peasant diets** like?
- **Staple foods**: Rough rye bread, pottage (bean/pea stew).
- **Meat**: Rare (smoked/salted).
- **Drinks**: Weak beer (water unsafe).
64
65
How did **rich diets** differ from peasants’?
- **White bread** (wheat), roast meats (pheasant, swan).
- **Spices** masked spoiled meat.
- Few vegetables; fruit preserved in honey.
66
What were **burgesses**?
- **Town citizens** with rights:
- Freedom of movement.
- Trial in town courts.
- Could become freemen after 1 year.
67
How did **Nottingham** change under the Normans?
- **New castle** (1067–68) → growth.
- **French Borough**: Normans lived here.
- **Saturday market**: Split Norman/English sections.
68
What were **guilds**?
**Norman-introduced** merchant/craft societies.
- Controlled trade quality, prices, wages.
- **Apprenticeships**: 7-year training to master crafts.
69
Name **5 common town jobs** in Norman England.
1. **Blacksmiths**: Tools/weapons.
2. **Bakers**: Strict bread laws.
3. **Armourers**: Custom armor.
4. **Moneylenders**: Often Jewish.
5. **Barbers**: Haircuts + surgeries!
70
How did **apprenticeships** work?
- **7-year training** under a master.
- **Journeyman**: Paid daily wages post-training.
- **Masterpiece**: Proof of skill to become master
71
72
What was a **ploughland**?
- Land ploughed by **8 oxen** (Domesday measure).
- Hoddesdon had **40 ploughlands** (wealthy village).
73
How did **Nottingham’s markets** reflect tensions?
- **Weekday market**: Anglo-Saxon (original).
- **Saturday market**: Norman-added (avoided fights).
74
What were **burgess responsibilities**?
- Pay taxes.
- Serve as watchmen.
- Join town militia.
75
