History

Question 1

Who was king of England at the start of 1066?

Answer 1

Edward the Confessor.

Question 2

Why was there a succession crisis in 1066?

Answer 2

Edward died without a clear heir.

Question 3

Name the three main claimants to the throne in 1066.

Answer 3

Harold Godwinson, William of Normandy, Harald Hardrada.

Question 4

Why did Harold Godwinson become king?

Answer 4

He was chosen by the Witan after Edward’s death.

Question 5

What was the Witan?

Answer 5

A council of nobles who advised the king.

Question 6

What did William of Normandy claim Edward had promised him?

Answer 6

The throne of England.

Question 7

Why did Harald Hardrada believe he should be king?

Answer 7

He claimed a deal had been made with a previous Viking king.

Question 8

What happened at the Battle of Fulford?

Answer 8

The Vikings defeated the English forces in the north.

Question 9

What happened at the Battle of Stamford Bridge?

Answer 9

Harold Godwinson defeated and killed Harald Hardrada.

Question 10

What impact did the Battle of Stamford Bridge have on Harold’s army?

Answer 10

They were tired and had to march south quickly to face William.

Question 11

When was the Battle of Hastings?

Answer 11

14 October 1066.

Question 12

Where did the Battle of Hastings take place?

Answer 12

Near Hastings, at Senlac Hill.

Question 13

Why did William win the Battle of Hastings?

Answer 13

He used better tactics, including a feigned retreat.

Question 14

What mistake did Harold make during the battle?

Answer 14

He kept his army at the top of the hill and did not wait for reinforcements.

Question 15

What happened to Harold Godwinson in the battle?

Answer 15

He was killed, possibly shot in the eye.

Question 16

What were the main differences between Harold’s and William’s armies?

Answer 16

Harold had mainly foot soldiers; William had cavalry and archers.

Question 17

What was a feigned retreat?

Answer 17

A tactic where soldiers pretended to run away to trick the enemy.

Question 18

What role did luck play in William’s victory?

Answer 18

Bad weather delayed William, giving Harold time to fight the Vikings.

Question 19

What role did the Pope play in the Battle of Hastings?

Answer 19

He supported William’s claim, giving him a papal banner.

Question 20

What did William do after winning the battle?

Answer 20

He marched to London and was crowned king.

Question 21

How did William keep control of England?

Answer 21

He built castles and introduced the feudal system.

Question 22

What was the feudal system?

Answer 22

A system of land ownership where loyalty was exchanged for land.

Question 23

What was the Domesday Book?

Answer 23

A survey ordered by William to assess land and taxes.

Question 24

Why did William build castles?

Answer 24

To show power and defend against rebellion.

Question 25

What was the Harrying of the North?

Answer 25

A brutal campaign where William destroyed northern villages.

Question 26

How did the Church help William rule?

Answer 26

The Church supported his authority and spread Norman ideas.

Question 27

What happened to Anglo-Saxon lords after the conquest?

Answer 27

They lost land and were replaced by Normans.

Question 28

What language became common among the ruling class?

Answer 28

Norman French.

Question 29

How did the Normans change English law?

Answer 29

They introduced new legal systems and trial by combat.

Question 30

How did the conquest affect ordinary peasants?

Answer 30

They faced stricter control and higher taxes.

Question 31

What is meant by the Divine Right of Kings?

Answer 31

The belief that kings were chosen by God.

Question 32

What is excommunication?

Answer 32

Being banned from the Church and sacraments.

Question 33

Why was the Church powerful in medieval England?

Answer 33

It owned land, educated people, and could control kings.

Question 34

How could the Church challenge a king's authority?

Answer 34

By excommunicating him or refusing to follow his orders.

Question 35

What is an interdict?

Answer 35

A Church punishment that stopped religious services in a whole area.

Question 36

Why did kings need the support of the Church?

Answer 36

To gain legitimacy and control over the people.

Question 37

What did the Church provide in society?

Answer 37

Education, healthcare, and religious guidance.

Question 38

Why did some kings argue with the Pope?

Answer 38

They wanted to appoint their own church leaders.

Question 39

What is meant by 'papal supremacy'?

Answer 39

The belief that the Pope had authority over all Christians.

Question 40

What was the Investiture Controversy?

Answer 40

A dispute over whether kings or popes could appoint bishops.

Question 41

Why was King John unpopular with the barons?

Answer 41

He raised taxes and ignored their advice.

Question 42

What land did King John lose in France?

Answer 42

Normandy and other territories.

Question 43

Why did King John argue with the Pope?

Answer 43

He refused to accept the Pope's choice of Archbishop.

Question 44

What did the Pope do to punish King John?

Answer 44

He excommunicated him.

Question 45

What happened in England under interdict?

Answer 45

Church services were stopped, including weddings and funerals.

Question 46

When was Magna Carta signed?

Answer 46

1215

Question 47

What was the purpose of Magna Carta?

Answer 47

To limit the king’s power and protect barons’ rights.

Question 48

Name one clause from Magna Carta.

Answer 48

The king could not raise taxes without the barons’ consent.

Question 49

Why did the barons rebel against King John?

Answer 49

They were angry about high taxes and loss of land.

Question 50

What is the long-term significance of Magna Carta?

Answer 50

It influenced the development of democracy and rule of law.

Question 51

What is trial by combat?

Answer 51

A way of settling disputes by fighting, introduced by Normans.

Question 52

Why did William replace English bishops with Normans?

Answer 52

To make the Church more loyal to him.

Question 53

Why were motte and bailey castles quick to build?

Answer 53

They were made from wood and earth.

Question 54

What was the purpose of a keep in a Norman castle?

Answer 54

To provide defence and a home for the lord.

Question 55

What is homage in the feudal system?

Answer 55

A public show of loyalty to a lord or king.

Question 56

Why did William fear rebellion in the north?

Answer 56

It supported Edgar Aetheling and resisted Norman control.

Question 57

What was the result of the Harrying of the North?

Answer 57

Towns and crops were destroyed, causing famine.

Question 58

Why did William introduce the Domesday Book?

Answer 58

To know who owned what for taxing and controlling land.

Question 59

How did Norman castles change over time?

Answer 59

They became stone castles for better defence.

Question 60

Why did the Church support William’s right to rule?

Answer 60

They believed his claim was backed by God and the Pope.