Norman Conquest- Invasion and victory Flashcards
(29 cards)
Describe Norman society
There was no country called France until the thirteen century. The “king of the franks” ruled what is now known as france.
He had much less control over his kingdom than English Kings
Most of the land was ruled on the king’s behalf by duke’s or counts
These dukes and counts became the king’s “vassal” and were given land in return for a fief
Describe the feudal system in France and how it was different to the English feudal system
Known as the “land for loyalty” arrangement
Key difference: Although the earls and the thegns gathered armies, they were the king’s armies and were loyal to him
Why were the normans effective warriors?
Fast Ships and warriors armed with battle-axes, once they settled in Normandy they adopted the French form of warfare.
The Viking leader, Rollo, became a vassal of the Frankish king in 911. Over the next 100 years, the Normans had doubled their territory
What was a vassal?
The groups of dukes and counts which ruled most of the land on behalf of the king
Give three examples of things the Normans did to remain powerful and explain how they were important
Dukes and counts began building private armies by giving their supporters weapons and armours. This meant that they had full-time soldiers.
The invention of the stirrup made cavalry possible. In french these mounted warriors were called “chevaliers”
Knights built castles. Castles were a symbol of power
Describe religion in Normandy
The Viking settlers in Normandy were pagan, when Rollo became the vassal of the Frankish king, he converted to Christianity.
The Normans became devout supporters of the roman catholic church and were at the forefront of church reform
Norman churches were larger and finer than those in Anglo-Saxon England. The Normans favoured a “Romanesque” style
Describe the chain of events which lead to William becoming duke and the downfall of Normandy
In 1035, the duke of Normandy died. William, his eight year old son, became duke, but was too young to rule.
Norman knights grabbed land and power, leaving Normandy unstable.
These lords were killed.
In 1047, a revolt broke out. William took charge and regained control.
William then made an advantageous marriage to Matilda of Flanders. Flanders was a very powerful neighbouring country
What were three things that were taken into consideration when choosing the king in england?
Bloodline
Chosen by the previous king
Chosen by the witan
Who were the 4 claimants to the throne in 1066?
Edgar Aetheling, Harold Godwinson, Harald Hardrada, William of normandy
Why was Edgar Aetheling a claimant to the throne?
He was Edwards’s great nephew, he was the closest male narrative
He was not chosen by the previous king
He was rejected by the witan
Why was Harold Godwinson a claimant to the throne?
He was not related to Edward the confessor
He claimed that Edward chose him on his deathbed- he was a wealthy and powerful earl
He was accepted by the witan
Why was Harald Hardrada a claimant to the throne?
He was not related to Edward the confessor
He had an indirect claim from Cnut, the Danish king
He was ignored by the witan
Why was William of Normandy a claimant to the throne?
He had an indirect relationship to William via his great aunt
His family had close links to Edward, he also claimed that Edward promised him the throne in 1051
He was ignored by the Witan
Who did Godwinson receive support from and how?
The earls of Mercia and Northumbria, Edwin and Morcar by promising to marry their sister
When was Harold crowned king?
6 January 1066
How did Edgar Aetheling react to the situation?
He accepted the situation because he was very young and had no power base
How did Harald Hardrada react to the situation?
He was occupied with a war against the Danes and took no immediate action
How did William of normandy react to the situation?
He decided to take action
What did William claim?
He claimed that Edward promised him the throne in 101. He claimed that Harold had been sent to Normandy in 1064 to swear an oath to support William’s claim
There are no sources that suggest Harold going to Normandy until 1120
Describe William’s preparations for war
William told the pope about Edward’s promise and Harold’s broken vow. He also told him that Harold had been crowned by Stigand, who the pope hated
The pope supported William and sent a papal banner to carry into battle, to show that god was on the norman’s side
William promised his followers land in England as a reward.
William moved armour weapons and food to the coast.
By the summer, a huge camp of soldiers, archers and knights had assembled at Dives-sur-mer. In august, William’s army was ready to invade England
Describe the stages leading up to the invasion of york by Harald Hardrada
Harold was waiting for William’s army on the south coast. His spies told him about William’s plans.
Harold raised more taxes than any king before him, and used the money to pay the fyrd and build ships to defend the coast.
By June 1066, thousands of soldiers were waiting for the Norman invasion. It did not arrive
By September, the army was running out of food and the men were needed for the harvest, Harold disbanded the fyrd as he thought that William would also be needed for the harvest
Harold’s brother Tostig, angry at losing his earldom, encouraged Harald to take the English throne.
Harold heard that Hardrada and Tostig’s army had landed in the north of England. The northern earls, Edwin and morcar fought Hardrada but were driven away.
Explain the battle of Stamford bridge and the surprise attack of York.
When Harold heard about Harald’s invasion, he gathered the remains of his army and marched north, gathering more troops on his way.
In less than a week, Harold had reached York. Tostig and Hardrada had left the city, to a river crossing Stamford bridge. He marched his army straight through York and launched a surprise attack,
The two armies clashed for several hours and Hardrada and Tostig were killed. The Norwegians surrendered
Describe what happened when William’s army went to England to meet Harold’s Army
Shortly after Stamford bridge, Harold heard that William’s army had landed near Hastings
William’s army had been delayed by bad weather.
On 28 September 1066, William’s army landed in Pevensey, William built defences at Pevensey and Hastings
His army raided the surrounding area
Harold rode south to London in 4 days and gathered a new army
Why did Tostig encourage Harald Hardrada to invade England?
Because he was angry at losing his earldom
