norman england 1066-1088 Flashcards
(205 cards)
1
Q
What was the primary method William used to establish his rule in England?
A
A mixture of change and continuity from the Anglo-Saxon system
2
Q
What concept describes the new social structure established by William in England?
A
The feudal system
3
Q
In the feudal system, who owned all the land in Norman England?
A
The king
4
Q
How did the landholding system change from Anglo-Saxon to Norman England?
A
Subjects held land with the king’s permission instead of owning it outright
5
Q
Who were the tenants-in-chief in Norman society?
A
Individuals who held land directly from the king, including archbishops, bishops, earls, and barons
6
Q
What role did knights play in Norman society?
A
They held land and provided military service to their lord
7
Q
How did the peasant class change under William’s rule?
A
The peasant class changed the least, continuing to farm the land with few changes to the agricultural system
8
Q
What was the relationship between the king and his vassals in the feudal system?
A
The king gave land to his vassals in return for loyalty
9
Q
What is a vassal?
A
Someone who swore an oath of loyalty to their lord
10
Q
What ceremony did tenants-in-chief perform to show loyalty to the king?
A
Homage
11
Q
What were the obligations of knights in return for land?
A
To do homage, pay taxes, and provide military service
12
Q
What did most peasants provide in exchange for their lord’s protection?
A
Labour service on the lord’s land
13
Q
What was the consequence of breaking the loyalty agreement in the feudal system?
A
Forfeiture of land
14
Q
True or False: Peasants formally did homage to their lord.
A
False
15
Q
Fill in the blank: The Normans encouraged loyalty within the feudal system by using _______.
A
forfeiture
16
Q
What was one reason the feudal system was crucial for William’s conquest?
A
It created a large network of loyal supporters who could provide military service
17
Q
What was the primary method William used to establish his rule in England?
A
A mixture of change and continuity from the Anglo-Saxon system
18
Q
What concept describes the new social structure established by William in England?
A
The feudal system
19
Q
In the feudal system, who owned all the land in Norman England?
A
The king
20
Q
How did the landholding system change from Anglo-Saxon to Norman England?
A
Subjects held land with the king’s permission instead of owning it outright
21
Q
Who were the tenants-in-chief in Norman society?
A
Individuals who held land directly from the king, including archbishops, bishops, earls, and barons
22
Q
What role did knights play in Norman society?
A
They held land and provided military service to their lord
23
Q
How did the peasant class change under William’s rule?
A
The peasant class changed the least, continuing to farm the land with few changes to the agricultural system
24
Q
What was the relationship between the king and his vassals in the feudal system?
A
The king gave land to his vassals in return for loyalty
25
What is a vassal?
Someone who swore an oath of loyalty to their lord
26
What ceremony did tenants-in-chief perform to show loyalty to the king?
Homage
27
What were the obligations of knights in return for land?
To do homage, pay taxes, and provide military service
28
What did most peasants provide in exchange for their lord's protection?
Labour service on the lord's land
29
What was the consequence of breaking the loyalty agreement in the feudal system?
Forfeiture of land
30
True or False: Peasants formally did homage to their lord.
False
31
Fill in the blank: The Normans encouraged loyalty within the feudal system by using _______.
forfeiture
32
What was one reason the feudal system was crucial for William's conquest?
It created a large network of loyal supporters who could provide military service
33
What was William's initial approach to governing England after the conquest?
William tried to work with the Anglo-Saxon elite but gave up after major rebellions.
34
What significant action did William take around 1070 regarding the Anglo-Saxon nobility?
William systematically replaced Anglo-Saxon nobles with Normans.
35
What does the Domesday Book reveal about the Anglo-Saxon elite by 1086?
Almost all the Anglo-Saxon elite had been replaced with Normans.
36
What title was given to William's most important supporters?
Tenants-in-chief.
37
What was the demographic composition of England under Norman rule?
The Normans were a small minority, while the Anglo-Saxon peasants remained the majority.
38
How did the size of the Norman elite compare to that of the Anglo-Saxon elite?
The Norman elite was smaller, with fewer than 200 tenants-in-chief recorded in 1086.
39
What governance structure did William maintain in England?
He kept the existing centralized government structure but filled it with Normans.
40
What is centralization in the context of William's government?
Centralization is when power becomes focused around one figure, in this case, the king.
41
What document did William increase the use of to run the kingdom?
Writs.
42
What was the significance of writs in William's governance?
They allowed William to take a more direct role in running the whole kingdom.
43
How did William change the role of sheriffs in local government?
He increased their power and responsibilities.
44
What was the impact of increasing the power of sheriffs?
It limited the power of earls and prevented anyone from becoming strong enough to challenge William.
45
What was the role of regents in William's governance?
Regents governed England on William's behalf while he was away.
46
Who were some of the close supporters William appointed as regents?
Odo of Bayeux and Archbishop Lanfranc of Canterbury.
47
Why was the role of regents particularly important in Norman England?
William spent most of his reign away from England.
48
Fill in the blank: William was both King of England and _______.
Duke of Normandy.
49
True or False: William spent most of his time in England during his reign.
False.
50
What role did sheriffs have in local government after the Norman Conquest?
Sheriffs helped to govern at a local level, supervising the collection of fines and taxes, judging civil or criminal cases in local courts, and organizing military forces.
## Footnote
Sheriffs had an increased role due to reduced influence of earls.
51
How did the power dynamics of sheriffs change under the Normans?
Sheriffs performed their duties with less interference from earls, as William reduced the power of the earls to assert his authority as king.
## Footnote
This change was significant for local governance.
52
Who appointed sheriffs in Norman England?
Sheriffs were directly appointed by the king, usually chosen from wealthier individuals who held more land than Anglo-Saxon sheriffs.
## Footnote
This was part of William's strategy to control local governance.
53
What was the royal demesne?
The royal demesne was the land that William kept for himself, accounting for around one quarter of all land in England.
## Footnote
This land was typically worked by poorer peasants.
54
What new responsibility did sheriffs have regarding the royal demesne?
Sheriffs were responsible for managing the royal demesne, which increased their wealth and power.
## Footnote
Some sheriffs abused their roles to take more land or money.
55
Did the Normans make major changes to English law?
No, William promised to maintain the laws that existed during King Edward's reign, resulting in continuity in English law.
## Footnote
This was a strategy to legitimize his rule.
56
What new laws did William introduce?
William introduced forest law and the 'murdrum' fine.
## Footnote
Forest law restricted land use for ordinary people, while the murdrum fine protected Norman settlers.
57
What was the purpose of forest law?
Forest law set aside large areas as 'royal forest' for the king to hunt in, prohibiting ordinary people from using the land.
## Footnote
Violating this law resulted in severe punishment.
58
What was the murdrum fine?
The murdrum fine was a penalty imposed on villages if a Norman was murdered and the killer was not caught, requiring the entire village to pay a large fine.
## Footnote
This law aimed to deter violence against Norman settlers.
59
True or False: The introduction of forest law was popular among ordinary people.
False
## Footnote
It was extremely unpopular as it limited land available for hunting or gathering.
60
What was one consequence of the introduction of forest law?
Villages were destroyed to make land suitable for hunting, forcing people to leave their homes.
## Footnote
This contributed to the resentment against Norman rule.
61
What was the impact of the Norman Conquest on villages in England?
Villages were mostly unchanged; peasants endured harsh living conditions and worked on their lord's land.
## Footnote
The traditional Anglo-Saxon villages remained largely the same despite the conquest.
62
What change did the Normans accelerate regarding slavery in England?
The decline of slavery; fewer people were slaves in England in 1086 than in 1066.
## Footnote
This trend was already in progress before the conquest.
63
How did the experiences of the Anglo-Saxons during the conquest vary?
Experiences varied based on personal circumstances such as social status, gender, and location.
## Footnote
For example, the experience of an elite Anglo-Saxon would differ from that of a peasant.
64
What happened to many towns as a result of the Norman Conquest?
Many towns were badly affected; buildings were destroyed and local economies were damaged.
## Footnote
Examples include York and Lincoln, where buildings were torn down to make way for castles.
65
What was the trend in town growth after the Norman Conquest?
Many existing towns grew in size, and new towns developed; larger towns attracted immigrants.
## Footnote
Examples include Nottingham and St Albans.
66
What role did towns play in society after the Norman Conquest?
Towns became centers of trade and administration, also having military and religious functions.
## Footnote
This was a shift from their lesser role in Anglo-Saxon England.
67
How did castles contribute to the growth of towns?
Castles created demand for goods and services, leading to the development of new towns around them.
## Footnote
An example is Windsor, where a town developed around a castle.
68
What economic changes occurred in England after the Norman Conquest?
Markets grew, trade with Normandy increased, and new markets were established, especially in castles.
## Footnote
Economic growth was seen as a sign of a civilized country.
69
What types of goods did England export and import after the conquest?
England exported wool and imported wine and textiles.
## Footnote
This increase in trade was significant for the economy.
70
What impact did the construction of churches and cathedrals have?
It provided work for craftsmen and contributed to economic growth.
## Footnote
The Normans built large numbers of these structures.
71
What economic divide emerged in England after the Norman Conquest?
A divide between the north and south; the wealth gap widened significantly by 1086.
## Footnote
The south was slightly richer before the invasion, and the north struggled to recover from the Harrying of the North.
72
What was the impact of the Norman Conquest on villages in England?
Villages were mostly unchanged; peasants endured harsh living conditions and worked on their lord's land.
## Footnote
The traditional Anglo-Saxon villages remained largely the same despite the conquest.
73
What change did the Normans accelerate regarding slavery in England?
The decline of slavery; fewer people were slaves in England in 1086 than in 1066.
## Footnote
This trend was already in progress before the conquest.
74
How did the experiences of the Anglo-Saxons during the conquest vary?
Experiences varied based on personal circumstances such as social status, gender, and location.
## Footnote
For example, the experience of an elite Anglo-Saxon would differ from that of a peasant.
75
What happened to many towns as a result of the Norman Conquest?
Many towns were badly affected; buildings were destroyed and local economies were damaged.
## Footnote
Examples include York and Lincoln, where buildings were torn down to make way for castles.
76
What was the trend in town growth after the Norman Conquest?
Many existing towns grew in size, and new towns developed; larger towns attracted immigrants.
## Footnote
Examples include Nottingham and St Albans.
77
What role did towns play in society after the Norman Conquest?
Towns became centers of trade and administration, also having military and religious functions.
## Footnote
This was a shift from their lesser role in Anglo-Saxon England.
78
How did castles contribute to the growth of towns?
Castles created demand for goods and services, leading to the development of new towns around them.
## Footnote
An example is Windsor, where a town developed around a castle.
79
What economic changes occurred in England after the Norman Conquest?
Markets grew, trade with Normandy increased, and new markets were established, especially in castles.
## Footnote
Economic growth was seen as a sign of a civilized country.
80
What types of goods did England export and import after the conquest?
England exported wool and imported wine and textiles.
## Footnote
This increase in trade was significant for the economy.
81
What impact did the construction of churches and cathedrals have?
It provided work for craftsmen and contributed to economic growth.
## Footnote
The Normans built large numbers of these structures.
82
What economic divide emerged in England after the Norman Conquest?
A divide between the north and south; the wealth gap widened significantly by 1086.
## Footnote
The south was slightly richer before the invasion, and the north struggled to recover from the Harrying of the North.
83
What is the Domesday Book?
A detailed survey and valuation of England's land and resources
84
Who ordered the Domesday Survey?
William the Conqueror
85
In what year was the Domesday Survey conducted?
1086
86
What information did the Domesday Survey record?
Amount of land held, owners in 1066, and land value in 1086
87
What were the two main groups involved in the Domesday Survey?
Anglo-Saxons and Normans
88
Fill in the blank: The Domesday Book includes taxation records and systems of _______.
[government]
89
What was Great Domesday Book?
The compiled information from the Domesday Survey
90
How did the Domesday Book help govern the kingdom financially?
Ensured the king received all taxes and payments owed
91
True or False: The Domesday Book provided evidence for land ownership disputes.
True
92
What military information did the Domesday Survey provide?
Number of knights available for defense
93
What was the purpose of the juries in the Domesday Survey?
To gather accurate information about land ownership and value
94
What threat was England facing in 1085?
An attack by the King of Denmark and his Norwegian allies
95
How did the Domesday Book assist in legal matters?
Legalized Norman ownership and resolved disputes over land
96
Fill in the blank: The Domesday Survey was only possible thanks to _______ records.
[Anglo-Saxon]
97
What was the significance of recording land ownership in the Domesday Book?
It helped end disputes and provided legal evidence
98
Who were the commissioners in the Domesday Survey?
Officials appointed to compare land ownership lists
99
What was the role of tenants-in-chief in the Domesday Survey?
To make lists of land ownership in each shire
100
What did the Norman nobility bring to England in 1066?
Their own culture and customs
## Footnote
This included changes in food, clothing, and hairstyles.
101
How did Norman men's grooming habits differ from those of Anglo-Saxon men?
Norman men shaved their faces and cut their hair short, while Anglo-Saxon men had full beards and long hair.
102
What was one new custom introduced by the Normans in England?
Trial by combat.
103
What did the Normans believe about trial by combat?
If someone was innocent, God would intervene and help them win the fight.
104
What role did the Church play in Norman culture?
It had an important relationship with the nobility.
105
How did the Norman nobility support the Church?
They gave gifts of land and initiated a church-building programme.
106
What architectural style did Normans use for building churches and monasteries?
Romanesque style.
107
What features characterize Romanesque architecture?
* High arches
* Wide columns
108
What was a significant example of a church rebuilt in the Romanesque style?
Durham Cathedral.
109
What was the dominant spoken language in England before 1066?
Old English.
110
What languages did the Normans primarily speak and use for written documents?
Old French for spoken language and Latin for written documents.
111
What happened to the language of government documents after the Norman Conquest?
It changed from Old English to Latin.
112
What happened to the use of Old English after the Norman Conquest?
It remained spoken by the majority but was replaced in government and the Church.
113
What impact did the Normans have on the spoken language in England?
They introduced a large number of French loanwords into English.
114
What was the trend for government documents after 1070?
They were issued almost exclusively in Latin.
115
True or False: The Normans completely replaced English in government and the Church shortly after the conquest.
True.
116
Who did William replace in the English Church after the Norman Conquest?
William gradually replaced powerful Anglo-Saxon church leaders with Norman supporters
## Footnote
By 1082, only one bishop in England was Anglo-Saxon.
117
What was the role of churchmen in Anglo-Saxon society?
Churchmen held large areas of land, played a vital role in government, and influenced ordinary people's opinions about the conquest
## Footnote
Their influence was significant in shaping societal attitudes towards the Normans.
118
Who was Stigand?
Stigand was the corrupt Archbishop of Canterbury and Bishop of Winchester
## Footnote
He was an advisor to Edward the Confessor and initially supported Harold Godwinson.
119
What is pluralism in the context of the church?
Pluralism means holding multiple religious offices
## Footnote
It was forbidden by the Church.
120
Who replaced Stigand as Archbishop of Canterbury?
Lanfranc replaced Stigand as Archbishop of Canterbury
## Footnote
This strengthened William's control over the English Church.
121
What reforms did Lanfranc implement in the English Church?
Lanfranc imposed stricter rules for churchmen, eliminated corrupt practices like simony and nepotism, and centralized church authority
## Footnote
He also introduced church courts to enforce religious laws.
122
What does simony mean?
Simony means buying or selling roles in the Church
## Footnote
It is considered a corrupt practice.
123
What does nepotism mean in the context of the church?
Nepotism means giving church roles to friends or family members rather than to those who deserved them
## Footnote
This practice was also targeted by Lanfranc's reforms.
124
What major problem in the English Church did clerical marriage represent?
Clerical marriage was a major problem because churchmen were meant to remain unmarried
## Footnote
Many Anglo-Saxon churchmen had wives or mistresses.
125
How did the Norman Conquest affect church reform in England?
The Norman Conquest may have accelerated church reform by bringing in new churchmen keen on reform
## Footnote
A widespread movement for church reform was occurring across Europe during the 11th century.
126
Fill in the blank: The most important man in the English Church after Stigand's removal was _______.
Lanfranc
127
True or False: By 1082, the majority of bishops in England were Anglo-Saxon.
False
## Footnote
By this time, only one bishop in England was Anglo-Saxon.
128
Who was Bishop Odo of Bayeux?
Bishop Odo was King William's half-brother and a significant figure in Norman England.
129
What position did William give Odo in 1049?
William made Odo Bishop of Bayeux in Normandy.
130
What role did Odo play in William's claim to the English throne?
Odo supported William's claim, providing men and ships for the invasion and fighting at the Battle of Hastings.
131
What title did William grant Odo in 1066?
William made Odo Earl of Kent in return for his support.
132
Why did William place his supporters in positions of power?
To guarantee their loyalty and secure his own position.
133
What is the Bayeux Tapestry?
A nearly 70m long tapestry that tells the story of William's claim to the throne and victory at Hastings.
134
What is significant about the Bayeux Tapestry's creation?
It was likely ordered by Odo and may exaggerate his role in the conquest.
135
What area did Odo control as Earl of Kent?
Odo controlled the south east of England.
136
What wealth did Odo control according to the Domesday Book?
Odo had estates in twenty-two counties, making him the richest Norman earl in England.
137
What role did Odo play after William returned to Normandy in 1067?
Odo was named as one of William's regents.
138
How did Orderic Vitalis describe Odo?
He described Odo as cruel and destructive.
139
What was Odo's approach to the Anglo-Saxons?
Odo used harsh measures to keep the Anglo-Saxons under control.
140
What actions made Odo unpopular with the people of Kent?
Odo seized large amounts of land and wealth from local landowners.
141
What rebellion occurred against Odo in 1067?
The people of Kent attempted to capture Dover Castle but failed.
142
Who did Odo conflict with over land ownership?
Odo had conflicts with Archbishop Lanfranc of Canterbury.
143
What happened to Odo in the 1070s?
He was tried in court for taking land that belonged to the Church.
144
What led to Odo's downfall in 1082?
He gathered troops for a journey to Italy, possibly to make himself Pope.
145
What happened to Odo after he was arrested by William?
He was imprisoned and only released after William died.
146
Fill in the blank: Odo's ambition eventually led to his _______.
downfall
147
True or False: Odo was well-liked by the people of Kent.
False
148
Who was Bishop Odo of Bayeux?
Bishop Odo was King William's half-brother and a significant figure in Norman England.
149
What position did William give Odo in 1049?
William made Odo Bishop of Bayeux in Normandy.
150
What role did Odo play in William's claim to the English throne?
Odo supported William's claim, providing men and ships for the invasion and fighting at the Battle of Hastings.
151
What title did William grant Odo in 1066?
William made Odo Earl of Kent in return for his support.
152
Why did William place his supporters in positions of power?
To guarantee their loyalty and secure his own position.
153
What is the Bayeux Tapestry?
A nearly 70m long tapestry that tells the story of William's claim to the throne and victory at Hastings.
154
What is significant about the Bayeux Tapestry's creation?
It was likely ordered by Odo and may exaggerate his role in the conquest.
155
What area did Odo control as Earl of Kent?
Odo controlled the south east of England.
156
What wealth did Odo control according to the Domesday Book?
Odo had estates in twenty-two counties, making him the richest Norman earl in England.
157
What role did Odo play after William returned to Normandy in 1067?
Odo was named as one of William's regents.
158
How did Orderic Vitalis describe Odo?
He described Odo as cruel and destructive.
159
What was Odo's approach to the Anglo-Saxons?
Odo used harsh measures to keep the Anglo-Saxons under control.
160
What actions made Odo unpopular with the people of Kent?
Odo seized large amounts of land and wealth from local landowners.
161
What rebellion occurred against Odo in 1067?
The people of Kent attempted to capture Dover Castle but failed.
162
Who did Odo conflict with over land ownership?
Odo had conflicts with Archbishop Lanfranc of Canterbury.
163
What happened to Odo in the 1070s?
He was tried in court for taking land that belonged to the Church.
164
What led to Odo's downfall in 1082?
He gathered troops for a journey to Italy, possibly to make himself Pope.
165
What happened to Odo after he was arrested by William?
He was imprisoned and only released after William died.
166
Fill in the blank: Odo's ambition eventually led to his _______.
downfall
167
True or False: Odo was well-liked by the people of Kent.
False
168
What territories did William maintain control over despite challenges?
Normandy and England
## Footnote
This illustrates his strength as a leader.
169
How are the sources regarding William's reign described?
Biased
## Footnote
Norman sources were written by supporters, while Anglo-Saxon sources were critical.
170
What important allies did William make when he took the English throne in 1066?
The Pope
## Footnote
This helped to strengthen his claim to the throne.
171
What qualities were important for a ruler in the 11th century?
Physical strength and skill in fighting
## Footnote
Men were respected as warriors and conquerors.
172
What was William's stance on religion?
Very religious
## Footnote
He made large donations to churches and was praised for his devotion.
173
How did the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle view William?
As oppressive towards the English
## Footnote
It criticizes him for his treatment of the Anglo-Saxons.
174
What was a common perception of William's character?
Greedy
## Footnote
He was unpopular for heavy taxation and setting aside royal forests.
175
Who was Robert Curthose?
William's eldest son
## Footnote
He wanted to be Duke of Normandy.
176
What did Robert Curthose demand from William in the later years of his reign?
More authority and to rule Normandy
## Footnote
He was named successor but lacked real power.
177
What does the nickname 'Curthose' mean?
Short boots
## Footnote
It was likely used to mock Robert's height.
178
What action did Robert take when William refused to grant him authority?
Went into exile to start a rebellion
## Footnote
He gathered forces and raided the surrounding area.
179
What was the outcome of the battle between William and Robert?
Robert won
## Footnote
This was a humiliating defeat for William and showed Robert as a serious threat.
180
Who supported Robert during his rebellion?
Sons of many Norman lords
## Footnote
They wanted to resolve conflicts to maintain favor with the king.
181
What did Matilda try to do in regard to the conflict between William and Robert?
Get William to forgive Robert
## Footnote
She sent Robert money during his exile against William's wishes.
182
What was William's final decision regarding Robert's inheritance of Normandy?
Confirmed he would inherit Normandy upon William's death
## Footnote
However, Robert did not gain power during William's lifetime.
183
What happened to Robert after he was allowed to return to Normandy?
He eventually went back into exile
## Footnote
He remained in exile until his father's death.
184
Who ruled England and Normandy before his death in 1087?
William I
## Footnote
William I was also known as William the Conqueror.
185
What were the names of the two sons who inherited William I's lands?
* Robert Curthose
* William Rufus
## Footnote
Robert Curthose became Duke of Normandy, while William Rufus became King of England.
186
What event led to William I's death?
He was seriously injured during a war with the King of France
## Footnote
The injury occurred while attacking Mantes in 1087.
187
When did William I die?
9th September 1087
188
What inheritance did Henry, the youngest son of William I, receive?
£5000
## Footnote
This was considered a huge amount of money at that time.
189
What was the Norman custom regarding inheritance?
The eldest son inherits everything
190
Why might Robert Curthose have expected to inherit England?
He was the eldest son of William I
191
Who crowned William Rufus as king?
Archbishop Lanfranc of Canterbury
192
On what date was William Rufus crowned?
26th September
193
What was William Rufus's concern regarding Robert Curthose?
Robert was a potential threat as duke
194
What rebellion occurred against William Rufus in 1088?
A rebellion led by Odo of Bayeux
195
What was Odo of Bayeux's relationship to William Rufus?
He was the king's uncle
196
What was Odo's goal in leading the rebellion?
To make Robert Curthose the King of England
197
Why did many Norman lords support Robert over William Rufus?
They believed Robert, as the eldest son, should inherit England
198
What happened to Odo of Bayeux after the failed rebellion?
He was sent into exile
199
How was William II viewed by the people?
As a harsh and greedy king
200
What did William II do to increase his wealth?
He took a lot of money from the English through taxation and gained wealth from the Church
201
What significant event happened in 1100 involving William II?
He was killed in a hunting accident
202
Who became King of England after William II?
His younger brother Henry
203
Fill in the blank: William I's second son, ________, became King of England.
William Rufus
204
True or False: William Rufus had a friendly relationship with Robert Curthose.
False
205
What was a consequence of William II's rule over Normandy and England?
He continued to fight against Robert until 1096
