Normandy in 1065 Flashcards
(11 cards)
What was Normandy like in 1065?
-In 1065, Normandy was part of France but was ruled by a duke, not a king.
What did Norman knights do to expand their territory?
- Norman knights had conquered land from their neighbours and taken control of many important castles and towns.
What was the structure of Norman society in 1065?
Norman society was very hierarchical.
The duke ruled.
Under him were a small group of barons, who were granted land in return for loyalty.
The barons allowed their knights to run the land.
Peasants worked the land and paid taxes.
Most peasants were poor and had very few rights.
Describe the feudal system
-Most of the land was ruled on the King’s behalf by dukes or countes
-They swore loyalty to the king and promised to lend him their armies if necessary
-They became the king’s ‘vassal’ and were given land in return called a fief
What kind of Christians were the Normans?
- The Normans were strict Roman Catholics.
What had Norman monks done ?
-Norman monks had reformed monasteries and built beautiful stone churches and cathedrals.
What did the Pope think of the Norman Church?
-The Pope admired the Norman Church and wanted its ideas to be followed across Europe.
what were 4 things Normans did to remain powerful military and socially?
-Dukes and counts began building private armies by giving their supporters weapons and armour which meant they had full time soldiers and not just troops to call on in times of war
-The invention of stirrup made cavalry ( fighting on horseback ) possible which mean the rider could charge at their enemy and swing their sword while still in the saddle
-Knights became part of the feudal system - they swore loyalty to the duke or count and received land in return . This helped the ruler control the land however if the knight sensed weakness they would challenge him
-Knights built castles - often from earth and timber but some were replaced later with stone . Castles were a symbol of peace and enabled knights to defend and control their fiefs.
describe how Normandy came about
-It begun as a Viking colony in the tenth early tenth century
-Vikings relied on their fast ships and warriors armed with battle axes but once they settled in Normandy, they adopted the French form of warfare
-Viking leader, Rollo, became a vassal of the Frankish King in 911
-Over 100 years , the Normans doubled their territory through conquest and marriage alliances
How did Normandy lead the way in church reforms?
-When Rollo became vassal of the Frankish King he converted to Christianity
-Normans became devout supporters of the Roman Catholic Church and their monks and nuns were praised for their devotion and quality of teaching.
-Norman churches were larger and finer than those in Anglo-Saxon England
-Normans favoured a style called ‘Romanesque’ with clean lines and elegant round arches
How did William become become Duke of Normandy
-In 1035 the Duke of Normandy died and William his 8 year old son became Duke but was too young to rule
-Norman knights sensed a chance and grabbed what land and power they could leaving Normandy unstable
-The lords ruling in Williams place were killed and those who took their place may have been responsible so William had to learn who to trust
-1047, a full-scale revolt broke out. William took charge and persuaded the King of the Franks to help him crush the rebels
-He was merciless and regained control of the duchy
