Paper 2 - Anglo-Saxon and Norman England

Question 1

What was the role of the king in Anglo-Saxon society (1060-1066)?

Answer 1

Head of the government.
Had to defend his country.
Pass good laws.
Defend the Church and appoint its leaders.
Manage his earls and other nobles.

Question 2

What was the role of the king’s household and the court in Anglo-Saxon society (1060-1066)?

Answer 2

The king’s household consisted of the king, his family, and his household soldiers (housecarls), and the servants needed to care for the royal family.
Court consisted of the king’s household and his advisors - the chief landowners and bishops who the king consulted on important decisions.
Administrators wrote down the king’s laws and sent out written orders (writs) to officials around the country.

Question 3

What was the role of the Witan in Anglo-Saxon society (1060-1066)?

Answer 3

Meetings with the king to discuss important issues. It met when the king decided to hold a meeting and only those he summoned could attend.
Members included earls, thegns, senior members of the Church, including archbishops and bishops.
King had the final decision.
Most important role came if there was doubt about who would be the next king.

Question 4

What was the role of the earldoms in Anglo-Saxon society (1060-1066)?

Answer 4

Four main earldoms were Wessex, Mercia, Northumbria, and East Anglia.
The earls was expected to ensure that there were no rebellions, that crimes were punished, and armies were raised for the king.
Earls were second only in power to the king and could rival the king if they handed together.

Question 5

What were the shires and hundreds in Anglo-Saxon society (1060-1066)?

Answer 5

There were about 40 shires or counties.
The king appointed a local thegn as sheriff. They were expected to collect taxes and fires, carry out justice in the king’s shire-court, and raise soldiers for the royal army whenever needed.
Hundreds were sub-divisions of shires, and they contained around 12 villages.
Each hundred had its own reeve, who held a hundred-court each month to deal with less serious crimes.

Question 6

What were punishments like in Anglo-Saxon society (1060-1066)?

Answer 6

The wergild was a fine paid to the victims of crime or their families as compensation.
The wergild for killing a nobleman was 300 shillings, a freeman was 100 shillings, and for killing a peasant was even lower.
Capital/physical punishment was a small number of serious crimes that carried the death penalty, such as treason against the king or betraying your lord.
Reoffended were also punished harshly - punishment for repeat offenders included mutilation, such as cutting off a hand, ear, or nose.
Prisons were only used for holding criminals before trial so they couldn’t escape as it was so expensive to build and run prisons.

Question 7

What was policing like in Anglo-Saxon society (1060-1066)?

Answer 7

Self-help system called a tithing.
Every male over the age of 12 joined a tithing, a group of 10 men who were responsible for each other’s behaviour. If one broke the law, the other members of the tithing had to bring him to court, or pay a fine. There was a collective responsibility for stopping crime.
If a crime was committed, the victim or witness was expected to raise the ‘hue and cry’ - the entire village was expected to join the hunt to catch the criminal, and if a person didn’t join the ‘hue and cry’, then the whole village would have to pay a fine.

Question 8

What were trials like in Anglo-Saxon society (1060-1066)?

Answer 8

Jury consisted of men who knew both the accuser and the accused.
When the jury couldn’t decide on a person’s guilt, the accused was subjected to trial by ordeal in a church.
Before the ordeal, the accused had to fast for 3 days and hear Mass.
There were many different ordeals. Generally, if a resulting wound healed cleanly, it was a sign from God that the accused was innocent. If it didn’t heal, they were guilty and should be punished.

Question 9

What was the Anglo-Saxon economy (1060-1066)?

Answer 9

Villages had an agricultural economy - they used plots of land to grow crops and raise animals.
Many developed craft skills and made goods, such as pottery, iron weapons, tools and woven cloth.
Produced just enough food and clothing for their own family (called a subsistence economy).
Some people produced a little extra to barter or swap (called an exchange economy). They bartered to exchange goods for money or coins.
In towns it was an exchange economy, with a weekly market where goods could be exchanged.
Towns on the coast were important ports for international trading routes.

Question 10

What were the similarities between villages and towns in Anglo-Saxon society (1060-1066)?

Answer 10

Houses were built from wattle and daub.
Houses were usually built on narrow plots.
Animals inside towns/villages and grazed in fields outside the walls.
Churches were one of the most important buildings.
Farming was the main occupation.
Ploughs were important - grew crops.

Question 11

What were the differences between villages and towns in Anglo-Saxon society (1060-1066)?

Answer 11

Villages had agricultural economies, whereas towns had exchange economies.
Towns had defensive walls, a mint, and a marketplace.
People in towns had higher status and more money.
Markers in towns sold a wide range of goods that weren’t made in villages, which included jewellery, leather items (like bags), woven cloths, and weapons. Some traders sold luxury goods like wine from France, pepper from Asia, fine cloth (silk etc), spices and gems from Spain, Italy, Middle East.
Towns on the coast or on large rivers were important ports for international trading routes.
Crops were also grown in fields outside the town by townspeople and they could also sell their produce on market day.
90% of population lived in villages.
Villages were smaller (12-15 houses).
Towns could have up to 10,000 people.

Question 12

How did the Church influence Anglo-Saxon society (1060-1066)?

Answer 12

Church owned 25% of the land in England.
Archbishops and bishops were often members of the Witan.
Each archbishop was in charge of the Church in his region.
There were about 15 bishops, each one in charge of a diocese.
Monks and nuns mainly prayed, but acted as teachers and advisors to lords.
Selling crops grown on monastery farms made monasteries very wealthy.
Anglo-Saxons believed in heaven and hell, so people went to Church to worship God.

Question 13

What kind of king was Edward the Confessor?

Answer 13

Respected ruler.
Very religious (vow of celibacy).
Not a warrior king.
Believed to be God’s representative on Earth.
Loosely related to King Cnut.

Question 14

Why did Edward the Confessor not receive full support in the north of England?

Answer 14

Before Edward, the Vikings had ruled England and they still had support in the North. In the North, they believed in Danelaw, where Danish laws and customs were still followed. These people wanted local men, not Edward, to rule them.

Question 15

What happened to Tostig Godwin?

Answer 15

In 1055, Tostig was made Earl of Northumbria, which was a very difficult job.
He had to raise armies against potential invaders, but was never fully accepted by the people.
He spent a lot of time away from Northumbria and when the people rebelled, he dealt with it heavy-handedly.
In 1065, the Yorkshire thegns rebelled against Tostig and demanded that Morcar replace him.
Harold Godwin was sent to speak to the rebels.
Harold Godwin must have agreed that Tostig couldn’t keep control of Northumbria, and recommended that Edward agree to the rebels’ demands.
Tostig went into exile and was furious with his brother.

Question 16

Why did the Godwin family have so much influence over Edward the Confessor?

Answer 16

They were advisors to the king, which made them important as they could influence his decisions, and were a key part in any decision.
Helped Edward become king, which made them important as Edward trusted them and needed to show them loyalty.
Harold was a great military leader, and Edward wasn’t. Edward had to rely on Harold to protect England from invaders.
The Godwins were very wealthy, which led to great power. They also had the ability to raise a large army.
Edward the Confessor had married Edith, sister of Harold, so the two families were officially connected, allowing Harold to have a claim to the throne.
Harold led the king’s army - England would be vulnerable without the Godwin’s military support.

Question 17

What did Harold and Tostig Godwin do between 1055 and 1063?

Answer 17

They led a series of military campaigns in Wales to end the violence caused by the rebellious princes.

Question 18

How did Harold Godwin develop strong links with the Church and why was this important?

Answer 18

Won the support of influential bishops, founded an abbey, and going on pilgrimage to Rome.
The Church was very influential and its members were often on the Witan, who got to chose who would be king if there was no heir.

Question 19

How did Harold Godwin’s marriages benefit his power?

Answer 19

He had an unofficial marriage with Edith Swan-neck.
At the start of 1066, he married another Edith, who was the sister of Earls Edwin and Morcar. This meant he had the support of some of the most powerful earls, and support in the north.

Question 20

What happened to Harold Godwin in 1064?

Answer 20

He was sent on an embassy to Normandy (according to William to confirm Edward’s promise to him) but was captured. When William heard, he freed Harold immediately. This put Harold in William’s debt and during the visit, Harold promised on holy relics to support William’s claim to the throne.

Question 21

What happened when Edward the Confessor died 6th January 1066?

Answer 21

Harold Godwin became king.
Harold was with Edward when he died and claimed Edward promised Harold the kingdom on his deathbed.
The Witan supported Harold as king.
William of Normandy believed he was promised the throne by Edward, and Harold Godwin - Harold went against a religious oath.
Tostig was unhappy - his brother was king yet he was living in exile.
People in the north were unhappy (went against Danelaw, the belief that locals should be in charge).
Danes weren’t happy - they’d ruled England before (1015-1042) and saw Edward’s death as an opportunity to rule again.

Question 22

Why was it decided that Edward the Confessor’s only blood relative couldn’t rule?

Answer 22

His great nephew Edgar Atheling was only 14 years old.

Question 23

Why did Harald Hardrada have a claim to Edward’s throne?

Answer 23

His father, Magnus of Norway, made an agreement with King Cnut of England that if one of them died childless, the other would take the throne. Cnut did die childless, but his half-brother, Edward the Confessor, took the English throne. Now that Edward had died childless, Harald was claiming the throne on behalf of his father.

Question 24

When was Harold Godwin crowned as king?

Answer 24

The same day as Edward’s death (6th January 1066) which shows he was perhaps anxious that opposition could gather. It is believed that some monks at the time saw this as disrespectful.

Question 25

What were some strengths to Harold Godwin’s position as king?

Answer 25

He could raise a large army, which was well-equipped and professional soldiers. He’d been an advisor to Edward the Confessor and served as ‘Sub-Regulus’ when Edward was very sick. He managed to strengthen his position in the north by visiting and also marrying the sister of Edwin and Morcar. Harold minted coins, which were widely used, suggesting that central government continued to operate. Harold was able to assemble a fleet of ships and this was a strong force when fully equipped. He was able to maintain his force for 4 months which was a great achievement, showing military capability. He had a successful reign and used the time well to prepare for the impending attack. The Witan selected Harold to succeed Edward the Confessor after his death. Harold’s family had dominated the Witan and advised the king, establishing alliances with earls all over England.

Question 26

What were some weaknesses to Harold Godwin’s position as king?

Answer 26

He lacked support in the north where the Northumbrians rejected him as king. In 1066, there was no naval fleet. He was crowned by Archbishop Stigand, who was seen as corrupt, which caused people to question how legal his coronation was. With a threat from the north and south, Harold had to split his armed forces. His coronation immediately after Edward’s death looked suspicious. Harold’s army was poorly organised and relied solely on infantry. Harold’s army didn’t use technological advances, like using castles as defence, horses or archers in battle.

Question 27

What happened at the Battle of Gate Fulford, 20th September 1066?

Answer 27

Hardrada arrived in York in September 1066, his men totalled 6,000-7,500. Morcar and Edwin rallied armies to meet him, they totalled 4,500-6,000 men, positioned in high ground as Riccall and formed a defensive shield-wall, and were protected by the marshland and the River Ouse. The Saxons initially had the advantage and pushed Hardrada’s troops into the marshland. Hardrada ordered his troops to attack the centre of the shield-wall, they managed to cross the fjord and push up the banks, and drove the Saxons back. They used an old Roman road to cross the marsh and attack the Saxons. Many Saxons were killed in the marsh, many drowned in the River Ouse. Survivors fled to York for safety. Edwin and Morcar survived, but their armies were virtually destroyed. Hardrada won.

Question 28

What were the results of the Battle of Gate Fulford, 20th September 1066?

Answer 28

Hardrada won and went to York, where the leaders surrendered to him. Rather than occupy York, he arranged for a meeting to take place in the days following the battle. In the meeting, Hardrada demanded that money, soldiers and hostages be given to him. He planned to use these as he ventured south to take on King Harold, and he returned to his camp.

Question 29

What happened just before the Battle of Stamford Bridge, 25th September 1066?

Answer 29

Hardrada set out for Stamford Bridge to wait for hostages, money and soldiers. Hardrada was met by Harold Godwin and his army. Harold had ridden 190 miles in 5 days to meet Hardrada. This caught Hardrada by surprise as his men weren’t expecting a battle and were caught without armour and supplies (it was an unseasonably warm day, so many weren’t wearing armour before Harold arrived).

Question 30

What happened at the Battle of Stamford Bridge, 25th September 1066?

Answer 30

Hardrada’s troops were positioned in the east bank on the River Derwent, but the Vikings were at a disadvantage and had to arm up and move into higher groups so they could get into position. A group of Hardrada’s men had to guard a wooden bridge to stop the Saxons until the Vikings could get into position. One single Viking guarded the bridge until Harold’s men killed him from under the bridge. This allowed Harold’s men to flood across the bridge. The Vikings got into a defensive formation. Harold gave Tostig a message that he could have Northumbria and a third of the kingdom if he surrendered, which Tostig refused. After, the Norwegian army opened fire with archers and javelins, but it quickly became a savage hand-to-hand battle, with the Saxons trying to break up the Viking defensive formation. Harald was killed by an arrow in a windpipe.

Question 31

What happened after Harald Hardrada was killed during the Battle of Stamford Bridge, 25th September 1066?

Answer 31

Vikings refused to surrender as reinforcements had arrived from Riccall, led by Eystein Orre. They fought with ‘berserker rage’ and the Saxons were pushed back. However, the Viking reinforcements began to tire, were pushed back, broken into smaller bands and picked off, one by one.

Question 32

Why was the Battle of Stamford Bridge, 25th September 1066, considered to be a victory for King Harold?

Answer 32

Winning in the north was important as it showed off his power in a region that had troubled kings in the past.

Question 33

What did Tostig do once Harold Godwin had been crowned?

Answer 33

He fled to Scotland and started plotting with Hardrada. Harold’s army guarded the south coast all summer. However, this was expensive. By September, the Norman Invasion hadn’t come, so Harold’s men stood down. In September 1066, Hardrada and Tostig launched their attack. His fleet numbered 200-300 warships, carrying 10,000 Vikings. This led to the Battle of Gate Fulford, 20th September 1066.

Question 34

When did William the Conqueror set sail for England?

Answer 34

27th September 1066

Question 35

What were Harold’s disadvantages before the Battle of Hastings?

Answer 35

He was in the north when William arrived in the south. Men were exhausted and now had to march south. Lost men in previous battles, so needed to quickly recruit a new army during the journey. Low morale.

Question 36

What were William’s advantages before the Battle of Hastings?

Answer 36

William secured parts of the south by pillaging and forced Harold into battle. Lots of time to prepare. Intimidated English people - more likely to surrender. Caught Harold off-guard and his scouts spotted Harold’s army coming. William used cavalry.

Question 37

Why did William the Conqueror win the Battle of Hastings?

Answer 37

His army was superior, and his leadership was strong. Harold had lost some of his best men at the Battles of Gate Fulford and Stamford Bridge. Harold was in the north when William arrived and only had limited time to prepare. Harold fought alongside his men, good for morale, but when things went wrong, he was powerless to act, unable to rally his troops who then fell for the feigned flight tactic. Some of Harold’s men were inexperienced (around 6,000 men believed to be fyrd soldiers, peasants), carried weapons but weren’t skilled, later the shield walls became weak allowing Normans to take advantage. Harold died at a key moment in the battle, soldiers lack direction/motivation to keep fighting, some fled, others surrendered, was easy for Normans to kill off remaining Saxons.

Question 38

How did William’s horses help win the Battle of Hastings?

Answer 38

Specially bred to be strong enough to carry an armoured knight. They could charge at the enemy and strike down at Saxon soldiers. William had the advantage as he could send in the mounted knights who could charge at the shield wall and break it up.

Question 39

How did William’s strong preparations help win the Battle of Hastings?

Answer 39

William build flat-bottomed boats so the horses could be transported across. William also bought with him a pre-fabricated castle with sections ready-made that could be constructed quickly. This gave his troops security from attackers.

Question 40

What did William fight under and why was this important for his success?

Answer 40

He secured backing from Pope Alexander, and used this to recruit men into his army. This meant he fought under a papal banner. William could now say that the invasion was a holy crusade and those who took part would be rewarded by God. This encouraged men from all over Europe to join William.

Question 41

Why did William’s leadership mean he was successful at the Battle of Hastings?

Answer 41

He gave a speech to his men before the battle began, reminding them of their abilities and talents as warriors. During the battle, rumours started to spread that William had been killed. The Norman army was in chaos and seemed to be on the verge of defeat. William saw the disorder, lifted his helmet, and rode through all his troops so they could see his face and that he was alive. This rallied troops and encouraged them to continue fighting.

Question 42

Why did William’s tactic of feigned flight mean he was successful in the Battle of Hastings?

Answer 42

Previously, the battle had been evenly matched, with hardly any action for hours. When it appeared that the Normans were retreating, the Saxons broke the shield-wall and ran after the Normans. This meant it was easier for the Normans to then turn back around and pick off the scattered Saxons until hardly any remained. Without this tactic, it’s unlikely that the Saxons would break the shield-wall.

Question 43

When was the Battle of Hastings?

Answer 43

14th October 1066

Question 44

What did William do in spring 1067?

Answer 44

He felt more secure. The English leaders had submitted to William and supported his coronation. There had been no major rebellions. William went on a tour of Normandy to show off his victory, and took leading Englishmen with him. Edwin, Morcar, Edgar Atheling and Archbishop Stigand went with him and must have been humiliated. William left his half-brother Odo, and William FitzOsbern in charge. However in summer 1067, there was a rebellion in Kent and it was dealt with by Norman soldiers, but was a sign of what was to come.

Question 45

When was William the Conqueror coronated, by who, and why?

Answer 45

25th December 1066 Archbishop Aldred of York as it was believed that Archbishop Stigand was corrupt, so there was no doubt that William had been legally crowned.

Question 46

What happened during the 1068 Revolt of Edwin and Morcar?

Answer 46

Edwin was angry as William promised that Edwin could marry one of his daughters, but William hadn’t yet kept his promise. William replaced Morcar as Earl of Northumbria, despite initially allowing him to keep his title. Edwin and Morcar didn’t have the power they’d expected. They’d been humiliated by being shown-off when William toured Normandy in triumph in 1067. Rebels left William’s court and fled to their lands, started to gather allies against William, including the Welsh princes. William acted quickly when he realised there was danger. William led an army to Edwin’s land in Mercia, where he built castles at Warwick and Nottingham, then he went to Morcar’s Northumbria and built another castle in York. He destroyed housing and crops as a punishment and warning. Edwin and Morcar surrendered without any fighting.

Question 47

What happened during Edgar Atheling’s northern rebellions in 1069?

Answer 47

Anglo-Saxons were resentful about the Norman takeover, were worried about losing land to the Normans, hoped Atheling would be king, thought the Danes and Scots would help with the rebellion. A Norman army was attacked in Durham and many Normans were slaughtered. An English army gathered and advanced on York, laying siege to the new Norman castle. At the same time, Edgar Atheling crossed the border of Scotland and came south to lead the rebellion. William reacted with great speed and savagery, marching his army north, leaving a trail of destruction of homes, farmland and animals behind him. William broke the siege of the castle and the rebels fled. In summer/autumn, the rebels tried again. William led an army north, and he stormed York. The English fled, and the Danes stayed on their ships.

Question 48

How did rewarding followers and those who submitted help William establish control over England after 1066?

Answer 48

They promised to work within Edward’s laws and with surviving English laws. Encouraged loyalty. Archbishops Stigand and Alfred remained, and William allowed Edwin and Morcar to keep their titles and most of their land, so he kept the English on his side. Allowed English thegns to buy back land as long as they hadn’t fought at Hastings, and gave land to Norman supporters, which encouraged loyalty. Appointed loyal Normans to significant earldoms, awarded marcher privileges, which encouraged loyalty and obedience.

Question 49

How did creating earldoms to control the marches help William establish control over England after 1066?

Answer 49

Marcher earldoms created a buffer of protection between England and Wales. Appointed 20 Normans to these positions. Made earldoms smaller (easier to control) and awarded marcher earldoms special privileges. Marcher earls were more powerful, encouraged loyalty.

Question 50

How did building castles help William establish control over England after 1066?

Answer 50

Built on borders with Wales and Scotland, and also strategic points along the coast (enabled Normans to deal with trouble, respond to rebellions). Protected warhorses, gave Normans the advantage (important for putting down rebellions). Rode out from castles and dealt with trouble, retreated into them if attacked. Built quickly, gave Normans defence, 500 built in total. Enabled Normans to dominate over 2 million people (symbols of authority, reminders of Norman control).

Question 51

How did making the earls submit help William establish control over England after 1066?

Answer 51

After the battle, William and his men returned to Hastings to see if the Anglo-Saxon nobles would surrender to him, but no one came. Survivors from Harold’s army had to run back to London. The Witan elected Edgar Atheling as the new king, but Edwin and Morcar disagreed. The remaining earls lacked leadership over what should happen next. William needed to get control over the south coast so that he could bring in more of his own troops and supplies. His men intimidated people by burning down villages giving William a clear path between the south coast and London. William did not want to attack the fortified city of London so went to the west. He finally met the leading men from London, he knew it would be well defended and the people would opposes William. On the way to London William destroyed homes, property, crops, farm animals. Spreading fear and intimidation. Edgar Atheling and the Archbishop of York, Edwin and Morcar eventually surrendered or submitted. They offered William the Crown, he became King on Christmas day.

Question 52

Why did Edgar Atheling pose the greatest threat to William’s throne?

Answer 52

He had the most throne-worthy claim, being the great-nephew of of Edward the Confessor. He had the support of the Danes and Scots.

Question 53

What happened before William got involved at the Hereward the Wake and Rebellion at Ely (1070-71)?

Answer 53

In 1070, King Swein of Denmark brought a fleet of ships to England and threatened an invasion. The fleet was based around Ely, which was a large island surrounded by water and marshland. It was difficult to attack. English rebels had also started to gather at Ely and their leader was a man named Hereward. Hereward and the rebels held Ely for a year.

Question 54

What happened when William got involved at the Hereward the Wake and Rebellion at Ely (1070-71)?

Answer 54

He sent his men to deal with the rebels, but they were faced with problems due to the marshland and water. In 1071, the threat increased when Morcar joined the rebels. William dealt with the rebellion himself. He sent messages to King Swein, offering him money if they went home - this worked. He then surrounded the Isle of Ely and ordered his men to build a causeway to cross the marshland so they could reach the rebels. The first causeway collapsed (men and horses, due to heavy chainmail armour sank into the mud and drowned). A second bridge was built by tying small boats together and covering them with wooden planks. William’s cavalry crossed onto Ely. Hereward managed to escape, Morcar surrendered again and was imprisoned for life. Some rebels had their hands and feet cut off, and their eyes put out to warn off others.

Question 55

Why did the rebellions against William fail?

Answer 55

Castles dominated towns and strategic positions, making it difficult for enemies to launch an attack. William acted quickly and decisively which allowed the rebellion to be dealt with before it could escalate. Changes in land ownership deprived English lords of power and wealth, so they couldn’t launch a rebellion successfully. William’s leadership throughout the rebellions was strong. He dealt with them personally which acted as a deterrent against further attacks. The rebellions were not coordinated and poorly led. William’s harsh punishments were a warning against future rebellions. The Danes seemed to be a threat but never provided effective support for the rebels. Through bribing them, William could lessen their impact. The earls didn’t demonstrate good leadership, often fleeing when William’s army arrived.

Question 56

Why did William carry out the Harrying of the North 1070?

Answer 56

Seeking out revenge for northern rebellions. Earl Robert Cumin, a leading Norman earl, had been slaughtered at the rebellion in York, and William swore revenge. William wanted to make sure that no others would follow in the rebels’ footsteps, so the Harrying acted as a deterrent. Northern rebels were refusing to meet with William on an open battle, which infuriated William. Rebellions in the north were triggering rebellions elsewhere in the country, which caused William great concern and threatened his security. It was draining, financially and militarily, to keep dragging his men to each rebellion. The threat of Danish invasion was a very serious one, and threatened everything that William had worked hard to achieve in England. He would have been very angry that his previous methods had failed to ensure a strong,stable country for him.

Question 57

What did William do during the Harrying of the North 1070?

Answer 57

He began his trail of destruction in Yorkshire, but also spread north to Durham and Northumberland, into Lancashire, Cheshire and down to the Welsh borders. The damage spread over 120 miles. 100,000 people were killed. Crops were destroyed. Livestock were slaughtered. People starved (were reports of cannibalism, people sold themselves into slavery for food). Homes were destroyed, leaving people to freeze to death in the cold. Seeds for next harvest were destroyed. Salt was ploughed into the ground to prevent crop growth for generations.

Question 58

What were some long-term consequences of the Harrying of the North 1070?

Answer 58

After 1071, there weren’t any rebellions in Northumbria. The Danes no longer considered Northumbria a suitable invasion spot. 60% of Yorkshire was classed as ‘waste’ with no livestock. Even after 20 years, the region hadn’t recovered. There were between 80,000 and 150,000 fewer people than in January 1066. William changed tactics after the Harrying. He decided not to try and win over the Anglo-Saxon elite and instead replaced them. Normans owned more land in the north. More castles were built. William regretted the Harrying for the rest of his life, and devoted lots of money and time to the Church to try to make amends.

Question 59

How did William’s methods change after the rebellions?

Answer 59

Replaced Anglo-Saxons with Normans. Took land from Anglo-Saxons. Made Anglo-Saxon heirs forfeit their land, and replace them with his own men, so when they died, Normans took control of their land and estates. Created new earldoms, which he gave to his followers. This land was made up of forfeited land previously held by lots of people. Land grabs occurred, which were illegal - Anglo-Saxons lost land through theft and corrupt deals. Norman sheriffs allowed/encouraged this to happen.

Question 60

According to the Domesday Book, how did land ownership change after the rebellions?

Answer 60

In 1065, 5,000 English thegns held the land, by 1085, almost all of them had lost their land. 25% of the land was held by just 10 great Norman barons. William held twice as much land as everyone else put together. In 1085, there were 1,000 tenants-in-chief, and only 13 were English. A quarter of land was owned by the Church (Normans had senior Church positions). Only 5% of land was still owned by Anglo-Saxons by 1085.

Question 61

What were the rules that came with land ownership in Norman England?

Answer 61

Only 1 landowner in England (king). Anglo-Saxons would have to pay William money to keep using their land, making William very unpopular. If they died without an heir, land went back to William. If they had an heir, the heir had to pay tax to William when he inherited it. Anyone who acted against the king had land taken from them. Tenants-in-chief had lots of power, they were large landowners and reallocated land when a thegn died, but favoured their own followers.

Question 62

What were the rules that came with land ownership in Anglo-Saxon England?

Answer 62

You could own land through Bookland. Lords could ‘grant’ out land to followers who would be given a Charter. The land could be passed on to heirs or sold. Leases - land was loaned to someone for a set period of time. Booklands and Leases both held duties. Geld tax was also paid on it by the owner. If you failed to pay tax or carry out your duty, the land could be taken away. If a new thegn took over the land, a tax would have to be paid to the new lord.

Question 63

How did William maintain royal power through military strength?

Answer 63

Anglo-Saxons had great respect for kings who were great warriors and William’s skill, ruthlessness and luck in battle proved to many in England that he was favoured by God.

Question 64

How did William maintain royal power through his legitimate claim to the throne?

Answer 64

His claim to the throne (Edward the Confessor had promised it to him) was continually stressed throughout his reign.

Question 65

How did William maintain royal power through royal ceremonies?

Answer 65

He instituted a new custom of being seen wearing his crown 3 times per year (mainly at Christmas and Easter). Reminded people of his authority and that he was chosen by God, so people shouldn’t rebel against him.

Question 66

How did William maintain royal power through coinage and writs?

Answer 66

William took control of the minting of coins. These coins had an image of William in them, as did his royal seal, which was attached to the king’s writs. It showed William in his throne on one side and as a knight mounted on a horse on the other side.

Question 67

How did William maintain royal power through journeys around England?

Answer 67

The king needed to be seen in each region in order to maintain his power, otherwise his authority would feel very far away. The king and royal court travelled around the country, meeting with important local families and officials.

Question 68

How did William maintain royal power through owning land?

Answer 68

The system of land ownership made William the owner of all land in England, and was very significant in increasing and maintaining his royal power. Now everyone who held land was connected in a chain of tenants and tenants-in-chief directly to the king. William was constantly exercising his royal power, by taking land from rebels and giving it to his followers.

Question 69

How did William maintain royal power through oath-taking?

Answer 69

Oaths were taken very seriously, and William held oath-taking ceremonies in which all men would swear to serve him loyally. The biggest was in 1086, held at Salisbury, when a Viking invasion seemed imminent, and every land owner of importance came and swore loyalty to the king. It’s thought that there were thousands of men who swore their loyalty then.

Question 70

Who was involved with plotting the 1075 Revolt of the Earls and why?

Answer 70

Roger, Earl of Hereford, son of William’s old friend William FitzOsbern. Roger had been given some of his father’s lands, but not all of them, and had far less power than his father did. Ralph, Earl of Norfolk, who fought at Hastings with his father, and inherited some of his father’s lands and titles. Supported William when the Danes attacked but resented not having as much power as his father did. Waltheof, Earl of Northumbria, an Englishman. Fought against William at Hastings, submitted. Rebelled against William in 1069 but was pardoned and married William’s niece, Judith. Given half the earldom of Northumbria, but not as wealthy as Norman earls.

Question 71

What did the rebels plan to do during the 1075 Revolt of the Earls?

Answer 71

The rebels planned to attack when William was in Normandy. They hoped to get support from the Danes and English people. The plan was vague, but they hoped to defeat William’s forces and take over England. They would split England into 3 parts, and one of them would be king, but it wasn’t decided who.

Question 72

How did the rebels’ plan get leaked during the 1075 Revolt of the Earls?

Answer 72

Waltheof, Earl of Northumbria, betrayed the plot to Lanfranc (William’s regent) before the revolt had even begun. Lanfranc tried to stop the rebellion by writing letters to Roger, Earl of Hereford, and Ralph, Earl of Norfolk, pleading that they make peace with William. This failed and they sent their armies towards each other, planning to meet up and march south. However, Lanfranc sent 2 armies north and stopped the rebel forces from combining. The rebels fled or were captured. Support did arrive from the Danes, but it was too late.

Question 73

What happened to the leaders of the 1075 Revolt of the Earls?

Answer 73

Roger, Earl of Hereford, was captured, all his lands were taken by the king and granted to others, and was imprisoned for life. Ralph, Earl of Norfolk, was cornered but managed to escape to Brittany. Waltheof, Earl of Northumbria, was put on trial, but William took a long time to decide what to do and then hurriedly executed in May 1076. His body was thrown in a ditch before being retrieved and buried in a monastery following his wife’s request.

Question 74

Why did the 1075 Revolt of the Earls fail?

Answer 74

Danish support arrived too late. Lanfranc acted quickly and intercepted the 2 armies. Poor planning. Waltheof betrayed the plot. Earls had less power than before.

Question 75

How did the Feudal System work?

Answer 75

William owned all of England’s land. His key allies became tenants-in-chief, who received huge grants of land direct from the king for their military service. They then gave out land to their followers.

Question 76

How did the Feudal System help William keep control?

Answer 76

Ensured that all tenants and earls remained loyal to him. He could control who owned what land. Provided him with money as a tax had to be paid once a tenant died. The heir would have to pay homage to the king before he could hold the land. Provided a cheaper and faster way of raising an army. Ensured his castles were also protected by knights. Ensured he always had knights within his army.

Question 77

What did tenants-in-chief do in return for their land?

Answer 77

Agreed to bring men to fight for the king for 40 days per year. The number of men they brought was agreed and set out clearly. The more land a tenant-in-chief had, the more soldiers he provided. Could also be required to defend the king’s castles.

Question 78

What were knights given under the Feudal System and why?

Answer 78

May be given a village or a couple of villages. It would be enough land to pay for his warhorse, armour and weapons. This was a much cheaper and more effective way of recruiting soldiers as the king didn’t have to pay them or spend time trying to find mercenaries.

Question 79

What were villeins given under the Feudal System and why?

Answer 79

At the bottom of the Feudal System. Knight gave out most of his land to people in the village so they can grow their own food. Knight kept some land for himself (Demesne) but made people in the village work it for him. Villeins would work 2 to 3 days per week in this land for the knight in return for the land he gave them. This was known as labour service. Most ordinary farm workers were called villeins, they weren’t free to travel or work wherever they wanted, and had to stay and work the land of their knight.

Question 80

Why was Archbishop Stigand believed to be corrupt?

Answer 80

He broke Church laws - Church law said a man could only hold one bishopric, but Stigand had 2, the 2 wealthiest in England. Supported a rival pope to the official pope in Rome and carried out the duties of an archbishop when he hadn’t been appointed by the official pope.

Question 81

Why was the corruption of the English Church important for William’s invasion of England?

Answer 81

Before he was king, William aimed to control the Church. He won the support of the pope for his invasion of England by saying that when he was king, he would reform the Anglo-Saxon Church to end its corruption.

Question 82

How did William change the Anglo-Saxon Church to increase Norman control?

Answer 82

William appointed Lanfranc as Archbishop of Canterbury instead of Stigand. Replaced Anglo-Saxon bishops with Norman bishops. Put Normans in charge of England’s abbots. Stopped the selling of Church posts by bishops and archbishops, he only gave the post to the person who was the most qualified (simony). Stopped nepotism (giving Church posts to family/friends to increase their wealth and power). Didn’t allow bishops to hold more than one bishopric. Said all priests from 1075 were to be single and celibate to fully focus on God. Built more monasteries, encouraged monks to be well-educated so they could influence non-churchmen. Set up Church courts to deal with religious/moral crimes, like adultery or blasphemy. Rebuilt cathedrals, which showed Norman power.

Question 83

Why was there some opposition to the reforms of the Church?

Answer 83

English priests and monks disliked the new Norman services and that relics and bones of English saints were removed from cathedrals. There was a protest at Glastonbury Abbey in 1083 against Norman abbot Thurstan. He sent knights into the Church and fired arrows at the protesting monks, killing 3 and wounding 18. Other monks were flogged for not accepting the new changes.

Question 84

How were ordinary people affected by the reforms of the Church?

Answer 84

Church services and prayers changed. Church customs altered. Church/religion would have played an even greater role in their lives. Church’s influence extended into law and justice.

Question 85

How did William change law and order?

Answer 85

Made a new law that if a Norman was murdered, all the people of that region had to join together and pay a high fine called the Murdrum fine. Used death penalty for serious crimes and reoffenders. Executions were rare before 1066, but now were carried out in public to show the king’s power. Norman-French became the official language used in court procedures, and court records were in Latin. Most English didn’t understand either. Introduced Forest laws (trees couldn’t be cut down for fuel/building, people in forests forbidden to own dogs/bows/arrows. If caught hunting deer, punished by chopping 2 fingers off, second-time was blinding. Used fines for lesser crimes, but fines weren’t paid to victim/their family, but to king’s officials instead. Normans introduced Church courts. Introduced trial by combat (accused fought with accuser until one was killed/couldn’t fight and loser was hanged as God judged them to be guilty).

Question 86

How did William change the government?

Answer 86

William was the centre of all aspects of government and decision-making. He consulted his earls about important issues so that they felt he respected them. William kept the majority of the land in the country for himself. The royal demesne played a vital part in building William’s power. This income paid for his castles, servants, the needs of his family, but also allowed him to be shown as a rich, magnificent and unchallengeable ruler. Government didn’t take place in buildings separate from the king. Put trusted Normans in charge to govern in his absence.

Question 87

How did the role of regents change in Norman society?

Answer 87

In Anglo-Saxon society, Edward didn’t have a regent as he was only King of England. In Norman society, as William was King of England and Normandy, he appointed his most trusted supporters as regents when he was in Normandy (after 1072, spent 80% of his time in Normandy). The regent had the same powers as William. His half-brother, Odo, friend, William FitzOsbern, and Lanfranc were all regents at one point.

Question 88

How did the role of earls change in Norman society?

Answer 88

In Anglo-Saxon society, they were powerful, rich, and influential. The 3 most powerful earls were, together, as rich as the king. In Norman society, earls didn’t become too powerful, and their power didn’t rival William’s. Earldoms were made smaller so they had less power and wealth. There were also less earldoms

Question 89

How did the role of sheriffs change in Norman society?

Answer 89

In both Anglo-Saxon society and Norman society, they collected taxes and fines due to the king, carried out justice in the king’s courts, raised soldiers for the king’s army. In Norman society, William also increase the power of the sheriffs - they answered only to the king.

Question 90

What was the Forest?

Answer 90

Huge areas of private land that William set aside for hunting. It had a different legal system to the rest of England and anyone who caught hunting on this land, or even cutting down trees or collecting wood, could face severe punishments or executions. The Latin word ‘foris’ meant outside the normal legal system.

Question 91

Why didn’t ordinary people like the Forest?

Answer 91

They hated Forest laws, and thought they were harsh and unfair. 2,000 people were evicted from their own homes when the Forest land was extended. 12 villages were destroyed to create the New Forest. The laws were carried out by special forest officials who held their own courts. Fines were high and the money went straight to William, making him even wealthier.

Question 92

How did the Domesday Book benefit William?

Answer 92

It gave him accurate information that he could use to collect taxes more efficiently. He could feed his army more effectively as he knew how many men to expect. This was important when preparing for potential invasions/rebellions. It increased his wealth - he could raise taxes now that he knew how much income everyone had. He knew how wealthy individual lords were and could use this against them if necessary. Harsh punishments were out in place if anyone lied, which was another reminder of how powerful William was.

Question 93

How did life for slaves change in Norman England?

Answer 93

In Anglo-Saxon society, about 10% of the population were slaves, they owned nothing and were treated as property. In Norman society, they thought slavery was wrong and sometimes freed slaves.

Question 94

How did life for peasants change in Norman England?

Answer 94

In Anglo-Saxon society, about 80% of the population were peasants, and most owed labour service to their lord. Some were ‘free men’ who could, if they wanted, take their labour to another lord. In Norman society, Feudal System reduced the number of free peasants and tied everyone closer to complete dependency on their lord. Demands for more revenue from lords put more pressure on peasants.

Question 95

Why did William increase trade with Normandy?

Answer 95

English merchants made profit by trading wool and tin with Normandy. William encouraged this trade to make links between the 2 countries he controlled.

Question 96

What did William’s eldest son, Robert, do in 1078, and why?

Answer 96

He tried to take control of William’s castle at Rouen because William changed his mind in naming Robert heir of Normandy. He failed, but Robert had shown he had the support of many young knights. William’s enemies enjoyed making divisions within the family and gave Robert knights and a castle at Gerberoi. Robert carried out raids, until William retaliated and marched an army to Gerberoi, and Robert decided to attack his father, and won. Robert’s victory made him look like a great success, and he had the support of younger nobles who were fighting against the older generations. William seemed older, weak and humiliated, and was further when it was discovered that his wife, Matilda, sent Robert money. Matilda begged William to seek peace, and William needed to end the revolt soon to show his power. At Easter 1080, William made peace with Robert and restored him as heir of Normandy.

Question 97

How did William die in 1087?

Answer 97

He was involved with a dispute with the French King on the border of Normandy. William attacked and burned the town of Mantes, but his horse reared up, and his iron pommel was driven into his stomach, causing great internal damage.

Question 98

After William’s death in 1087, who ruled Normandy and England?

Answer 98

William Rufus (William’s second son) ruled England. Robert (William’s eldest son) ruled Normandy.

Question 99

How did Bishop Odo (William’s half-brother) want to solve the split kingdom problem?

Answer 99

He planned a rebellion against the new king of England, Rufus. Odo told the earls to support Robert, not Rufus - he believed Robert would be easier to control.

Question 100

What happened to Odo’s rebellion against Rufus in 1088?

Answer 100

Rufus realised a rebellion was underway when many nobles stayed away when he held his Easter court. Rebellions broke out in the south. Rufus headed to Rochester where Odo was planning his own rebellion. He captured his castle and crushed the rebellion. The rebels were expecting Robert to cross the Chanel and support them, but he never did. Robert remained Duke of Normandy until 1106. Odo was exiled from England for the rest of his life. Rufus settled with the rebels to try and keep the peace. He remained King of England until his death in 1100.