Submission of the Earls, 1066

Question 1

Who was made King after the Battle of Hastings?

Answer 1

Edgar Aethling

Question 2

Where was the Royal Treasury located?

Answer 2

Winchester

Question 3

Where did the Earls submit?

Answer 3

Berkhamstead, North West of London

Question 4

Give 2 strengths of the Earl’s position just after the battle of Hastings

Answer 4

They had control of Mercia and Northumbria which made up over half of the country
Edgar had a stronger claim to the throne than William, as he was Edward the Confessor’s nephew
London was heavily fortified

Question 5

Give 2 strengths of William’s position after the battle of Hastings

Answer 5

William took control of the Royal Treasury, giving him money to reward followers
William was an effective leader
People quickly submitted to William in order to avoid their homes being destroyed

Question 6

Give 2 weaknesses of the Earl’s position

Answer 6

Edgar took no decisive actions as king

Many of England’s best warriors had been killed in the battle of Hastings

Question 7

Give 2 weaknesses of William’s position

Answer 7

William only had about 5,000 troops left
Claim to the throne was irrelevant now the Witan had elected a new king
William was deep into enemy territory with no plan for retreat