Why was William of Normandy able to sieze the throne of England? Flashcards
How was the feudal system used in Normandy to help win wars?
System based on loyalty ie king gave land to nobles but in return they must provide soldiers for the king then nobles give some land to knights but in return they must fight
Creates a stable society and system for providing soldiers
Why were the normans good warriors?
They used knight who were full time soldiers
Well trained
Mastered horse riding and used stirrups- gave them height and speed
Loyalty from feudal system
Used cross-bows- can keep their distance
What gave the normans their representation as good soldiers?
The Battle of Civitate, 1053
Between normans and italians
Showed the military of the normans- they were feared
What were the advantages of norman castles?
Made to keep knights and their men safe
They acted as a hub t consolidate and secure an area
Ringwork and Motte and Bailey
Both types could be constructed quickly
What was Norman religion like?
Pope praised norman monks and nuns for their devotion and teaching
Strong religious beliefs
Built churches and monasteries
Chuches made from stone- valuable and long lasting
How was William influenced by Norman values?
Became Duke of Normandy in 1035, aged 8 Many knights moved against him to secure land and power- violent society Good tactician and ruthless to enemies Used marriages to secure alliances Very religious
Who was Edward Atheling?
Edward the confessor’s great-nephew
Too young to claim the throne
Accepted harold as king
What was Harold Godwinson’s claim to the throne?
He was Earl of Wessex
Said Edward had chosen him on his deathbed- no witnesses
Witan supported his claim
Crowned hours after edward’s burial
What was Harald Hardrada’s claim to the throne?
King of Norway
His father had been promised the Kingdom of Denmark and in 1064 hardrada gave up fighting the danes and decided to take england due to the earlier english- dane kingdom
What was Williams’s claim to the throne?
Distant relative of Edwards
Claimed Edward had chosen him in 1051 when he had been exiled to Normandy
Claimed Harold had sworn on religious relics to support him in 1064 (others say he was kidnapped by normans and forced to do this)
What happened at the Battle of Fulford?
Harold had disbanded his army from the south coast to collect harvest
Hardrada landed on the north east coast and was supported by Harold’s brother Tostig
Harold had to reassemble his army whilst northern earls Edwin and Morcar fought Hardrada
Hardrada and Tostig won
There were a lot of deaths
What happened at the Battle of Stamford Bridge?
Harold’s army arrived in the north and launched a surprise attack on the vikings
Harold’s army won
Thousands of deaths, including Hardrada and Tostig
Hardrada’s son was allowed to return to norway with the promise of never coming back
Why did William wait to cross the Chanel?
Had a large force of 7000 men and needed to make sure they had all the supplies that they needed
Waited for the weather to improve
Overall wait= six weeks
How did Williams background in Normandy help him to win the battle of hastings?
He had a large number of mounted knights
His troops were confident as they believed that they had god on their side- Pope gave them the papal banner
What personal qualities did William have that allowed him to win?
Good military tactician- false retreat trick
