William The Conqueror Flashcards
(28 cards)
Who were the three claimants to the throne in 1066?
Harold Godwinson, Harald Hardraada, William of Normandy
What was a key advantage of Harold Godwinson’s claim to the throne?
He was English and the most powerful nobleman in England.
What was a disadvantage of Harold Godwinson’s claim to the throne?
In 1051, he had rebelled against Edward and had been exiled abroad.
What was a key advantage of Harald Hardraada’s claim to the throne?
He was King of Norway and had many followers.
What was a disadvantage of Harald Hardraada’s claim to the throne?
He was not English and people in the south of England did not want a Viking king.
What was a key advantage of William, Duke of Normandy’s claim to the throne?
He had promised Harold to accept him as King of England.
What was a disadvantage of William’s claim to the throne?
He was not English.
What did the Witanegemot do in 1066?
Chose Harold Godwinson to be king.
What did Harold Godwinson do to prepare for William’s invasion?
Stationed his army along the south coast of England.
What happened at Fulford Bridge in September 1066?
Harald’s army defeated the English earls.
Fill in the blank: Edward chose Harold to succeed him as he was _______.
dying
True or False: Harold Godwinson swore an oath of loyalty to William in 1065.
True
What did Harold have to do after the defeat at Fulford Bridge?
March his army hundreds of miles north.
What was the outcome of the Battle of Stamford Bridge?
Harald Hardraada was killed along with Tostig and most of the Viking army. Only 24 ships returned to Norway from the 300 that had invaded.
What did Harold do immediately after the Battle of Stamford Bridge?
He marched his exhausted army hundreds of miles south to confront William.
On what date did the Battle of Hastings take place?
14th October 1066.
What was one of Harold’s mistakes during the Battle of Hastings?
Harold rushed back from the north and attempted a surprise attack on William with a small, exhausted army.
What was a key factor in William’s victory at the Battle of Hastings?
William’s leadership and tactics.
How did William inspire his men during the battle?
He lifted up his visor and rode around to motivate them.
What clever tactic did William use against the Saxons?
He encouraged them to leave their shield wall and chase his men down the hill.
What role did luck play in William’s victory?
If the weather had not delayed his arrival, Harold’s full army would have been ready. Harold was also struck by an arrow during the battle.
What happened to London after the Battle of Hastings?
William marched north, intimidating Londoners into surrendering, leading to widespread capitulation.
When was William crowned King of England?
On Christmas Day, 1066.
What challenge did William face when he became king?
He had a small number of Normans to rule over a large number of Saxons.
