1066: Normans Conquer England
Harold Godwinson was supported as Edward's rightful heir by the "witan." What was the witan? Who else supported Godwinson's claim to the throne?
"Witan" was the king's close advisors. Nobles also supported Harold.
What are three specific ways (other than language) that England changed as result of the conquest?
1. England was oriented away from the Scandinavian world 2. England became an integral part of the European story 3. Elements of Anglo-Saxon and Norman societies combined to form a new hybrid culture
Who were the three claimants to the English throne in 1066? How do three men have a claim?
1. Harold Godwinson- Anglo Saxon, supported by Saxon nobles 2. Harald Hardrada- Kind of Norway, "relationship" to Cnut and earlier promises 3. William Duke of Normandy- great nephew of Emma
As William planned his invasion of England, what hurdles did he have to overcome?
1. He needed men and ships 2. Had to convince nobles to join him 3. needed support from the Church, King of France, and Europe nobles
What issues did William's nobles bring up not to invade England?
1. They did not have an obligation to join him. 2. Questions of getting a large army across the English channel. 3. They would be outnumbered when they reached England.
How did Emma become a power player in this new relationship with the Danish King of England?
All royal documents produced were signed by BOTH Cnut and Emma. (Because Cnut was illiterate)
What was the name of Harald Hardrada's shock troops at the Battle of Stamford Bridge? These Vikings worked themselves into a frenzy and were a formidable fighting unit.
Beserkers
Why are Sweyn and Cnut's conquest of England described as a veritable Scandinavian Empire?
Cnut became King of England in addition to the Kingdoms of Denmark, Iceland, Greenland, and parts of Norway.
What were the results of the Battle of Ashington?
Cnut defeated Edmund Ironside's English army, and became King of England.
How did Cnut cement and seal his conquest of England?
Cnut married Emma.
Why do you think it was important for Cnut to marry Emma?
Cnut was illiterate, so she exercised her political influence during this time.
How did Duke Richard and King Aethelred seal their pact of mutual aid?
Emma, daughter of Duke Richard, married King Aethelred of England.
Who did Hardrada's army defeat on 9/20/1066?
English earls at Fulford.
Harold Godwinson marched his army north to meet the invading Harald Hardrada. What was the outcome of the Battle of Stamford Bridge?
English victory; both Hardrada and Tostig were killed.
What news did Harold Godwinson receive on 9/8/1066?
Hardrada in northern England and was marching to York.
What were the results of Danish King Sweyn Forkbeard's attack on England in the year 1013?
He dies and his son, Cnut took up his sword.
Describe Harold Godwinson's battle line and how he deployed his men.
He held a strong defensive position atop a hill and deployed a shield wall
How did King Aethelred of England respond to the recurring Viking attacks of the 990's?
He made a peace pact and pledged mutual aid with Duke Richard of Normandy.
Why have historians second guessed Godwinson's decision to rush his men into battle against William?
He rushed his men into battle too quickly after battle and forced march.
What does the Anglo Saxon Chronicle say about Harold Godwinson's activities in Normandy in 1064?
He was in Normandy while they swore an oath to support William's claim to the throne of England.
What was the Norman Duke Richard's Viking heritage?
He was the 5th generation descendent of the Viking Rollo.
In 1042 Edward the Confessor became King of England. What was his lineage and claim to the throne?
He was the son of King Aethelred and Emma.
What have some historians theorized as a reason that William waited almost two months to invade?
He was waiting for Harold Hardrada to make the first move.
What was King Harald Hardrada's claim to the throne of England?
His claim was based on a deal that was made by Magnus and Hathacnut.
What was the name of Harold Godwinson's axe wielding personal guards who were with Godwinson until the bitter end at Hastings?
Housecarls
On his deathbed, whom did King Edward designate as his heir?
Saxon Noble Harold Godwinson
How did the English language change?
The Normans introduced the French language to Great Britain
Th English were winning the battle until what happen? How did the Normans win the day?
The Normans won when William ordered a counterattack with the English in disarray.
How did descendants of Alfred the Great create the boundaries of England that exist today?
They conquered English territory that had been lost in earlier Danish invasions
Why are the events of 1066 England described as a major event in English history?
They strongly influenced later events in English history.
What role did Tostig play against his brother Harold Godwinson?
Tostig joined Hardrada in northern England against Godwinson.
What is the epilogue in this battle for the Kingdom of England?
William was crowned Kind of England on Christmas Day, 1066. William's wife Mathilde was crowned queen in May 1068. By 1070 William had secured all parts of the Kingdom. All armed opposition was over by 1073.
Describe William's battle deployment.
William's deployment was ineffective under Harold. He deployed his men traditionally; archers in front, then foot and calvary in the rear.
What is the Bayeux Tapestry? What tale does it tell?
a seventy meter long embroidery that tells the story of William's military campaign to win the crown of England.
Why do you think it was important for Emma's father to permit Emma to marry Cnut?
for his [Duke Richard's] political benefit.
Godwinson had no time to celebrate his victory because...
he was killed in battle
Describe Edward the Confessor's personality.
pious, and spent much of his time in religious pursuits.
Rumor spread across the Norman battle line that William had been killed. William responded by...
removing his helmet and shouting he will not be defeated.
How will all three claimants back up their claim to the English throne?
with military force
