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Q&A On the Norman Conquest - Coggle Diagram
Q&A On the Norman Conquest
Why was the battle fought?
Harold Godwinson;
Claimed Edward wispered that he should be the next king on his death bed
He was the most powerful English noble that had control of the army
The Witan chose him
Only English claiment
Edward the confessor died with no heir. Three men wanted the throne but Harold Godwinson was crowned the day after his death
William Duke of Normandy;
Distant cousin of Edward, blood relative
Claimed Harold Godwison swore an oath to support claim to the throne
Was promised the throne in 1052
Harald Hadrada
Already a King (of Norway)
Support of Tostig Godwinson
Descendent of king Cnut who thought he should be king
Why was William Victorious?
Skill and Preparation
Support of the Pope, therefore God was on his side
Prepared for 6 months (Jan - Sept)
Determined & Ambitious
Luck
Due to the wind, he was forced to wait all summer. By the time it stopped Harold Godwinson Was already up North
This meant that the south was undefended
Battle of Stamford Bridge
Many were killed
Harold Godwinson's amry was exhausted from coming from the North to the South
Army
Well trained and structured
Archers
Calvary
Infantry
Faked a retreat - Tricked Harold Godwinsons army, broke shieldwall, killed Harold, Saxons ran away
Strong and disciplined
Harold's Army and Mistakes
Ignored advice from his brothers and went South
Many dead or wounded, walked 180 miles in 4 days
Broke shieldwall
Brave but ill disiplined
Untrained and on foot
How did William Keep control of England
Feudal System
He could raise an army
Ensured William had control
King - Nobles - Bishops - Knights - Peasants
Everyone had to answer to the King
Dealt with Rebellions
Nobles rebled and took York
William layed waste to a huge area of land as his response
'Harrying of the North'
This sent out a clear message to all
He built castles
Administrative centres
Fisr they were made ou tof motte and bailey but they didn't last long
Sign of his power
They were then placed with stone Eg. Dover Castle and Tower of London
These were fore defence
Domesday Book
Survey mao of the entire country
He wanted to know:
How much he could tax
Who owned which land
No nobles could get too powerful
Soldiers he could recruit