History
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Edward the Confessor
King of England from 1042 until his death on 5 January 1066.
There was no clear line of succession to the throne as he had no children.
King of England from 1042 until his death on 5 January 1066.
There was no clear line of succession to the throne as he had no children.
His closest living heir was his great-nephew Edgar the Atheling, who was 14 years old. It was decided that he was too young and inexperienced to rule.
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3 main rival contenders for the throne
*Harold Godwinson
*Harald Hardrada
*William of Normandy
Each claimed that they were the rightful heir to the English throne.
*Harold Godwinson
*Harald Hardrada
*William of Normandy
Each claimed that they were the rightful heir to the English throne.
Harold Godwinson
* From Wessex, in England.
* He was a wealthy nobleman.
* It is claimed that Edward the Confessor named Godwinson as his successor on his deathbed. *Harold Godwinson’s sister, Edith, was married to Edward, (so he is the king’s brother-i
* From Wessex, in England.
* He was a wealthy nobleman.
* It is claimed that Edward the Confessor named Godwinson as his successor on his deathbed. *Harold Godwinson’s sister, Edith, was married to Edward, (so he is the king’s brother-i
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William of Normandy
* A Duke who controlled Normandy, a large region in northern France.
* A distant relative of Edward the Confessor and claimed Edward had promised him the throne in 1051.
* A Duke who controlled Normandy, a large region in northern France.
* A distant relative of Edward the Confessor and claimed Edward had promised him the throne in 1051.
* William also said that Harold Godwinson had sworn an oath that he would help William take the throne after Edward, in return for helping Godwinson when he had been stranded in Normandy in 1064.
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Harald Hardrada
* A Viking and king of Norway.
* A distant relative of King Cnut, who had previously been a king of England when the Vikings had invaded.
* He had the support of Tostig, who was Harold Godwinson’s brother. The two brothers had fallen out
* A Viking and king of Norway.
* A distant relative of King Cnut, who had previously been a king of England when the Vikings had invaded.
* He had the support of Tostig, who was Harold Godwinson’s brother. The two brothers had fallen out
* There were a number of ancestors of previous Viking invaders still living in the north of England, and they were supportive of Harald Hardrada’s claim to the throne.
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The day after Edward the Confessor died.
* The Witan (group of powerful rulers who advise the king) met to decide who should be crowned king.
* They decided that Harold Godwinson should be crowned, and his coronation took place on the same day.
* The Witan (group of powerful rulers who advise the king) met to decide who should be crowned king.
* They decided that Harold Godwinson should be crowned, and his coronation took place on the same day.
This decision angered both William of Normandy and Harald Hardrada. They each decided that, since they had not been given the English throne by the Witan, they would have to invade and take over by force. This led to two important battles: the Battle of S
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The Battle of Stamford Bridge
In September 1066, Harald Hardrada and a force of 8000 Viking warriors invaded the north of England. They advanced to York and their numbers were boosted by supporters from Scotland and northern England.
In September 1066, Harald Hardrada and a force of 8000 Viking warriors invaded the north of England. They advanced to York and their numbers were boosted by supporters from Scotland and northern England.
The new king, Harold Godwinson, had been waiting in the south of England, anticipating an invasion from William from France. He quickly marched his army 185 miles north and reached Harald Hardrada’s men in just four days, taking them by surprise.
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The two sides went to battle at Stamford Bridge, just outside of York. The Anglo-Saxon Chronicle
recorded that a Viking warrior blocked the bridge, stopping Harold Godwinson’s army from crossing. One of Godwinson’s soldiers floated under the bridge in a
recorded that a Viking warrior blocked the bridge, stopping Harold Godwinson’s army from crossing. One of Godwinson’s soldiers floated under the bridge in a
After a violent battle, Harold Godwinson was victorious. Both Hardrada and Tostig were killed and the remainder of Hardrada’s army were allowed to return to Norway.
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Background to the Battle of Hastings
Following the death of Edward the Confessor, William, the Duke of Normandy, was angry when Harold Godwinson was crowned King of England in January 1066.
Following the death of Edward the Confessor, William, the Duke of Normandy, was angry when Harold Godwinson was crowned King of England in January 1066.
William planned to Invade in August, but poor weather conditions meant he had to wait until September. He carried with him the
papal banner, meaning he had the support of the Pope, the leader of the Catholic Church.
papal banner, meaning he had the support of the Pope, the leader of the Catholic Church.
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William landed on the south coast of England with his army while Harold Godwinson was on his way back from the north, where he had defeated Harald Hardrada’s invasion at Stamford Bridge. William and his army headed to Hastings via London, collecting extra
In contrast to Harold Godwinson’s army, William and his men were well-rested and prepared for battle. The two sides lined up against each other at Senlac Hill, seven miles outside of Hastings, on 14 October 1066.
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Who fought in the Battle of Hastings?
Harold Godwinson’s army & William’s Norman army
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Types of soldiers:
* Harold’s army was largely made up of the fyrd and housecarls
.
* William had a range of soldiers available to him:
cavalry, archers and foot soldiers
.
* Harold’s army was largely made up of the fyrd and housecarls
.
* William had a range of soldiers available to him:
cavalry, archers and foot soldiers
.
Fighting experience:
* Harold’s army had a mix of fighting experience. The fyrd were part-time soldiers who were called up to fight when needed. They had little training and were not well armed, often using farming tools for weapons. The housecarls were w
* Harold’s army had a mix of fighting experience. The fyrd were part-time soldiers who were called up to fight when needed. They had little training and were not well armed, often using farming tools for weapons. The housecarls were w
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Size:
* It is believed Harold had between 7,000 and 8,000 soldiers at Hastings.
* Most historians think William’s army was also between 7,000 and 8,000 soldiers.
* It is believed Harold had between 7,000 and 8,000 soldiers at Hastings.
* Most historians think William’s army was also between 7,000 and 8,000 soldiers.
Energy:
* Harold’s army were tired from just defeating Harald Hardrada at Stamford Bridge.
* William’s army were well-rested and ready for battle.
* Harold’s army were tired from just defeating Harald Hardrada at Stamford Bridge.
* William’s army were well-rested and ready for battle.
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What happened at the Battle of Hastings?
The events of the battle
* The Battle of Hastings began at 9am on 14 October 1066. Harold’s army was lined up at the top of Senlac Hill, forming a shield wall facing down against William’s army. At the start of the
The events of the battle
* The Battle of Hastings began at 9am on 14 October 1066. Harold’s army was lined up at the top of Senlac Hill, forming a shield wall facing down against William’s army. At the start of the
* William’s cavalry then tried to charge up the hill, but they also could not break past the defensive line and were beaten back by Harold’s men.
* A rumour spread through the Norman army that William had been killed, but he lifted his helmet and rode pas
* A rumour spread through the Norman army that William had been killed, but he lifted his helmet and rode pas
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* William ordered his soldiers to advance part way up the hill and then pretend to retreat. This was hugely effective. Harold’s army lost their discipline and started charging down the hill, losing their strong defensive position. William’s cavalry were a
* There is some uncertainty as to how Harold Godwinson died. The
Bayeux Tapestry
has the words 'Harold is killed' next to a man with an arrow in his eye, but it is impossible to know which soldier is Harold because all of the English soldiers are dresse
Bayeux Tapestry
has the words 'Harold is killed' next to a man with an arrow in his eye, but it is impossible to know which soldier is Harold because all of the English soldiers are dresse
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* Harold’s remaining soldiers lost motivation when news of his death spread across the battlefield. Some fled, and the ones who stayed to fight were left with little hope.
Why did William win?
Tiredness: Harold’s army had to march north to fight Harald Hardrada at Stamford Bridge, before turning back to march to the south to face William at Hastings. Many of the English army had been killed and the those who were left would
Tiredness: Harold’s army had to march north to fight Harald Hardrada at Stamford Bridge, before turning back to march to the south to face William at Hastings. Many of the English army had been killed and the those who were left would
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Tactics: William’s army pretended to retreat, tempting Harold’s army into losing their strong defensive position to run after them. William’s army was then able to turn round and attack Harold’s weakened position.
Army strength: William had a greater range of soldiers for the battle. As well as foot soldiers, he had a cavalry and more skilled archers. This gave his side a big advantage in the range of tactics and attacks they could carry out.
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Could Harold have done anything differently to win?
* Harold could have waited longer before advancing to Hastings to fight William. This would have given his tired army longer to rest and also gather more soldiers.
* Harold could have waited longer before advancing to Hastings to fight William. This would have given his tired army longer to rest and also gather more soldiers.
*A key turning point in the battle itself was when the fyrd started chasing William’s army down the hill. If they had maintained their strong position at the stop of Senlac Hill, along with the strong shield wall, it is possible the battle could have turn
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What happened after the Battle of Hastings?
Winning the Battle of Hastings was only the beginning of the Norman Conquest. It was a turbulent time for England, with three kings in one year. After William won the Battle of Hastings, his army had to capture
Winning the Battle of Hastings was only the beginning of the Norman Conquest. It was a turbulent time for England, with three kings in one year. After William won the Battle of Hastings, his army had to capture
William seized Dover and Winchester, before advancing to London. He was crowned on Christmas Day, becoming England’s third king in 1066. He went on to make many changes to secure his control of England. Many of these changes had long lasting effects, for
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The Bayeux Tapestry
The Bayeux Tapestry was produced by the Normans following William’s conquest. Its origins are not known for certain, but some historians believe it was arranged by William’s half-brother, Odo, and sewn by English women.
The Bayeux Tapestry was produced by the Normans following William’s conquest. Its origins are not known for certain, but some historians believe it was arranged by William’s half-brother, Odo, and sewn by English women.
The tapestry is 70 metres long and gives an account of events from 1064 - 1066. Although the tapestry was made almost 1,000 years ago, historians still debate about who made it, why it was created and how it presents the events of 1064 - 1066.
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How is Harold presented in the Bayeux Tapestry?
It could be assumed that because Harold was defeated at the Battle of Hastings, he would be presented negatively by the victorious Normans in the Bayeux Tapestry. Instead, the tapestry is surprisingly kind t
It could be assumed that because Harold was defeated at the Battle of Hastings, he would be presented negatively by the victorious Normans in the Bayeux Tapestry. Instead, the tapestry is surprisingly kind t
Historians believe the Normans organised the making of the tapestry, but it doesn’t overtly celebrate their victory. Historians have suggested this is because the Normans didn’t want to anger the English people they were now ruling over.
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How did William rule?
After defeating Harold Godwinson at the Battle of Hastings, William of Normandy was crowned King of England on Christmas Day 1066. Taking the crown didn’t mean everyone in England supported him though, and he faced challenges in secu
After defeating Harold Godwinson at the Battle of Hastings, William of Normandy was crowned King of England on Christmas Day 1066. Taking the crown didn’t mean everyone in England supported him though, and he faced challenges in secu
William is remembered as a harsh king. During his reign, William crushed rebellions, limited the freedoms of Anglo-Saxon women, overhauled the Church and built a series of imposing castles across England to establish control. Looking back on his reign, he
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"I've persecuted the natives of England beyond all reason, whether gentle or simple. I have cruelly oppressed them and unjustly disinherited them, killed innumerable multitudes by famine or the sword and become the barbarous murderer of many thousands bot
They were written down many years after William’s death by a monk named Orderic who had mixed English and Norman heritage. Even if these weren’t William’s exact words, they give an insight into how people at the time thought he ruled England.
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The Harrying of the North
Many Anglo-Saxons opposed the Norman Conquest and William faced a series of rebellions. The biggest rebellion was in York in 1069. It was led by Edgar the Atheling, and he was joined by Danish and Scottish armies. They were posin
Many Anglo-Saxons opposed the Norman Conquest and William faced a series of rebellions. The biggest rebellion was in York in 1069. It was led by Edgar the Atheling, and he was joined by Danish and Scottish armies. They were posin
William defeated the rebellion, but didn't trust the rebels.
He came to an agreement with the Danes, paying them to leave the country if they left without a fight.
He came to an agreement with the Danes, paying them to leave the country if they left without a fight.
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He was significantly less lenient with the English. In the north-east of England, from 1069 to 1070, William ordered villages to be burned to the ground, farm animals to be slaughtered, and crops to be destroyed. This is called the Harrying of the North.
These events devastated the North and it took many years for some areas to recover. There is some uncertainty over how many people were killed, but the Domesday Book shows the population in the North decreased by 75%. People were either killed, died of st
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Anglo-Saxon women
Women feature far less frequently in medieval sources than men, but this does not mean they were absent from William's reign. Some historians have argued that there was more equality between women and men before the Norman Conquest. Befo
Women feature far less frequently in medieval sources than men, but this does not mean they were absent from William's reign. Some historians have argued that there was more equality between women and men before the Norman Conquest. Befo
Many Anglo-Saxon women inherited the land they lived on after their husbands and fathers died at the Battle of Hastings. William only allowed them to keep their land and home if they married a Norman. This put many women in a difficult position as forced
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The women’s previous husbands were seen as traitors for fighting against William, so if they refused to obey and marry a Norman, they would also be considered traitors.
Many women resisted the Norman Conquest and avoided forced marriages by seeking refuge in
nunneries
. Other women led a quiet rebellion by teaching their Anglo-Norman children English to keep the language alive, instead of the French spoken by the Norman
nunneries
. Other women led a quiet rebellion by teaching their Anglo-Norman children English to keep the language alive, instead of the French spoken by the Norman
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William and the Church
Faith was very important to William. He had been responsible for beginning the building of new monasteries in Normandy in the 1060s and was devout in his religious practice. He had always been a loyal follower of the
Pope
and plac
Faith was very important to William. He had been responsible for beginning the building of new monasteries in Normandy in the 1060s and was devout in his religious practice. He had always been a loyal follower of the
Pope
and plac
Having control of the Church also meant having access to power, land and wealth. William waited until 1070 to make big changes to the Church, beginning with replacing English
bishops
with Norman ones.
bishops
with Norman ones.
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The Archbishop of Canterbury
Lanfranc, made the organisation of churches much tighter and made sure that the local priests were kept under the control of the central church bishops and archbishops.
Lanfranc, made the organisation of churches much tighter and made sure that the local priests were kept under the control of the central church bishops and archbishops.
The Normans also replaced the small, wooden Anglo-Saxon churches with much larger stone churches. They built huge cathedrals in major towns like London, Durham and York, which could hold hundreds of people. These cathedrals were decorated inside with impr
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William's use of castles
William rewarded his loyal supporters with large areas of land in England, which helped him control the country. The Norman conquerors were unpopular with many people in England, so they quickly built motte-and-bailey
castles all
William rewarded his loyal supporters with large areas of land in England, which helped him control the country. The Norman conquerors were unpopular with many people in England, so they quickly built motte-and-bailey
castles all
Castles were built in prominent positions, on high ground overlooking villages or towns. These imposing structures would have been the largest buildings people in medieval England had ever seen. William hoped the building of castles across England would i
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Castle design gradually changed over time. Castles would evolve and be improved with new designs, sometimes over hundreds of years. The main designs of castles were: motte-and-bailey, stone keep and concentric.
Motte-and-bailey castles
Motte-and-bailey castles were built from wood and the keep was constructed on top of a small hill, called a motte. At the bottom of the motte, was a bailey, which was an enclosed group of houses and farmland for soldiers and work
Motte-and-bailey castles were built from wood and the keep was constructed on top of a small hill, called a motte. At the bottom of the motte, was a bailey, which was an enclosed group of houses and farmland for soldiers and work
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The Normans built these castles on the tops of hills so that they would look imposing and intimidating.
These castles weren’t built to last a long time, but they could be built quickly within a few days and then were gradually replaced with more elaborate
These castles weren’t built to last a long time, but they could be built quickly within a few days and then were gradually replaced with more elaborate
Stone keep castles
Stone keep castles were often built on the same site as motte-and-bailey castles. Wooden keeps were slowly replaced with imposing stone keeps, which were stronger and more difficult to attack. As motte-and-bailey castles were wooden, th
Stone keep castles were often built on the same site as motte-and-bailey castles. Wooden keeps were slowly replaced with imposing stone keeps, which were stronger and more difficult to attack. As motte-and-bailey castles were wooden, th
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The Tower of London is a good example of a wooden castle that was replaced by this type of design.
However, due to their shape and weight, stone keep castles could be attacked by mining underneath them to cause a corner to collapse.
However, due to their shape and weight, stone keep castles could be attacked by mining underneath them to cause a corner to collapse.
Concentric castles
Concentric castles have two or more stone outer walls for protection. Over time, further defences were added to castles, such as stone walls, gatehouses and a
barbican
. Square towers started to be replaced with round ones. These gave
Concentric castles have two or more stone outer walls for protection. Over time, further defences were added to castles, such as stone walls, gatehouses and a
barbican
. Square towers started to be replaced with round ones. These gave
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How could castles be attacked?
As castle designs developed, so did the methods of attacking them.
Motte-and-bailey castles could be attacked with fire, as they were made of wood. Strong stone castles were more challenging to attack. A trebuchet was a type
As castle designs developed, so did the methods of attacking them.
Motte-and-bailey castles could be attacked with fire, as they were made of wood. Strong stone castles were more challenging to attack. A trebuchet was a type
Weapons like siege towers were developed to try and scale the walls, and battering rams were made to break through drawbridges.
If a castle was particularly well defended, attackers could try to force the inhabitants out. This was called a siege. Attacker
If a castle was particularly well defended, attackers could try to force the inhabitants out. This was called a siege. Attacker
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Other cards in this set
Card 2
Front
Harold Godwinson
* From Wessex, in England.
* He was a wealthy nobleman.
* It is claimed that Edward the Confessor named Godwinson as his successor on his deathbed. *Harold Godwinson’s sister, Edith, was married to Edward, (so he is the king’s brother-i
* From Wessex, in England.
* He was a wealthy nobleman.
* It is claimed that Edward the Confessor named Godwinson as his successor on his deathbed. *Harold Godwinson’s sister, Edith, was married to Edward, (so he is the king’s brother-i
Back
3 main rival contenders for the throne
*Harold Godwinson
*Harald Hardrada
*William of Normandy
Each claimed that they were the rightful heir to the English throne.
*Harold Godwinson
*Harald Hardrada
*William of Normandy
Each claimed that they were the rightful heir to the English throne.
Card 3
Front
* William also said that Harold Godwinson had sworn an oath that he would help William take the throne after Edward, in return for helping Godwinson when he had been stranded in Normandy in 1064.
Back
Card 4
Front
* There were a number of ancestors of previous Viking invaders still living in the north of England, and they were supportive of Harald Hardrada’s claim to the throne.
Back
Card 5
Front
This decision angered both William of Normandy and Harald Hardrada. They each decided that, since they had not been given the English throne by the Witan, they would have to invade and take over by force. This led to two important battles: the Battle of S
Back
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