KS3 History - Norman Conquest & Control

Study revision notes for KS3 History - Norman Conquest & Control

Norman Conquest and Control Study Pack

1. Introduction

In 1066 England faced a serious succession crisis. King Edward the Confessor died without a clear child to inherit the throne. Several powerful men claimed they had the best right to rule. The result was a year of invasions, battles and political change.

The Norman Conquest was the process by which William, Duke of Normandy, defeated Harold Godwinson and became William I of England. It did not end with the Battle of Hastings. William still had to control a kingdom where many people did not want him as king.

This study pack explains:

what England was like before 1066
why there was a succession problem
who claimed the throne
what happened at Fulford, Stamford Bridge and Hastings
why William won the Battle of Hastings
how castles, landholding, the feudal system, the Domesday Book and violence helped William control England
what changed and what stayed the same after 1066
how historians and sources help us understand the conquest

The Norman Conquest is often seen as a major turning point because it changed England's rulers, landowners, castles, language, Church leadership and links with Europe. However, not everything changed immediately. Many ordinary villagers still farmed the land, paid dues and lived under local control, although their lords were increasingly Norman rather than Anglo-Saxon.

2. Key Definitions

Succession: The process of deciding who becomes the next ruler after a king or queen dies.

Claimant: A person who says they have a right to a title, throne or position.

Witan: A council of important Anglo-Saxon nobles and churchmen who advised the king and helped choose the next king.

Earl: A powerful noble who governed a large area of Anglo-Saxon England.

Housecarls: Professional soldiers who served Anglo-Saxon kings and nobles.

Fyrd: Part-time soldiers raised from local communities in Anglo-Saxon England.

Duke: A high-ranking noble. William was Duke of Normandy before he became King of England.

Feigned retreat: A tactic where soldiers pretend to run away, hoping the enemy will break formation and chase them.

Shield wall: A defensive formation where soldiers stand close together with overlapping shields.

Motte-and-bailey castle: A Norman castle with a raised mound called a motte and an enclosed courtyard called a bailey.

Stone keep: A strong stone tower used as a castle's main defensive building.

Feudal system: A way of organising society around land and loyalty. The king gave land to nobles, who gave land to knights, who received service and labour from peasants.

Tenant-in-chief: A powerful lord who held land directly from the king.

Knight: A trained mounted warrior who owed military service to a lord.

Peasant: A person who farmed the land. Many peasants were not free to leave their village.

Domesday Book: A survey ordered by William I in 1085 and completed in 1086 to record land, people, animals and resources in England.

Rebellion: An organised attempt to resist or overthrow authority.

Harrying of the North: William's brutal destruction of parts of northern England in 1069-1070 after rebellions against Norman rule.

Conquest: Taking control of a place by force.

Turning point: A moment or event that causes important change.

Continuity: Something that stays the same over time.

Interpretation: A historian's or writer's explanation of the past.

3. Timeline / Chronology

England Before and During 1066

Date	Event	Why it mattered
1042	Edward the Confessor became King of England	Edward ruled for over twenty years but left no direct heir
1051	William of Normandy later claimed Edward promised him the throne	This became one part of William's claim in 1066
1064	William later claimed Harold Godwinson swore an oath to support his claim	Harold denied or ignored this when he became king
5 January 1066	Edward the Confessor died	The succession crisis began
6 January 1066	Harold Godwinson was crowned King Harold II	The Witan supported Harold, but other claimants challenged him
Spring-Summer 1066	William prepared an invasion fleet in Normandy	William gathered ships, soldiers and supplies
20 September 1066	Battle of Fulford	Harald Hardrada and Tostig defeated the northern earls Edwin and Morcar
25 September 1066	Battle of Stamford Bridge	Harold Godwinson defeated Harald Hardrada and Tostig
27-28 September 1066	William landed at Pevensey in southern England	Harold had to march south quickly
14 October 1066	Battle of Hastings	William defeated and killed Harold Godwinson
25 December 1066	William was crowned King of England	Norman rule officially began
1067-1071	Rebellions against William	William had to fight to control England
1068	Rebellions in Exeter and the north	William used castles and force to control key areas
1069-1070	Harrying of the North	William devastated parts of northern England to crush resistance
1070s-1080s	Norman castles and landholding spread	Norman control became stronger
1085-1086	Domesday survey and Domesday Book	William recorded England's resources for tax and control
1087	William I died	By then Norman rule was firmly established

Text Timeline of 1066

January: Edward dies -> Harold Godwinson crowned

Spring-Summer: William prepares invasion in Normandy

September 20: Fulford -> Hardrada and Tostig defeat northern English forces

September 25: Stamford Bridge -> Harold defeats Hardrada and Tostig

September 28: William lands at Pevensey

October 14: Hastings -> William defeats Harold

December 25: William crowned in Westminster Abbey

4. Core Knowledge Sections

A. England Before 1066

Before 1066, England was an Anglo-Saxon kingdom. It was wealthy compared with many parts of Europe. Its farmland, towns, churches and tax system made it attractive to ambitious rulers.

England had a king, but he did not rule alone. Powerful earls controlled large regions. Important church leaders also had influence. The Witan advised the king and helped decide succession when the throne was uncertain.

Edward the Confessor became king in 1042. He had spent part of his earlier life in Normandy, so he had Norman links. However, one of the most powerful families in England was the Godwin family. Harold Godwinson became Earl of Wessex and was the most powerful noble in England by 1066.

Edward had no children. This caused the succession problem. In a hereditary monarchy, the throne normally passed through family lines, but Anglo-Saxon succession was not always simple. The Witan could support a suitable adult male from the royal family or another powerful candidate. This meant several people could argue that they had a claim.

B. The Succession Problem

Edward the Confessor died on 5 January 1066. The next day Harold Godwinson was crowned king. Harold's supporters argued that:

Edward chose Harold on his deathbed
Harold was the strongest noble in England
Harold was already experienced in government and warfare
the Witan accepted Harold as king
England needed a quick decision because foreign invasion was likely

William of Normandy claimed he should be king because:

he said Edward had promised him the throne earlier
he said Harold had sworn an oath to support him
he had support from the Pope, according to Norman accounts
he was a strong ruler with military experience

Harald Hardrada, King of Norway, claimed the throne because:

earlier Viking and Scandinavian rulers had ruled parts of England
he used old agreements and royal links to support his claim
he was an experienced warrior king
he was helped by Tostig, Harold Godwinson's exiled brother

Edgar Aetheling also had a claim because:

he was from the old Anglo-Saxon royal family
he was related by blood to earlier English kings
some English nobles later supported him

However, Edgar was young and had limited military experience. In January 1066, the Witan chose Harold Godwinson because he seemed the strongest immediate choice.

C. The Claimants Compared

Claimant	Strengths	Weaknesses
Harold Godwinson	Powerful English earl; supported by the Witan; experienced; nearby when Edward died	Not a direct royal heir; faced enemies abroad; had to defend north and south
William of Normandy	Strong duke; claimed Edward's promise and Harold's oath; prepared carefully	Foreign ruler; had to cross the Channel; needed to defeat English army
Harald Hardrada	Experienced warrior king; had Viking reputation; supported by Tostig	Foreign invader; had to fight far from Norway; underestimated Harold's speed
Edgar Aetheling	Blood link to Anglo-Saxon royal family	Young; little experience; lacked strong military support in January 1066

D. Battles Before Hastings

The Battle of Fulford, 20 September 1066

Harald Hardrada and Tostig invaded northern England. The northern earls, Edwin and Morcar, tried to stop them near York at Fulford.

The English fought hard, but Hardrada and Tostig won. This victory opened the way to York. It also forced Harold Godwinson to march north from the south, where he had been watching for William's invasion.

Fulford mattered because:

it showed England was under attack from more than one direction
it weakened northern English forces
it pulled Harold away from the south coast
it helped create the exhausting march that shaped events before Hastings

The Battle of Stamford Bridge, 25 September 1066

Harold Godwinson marched north quickly and surprised the Viking army at Stamford Bridge. Hardrada and Tostig were killed, and the Norwegian army was heavily defeated.

This was a major victory for Harold. It showed his leadership and speed. However, it also caused problems:

Harold's army was tired
some troops had been killed or wounded
Harold had to march south almost immediately
William landed in southern England just after Stamford Bridge

E. The Battle of Hastings, 14 October 1066

William landed at Pevensey and moved to Hastings. Harold marched south and took up a position on Senlac Hill. The English army formed a shield wall on high ground. William's army included infantry, archers and cavalry.

The battle lasted most of the day. The English shield wall was difficult to break. William used archers, infantry and cavalry attacks. At points, Norman troops may have used feigned retreats, encouraging some English soldiers to chase them downhill. When the English line was weakened, Norman cavalry could attack more effectively.

Harold was killed near the end of the battle. Without their king, the English army collapsed. William had won a decisive victory.

Battlefield Diagram of Hastings

North

    English army on Senlac Hill
    Housecarls and fyrd in shield wall
    [SHIELD WALL][SHIELD WALL][SHIELD WALL]
    High ground: strong defensive position

    Slope down towards Norman army

    Norman archers
    Norman infantry
    Norman cavalry
    William directs attacks and rallies troops

South, towards Hastings

Key points:

Harold's army used the hill and shield wall defensively.
William's army used mixed forces: archers, infantry and cavalry.
If English soldiers left the shield wall, they became easier to attack.
Harold's death was a major turning point in the battle.

F. Why William Won the Battle of Hastings

William's victory had many causes. Good answers should avoid giving only one reason.

William's leadership

William was an experienced military leader. During the battle, there was a rumour that he had been killed. Norman accounts say he lifted his helmet to show he was alive and encouraged his troops to continue. Whether every detail is exact or not, William clearly managed to keep his army fighting.

Norman tactics

William's army used a combination of archers, infantry and cavalry. This gave him more tactical options than Harold, whose army depended heavily on the shield wall. The feigned retreat, if used deliberately, was important because it drew some English soldiers out of formation.

Harold's difficult position

Harold had just fought at Stamford Bridge. He then marched south quickly. His soldiers were tired, and some of his best troops may have been lost in the north. Harold also had to act quickly because William was damaging land in the south.

Luck and timing

The timing helped William. Bad winds had delayed his invasion, but this meant he landed after Harold had gone north. Harold had to face two invasions in a short period. Harold's death during the battle was also crucial. If Harold had survived, the English army may have continued resisting.

Preparation

William prepared carefully. He built ships, gathered supplies and gained support from nobles. He also organised an army with different types of soldiers. His preparation meant he could cross the Channel and fight effectively once he landed.

Battlefield conditions

Harold had the advantage of high ground. However, the battle lasted a long time. The English shield wall became weaker as men were killed, tired or tempted downhill. William's ability to keep attacking eventually mattered more.

Ranking Reasons for William's Victory

A strong ranking might be:

Harold's difficult position after Stamford Bridge, because it meant the English army was tired and rushed.
William's tactics and mixed army, because they helped break the shield wall.
William's leadership, because he kept his army together during a long battle.
Preparation, because without ships, supplies and soldiers William could not have invaded.
Luck and timing, because the wind and Harold's northern campaign created an opportunity.

Another student could rank them differently if they explain their reasons with evidence.

G. William's Problems After Hastings

Winning Hastings did not automatically give William full control. Many English people still saw him as a foreign invader. Some powerful English nobles wanted Edgar Aetheling to become king. William also needed to control towns, roads, land, tax and the Church.

William's main problems were:

many people did not accept him as rightful king
he had a small number of Norman followers compared with the English population
rebellions broke out in different regions
northern England was harder to control from London
Wales, Scotland and Scandinavia could support resistance
William needed money and land to reward his followers

William used several methods to control England. These included castles, land redistribution, the feudal system, harsh punishment, Church reform, and the Domesday survey.

H. Castles and Control

The Normans built castles quickly after the conquest. Early castles were often motte-and-bailey castles made from earth and wood. Later, many were rebuilt in stone.

Castles helped William because they:

housed Norman soldiers
controlled towns, roads and river crossings
acted as bases for attacks against rebels
showed Norman power visually
protected Norman lords from local resistance
allowed a small number of Normans to dominate larger English populations

Motte-and-Bailey Castle Diagram

             Wooden tower
                /\
               /  \
          ____/____\____
         /             \
        /     MOTTE     \        Raised mound
       /_________________\
              || bridge
    =========================
    |        BAILEY         |
    | hall, stables, stores |
    | soldiers and workers  |
    =========================
          ditch and palisade

Motte: raised mound with a tower.

Bailey: enclosed courtyard for buildings, animals, stores and soldiers.

Ditch and palisade: defensive barrier around the castle.

The castle was both military and symbolic. It was military because soldiers could defend it and attack from it. It was symbolic because it reminded local people that a new ruling elite had taken power.

I. Stone Keeps

Wooden castles could be built quickly, but they had weaknesses. They could burn and decay. Over time, important castles were rebuilt in stone. Stone keeps were stronger, more permanent and more impressive.

Stone castles showed that Norman rule was not temporary. They also became centres of lordship, justice, storage and administration.

J. The Feudal System

William controlled land by making himself the ultimate owner. He took land from many Anglo-Saxon nobles and gave it to his Norman followers. This rewarded loyal supporters and weakened potential enemies.

The feudal system can be simplified as a pyramid:

             KING
    owned all land in theory
    gave land to tenants-in-chief

      TENANTS-IN-CHIEF
   great Norman lords and bishops
   gave military service and loyalty

          KNIGHTS
   received smaller landholdings
   provided armed service

         PEASANTS
   farmed the land and paid dues
   provided labour, rent and produce

This system helped William because land and loyalty were linked. If a lord rebelled, William could take land away. The king also kept large amounts of land for himself.

The feudal system was not invented completely from nothing in 1066. Anglo-Saxon England already had lords, peasants, duties and landholding. However, Norman rule made landholding more tightly connected to military service and royal control.

K. Domesday Book

In 1085 William ordered a great survey of England. Officials asked questions about land, people, animals, mills, woodland, plough teams and value. The results were written in Domesday Book in 1086.

Domesday Book helped William:

know who held land
calculate tax
settle disputes over land
understand the wealth of the kingdom
check that tenants-in-chief had the resources to provide service
strengthen royal control after years of conquest and rebellion

The name "Domesday" suggests a final judgement, because people felt the survey was detailed and difficult to challenge. It was not a full census of every person. It focused mainly on land, wealth and resources.

L. Rebellions and the Harrying of the North

There were many rebellions after 1066. Some were local. Others involved powerful nobles or foreign support. Rebellions showed that William's control was not secure at first.

Important examples include:

resistance in the south-west, including Exeter
northern rebellions involving English nobles
Danish interest in England
Hereward the Wake's resistance in the Fens

The most severe response was the Harrying of the North in 1069-1070. After rebellions in northern England, William ordered destruction across parts of the region. Homes, crops, animals and food supplies were destroyed. This made it very difficult for rebels to survive or organise.

The Harrying of the North helped William crush resistance, but it caused great suffering. It also damaged the economy of the north. A good historical explanation should recognise both control and human cost.

M. Changes After 1066

The Norman Conquest changed England in several important ways.

Land ownership changed: many Anglo-Saxon landowners lost their estates. Norman lords gained huge areas of land.

Castles changed the landscape: castles became visible centres of power.

The ruling elite changed: Norman French-speaking nobles replaced many English nobles.

The Church changed: Norman bishops and abbots increasingly replaced Anglo-Saxon leaders. Church buildings were often rebuilt in Romanesque style.

Language changed: French became important among rulers, law and administration. English continued among ordinary people. Over time, English absorbed many French words.

Government became more tightly controlled: William used landholding, castles, sheriffs, written records and taxation to strengthen royal authority.

N. Continuities After 1066

Not everything changed immediately.

Villagers still farmed: most people continued agricultural work.

Taxes continued: Anglo-Saxon kings had already used tax systems. William used and strengthened them.

Local administration continued in some forms: shires, hundreds and sheriffs remained important.

The Church remained central: England was Christian before and after 1066.

Social hierarchy continued: England had rich and poor people before 1066. The conquest changed who was at the top more than it immediately changed every peasant's daily work.

O. Was 1066 a Turning Point?

1066 was a turning point because England's ruling class, landholding, castles and European links changed dramatically. William's victory also connected England more closely to Normandy and northern France.

However, historians also look for continuity. Some systems, such as shires, taxation and village farming, continued. This means 1066 was not a total restart. It was a major turning point in power and land, but many everyday structures adapted rather than disappeared.

5. People, Places and Events

Key People

Edward the Confessor: King of England from 1042 to 1066. His failure to produce a direct heir caused the succession crisis.

Harold Godwinson: Earl of Wessex and then King Harold II. He defeated Hardrada at Stamford Bridge but was defeated and killed at Hastings.

William of Normandy: Duke of Normandy. He invaded England, won Hastings and became William I.

Harald Hardrada: King of Norway. He invaded northern England and was killed at Stamford Bridge.

Tostig Godwinson: Harold Godwinson's brother. He was exiled from England and supported Hardrada's invasion.

Edgar Aetheling: Young Anglo-Saxon claimant from the royal family. Some English nobles supported him after Hastings.

Edwin and Morcar: Northern earls who fought Hardrada and Tostig at Fulford.

Odo of Bayeux: William's half-brother and a powerful Norman bishop. He gained land and influence in England.

Lanfranc: Archbishop of Canterbury under William. He helped Normanise the English Church.

Hereward the Wake: English rebel associated with resistance in the Fens.

Key Places

Normandy: A duchy in northern France ruled by William before 1066.

Westminster: Edward died and Harold was crowned in London; William was later crowned at Westminster Abbey.

Fulford: Site of the northern battle where Hardrada and Tostig defeated Edwin and Morcar.

Stamford Bridge: Site of Harold's victory over Hardrada and Tostig.

Pevensey: Where William landed in southern England.

Hastings / Senlac Hill: Area of William's decisive victory over Harold.

York: A major northern city and centre of rebellion.

Ely and the Fens: Area associated with Hereward's resistance.

Key Events

Edward's death: Triggered the succession crisis.

Harold's coronation: Made Harold king but angered William and other claimants.

Fulford: Weakened northern English resistance and forced Harold north.

Stamford Bridge: Ended Hardrada's invasion but exhausted Harold's forces.

Hastings: Decided the immediate struggle for the throne.

William's coronation: Made Norman kingship official.

Castle building: Helped William control towns and regions.

Harrying of the North: Crushed northern rebellion through harsh destruction.

Domesday survey: Recorded land and resources for tax and control.

6. Sources and Evidence

Historians use sources to investigate the Norman Conquest. Sources can be useful, but they must be questioned carefully.

When using a source, ask:

Who made it?
When was it made?
What does it say or show?
Why might it have been made?
Who was the audience?
What can it tell us?
What are its limits?

Source A: Invented Norman Interpretation Extract

This is an invented, historically plausible extract from a Norman-style account written after the conquest:

"Duke William came to England because the kingdom had been promised to him. Harold had broken faith, so William gathered ships and men. At Hastings, God favoured the rightful duke, and the English king fell."

Questions:

What reason does Source A give for William's invasion?
What does the phrase "broken faith" suggest about Harold?
Why might a Norman writer present William as rightful?
How useful is this source for finding out why William invaded?
What are the limitations of this source?

Source skills:

Content: It says William was promised the kingdom and Harold broke faith.
Inference: It suggests Harold was dishonest and William was justified.
Provenance: It is written from a Norman point of view after William's victory.
Limitation: It may ignore English arguments for Harold's kingship.

Source B: Invented Saxon Interpretation Extract

This is an invented, historically plausible extract from an English-style account written after the conquest:

"In that year King Edward died, and Harold, chosen by the leading men, took the crown. Then foreign armies came upon the land, and after great fighting the Normans ruled with castles and heavy demands."

Questions:

How does Source B explain Harold's claim?
What does the source suggest about Norman rule?
Which words show the writer may be sympathetic to the English?
How does Source B differ from Source A?
Why might English and Norman accounts disagree?

Source C: Domesday-Style Extract

This is an invented Domesday-style table based on the kind of information the survey recorded.

Manor	Holder in 1066	Holder in 1086	Plough teams	Meadow	Value in 1066	Value in 1086
Redham	Aelfric	Robert of Caen	6	20 acres	£8	£10
Eastford	Earl Harold	King William	12	40 acres	£20	£18
Little Wicham	Leofwine	Bishop Odo	3	8 acres	£4	£5

Questions:

What changed between 1066 and 1086 in all three manors?
Which manor became royal land by 1086?
Which manor was worth less in 1086 than in 1066?
What might the survey help William calculate?
How useful is this table for studying Norman control?
What does it not tell us about ordinary people?

Source D: Visual Source Description of a Castle

Imagine a picture showing a wooden tower on a high mound. Around it is a ditch and a fenced courtyard. Inside the courtyard are horses, stores and soldiers. A nearby village lies below the castle.

Questions:

What does the source show?
What can you infer about why the castle was built on high ground?
How might the castle make villagers feel?
Why were castles useful for a small Norman ruling group?
What are the limits of a single castle image as evidence?

Source E: Battlefield Stimulus

Feature	English Army	Norman Army
Position	High ground on Senlac Hill	Lower ground attacking uphill
Main formation	Shield wall	Archers, infantry and cavalry
Strength	Strong defensive line	More varied tactics
Weakness	Could be weakened if men chased downhill	Had to break a strong position

Questions:

Which army had the better defensive position?
Which army had more varied troops?
Why was the shield wall useful?
Why could chasing downhill be dangerous for the English?
How does this evidence help explain William's victory?

7. Interpretations

An interpretation is an explanation of the past. Different historians can look at the same evidence and reach different conclusions.

Interpretation 1: William Won Mainly Because He Was a Better Commander

This interpretation stresses William's leadership and tactics. It points to his preparation, his mixed army, his use of cavalry and his ability to keep control during the battle.

Strengths:

William did organise a complex invasion.
He kept his army fighting during a long battle.
Norman tactics helped break the shield wall.

Limitations:

It may understate Harold's difficult situation.
It may make William's victory seem inevitable, which it was not.

Interpretation 2: Harold Lost Mainly Because He Was Unlucky

This interpretation stresses timing. Harold faced Hardrada in the north and William in the south within weeks. The wind delayed William until Harold was away from the south coast. Harold also died during the battle.

Strengths:

Timing clearly mattered in 1066.
Harold's march north and south was exhausting.
Harold had to respond to two invasions.

Limitations:

Luck alone does not explain William's preparation.
Harold still chose to fight quickly at Hastings.

Interpretation 3: 1066 Was a Complete Break with the Past

This interpretation argues that Norman rule transformed England. It points to land redistribution, castles, French-speaking lords and changes in the Church.

Strengths:

The ruling elite changed dramatically.
Castles and landholding changed control.
Norman links changed politics and culture.

Limitations:

Some government systems continued.
Most people still lived in villages and farmed.

Interpretation 4: 1066 Was a Major Change, But Not a Total Restart

This interpretation argues that 1066 was a turning point in power, but with important continuities. It recognises both change and continuity.

Strengths:

It explains land and elite change.
It also explains continuing shires, taxes and village life.
It avoids a one-sided answer.

Limitations:

It can be harder to explain clearly because it balances both sides.

8. Tables

Causes of the Norman Conquest

Cause	Explanation	Link to conquest
Edward had no child	There was no direct heir	Created a succession crisis
Several claimants	Harold, William, Hardrada and Edgar had claims	Made conflict likely
Harold's coronation	Harold took the throne quickly	Provoked William and Hardrada
William's ambition	William wanted the English crown	Led to invasion planning
England's wealth	England was a rich kingdom	Made conquest attractive
Viking links	Hardrada claimed through Scandinavian connections	Led to northern invasion

Reasons William Won at Hastings

Factor	Evidence	Importance
Leadership	William kept his army fighting	Very important
Tactics	Mixed army and possible feigned retreats	Very important
Harold's exhaustion	Stamford Bridge and long march south	Very important
Luck	Wind and timing helped William	Important
Preparation	Ships, supplies and soldiers	Important
Harold's decisions	Harold fought quickly	Important but debated

Methods of Norman Control

Method	How it worked	Example
Castles	Controlled towns and roads; housed soldiers	Motte-and-bailey castles
Land redistribution	Gave land to loyal Normans	Tenants-in-chief
Feudal system	Linked land to loyalty and service	Knights owed military service
Domesday Book	Recorded resources for tax and control	1086 survey
Punishment	Crushed rebellion	Harrying of the North
Church control	Replaced some leaders with Normans	Lanfranc at Canterbury

Saxon and Norman England Compared

Feature	Before 1066	After 1066
King	Anglo-Saxon king	Norman king
Nobles	Mainly Anglo-Saxon earls and thegns	Mainly Norman tenants-in-chief
Castles	Few castles in England	Many motte-and-bailey and later stone castles
Language of rulers	Old English	Norman French and Latin in elite contexts
Land	Held by English lords and Church	Much land transferred to Normans
Villages	Farming communities	Farming continued, often under new lords
Government	Shires, hundreds, sheriffs, tax	Many systems continued but under Norman control

9. Text/ASCII Diagrams or Timelines

Cause and Consequence Chain

Edward dies without a direct heir -> Witan chooses Harold Godwinson -> William and Hardrada challenge Harold -> Hardrada invades northern England -> Harold marches north and wins at Stamford Bridge -> William lands in the south -> Harold marches south quickly -> William wins at Hastings -> Norman rule begins -> castles, land changes and rebellions follow

Succession Claims Map

           English throne, 1066
                   |
   ---------------------------------
   |          |          |          |
Harold     William    Hardrada    Edgar

Witan chose claimed Viking/ royal blood him; strong promise northern link but young English earl and oath claim

Norman Control Web

                     William I
                        |
 ------------------------------------------------
 |          |          |          |             |

Castles Land grants Feudal Domesday Punishment control reward service tax records crush rebels regions Normans and army and wealth e.g. North

Argument Scale: Was 1066 a Turning Point?

Not a turning point Major turning point |----------------------|----------------------|----------------------| Some local systems Many villages Ruling elite, land, continued stayed agricultural castles and Church changed

Best judgement: 1066 was a major turning point in power and land, but not every part of daily life changed immediately.

10. Common Mistakes

Misconception 1: "William became king as soon as Harold died"

William won Hastings on 14 October 1066, but he still had to secure London and gain submission from English leaders. He was crowned on 25 December 1066.

Misconception 2: "Harold was obviously the wrong king"

Harold had a strong claim because the Witan chose him and he was the most powerful English noble. William's claim was also serious, but it depended heavily on Norman accounts of promises and oaths.

Misconception 3: "The English army was weak"

The English shield wall was very strong. Hastings lasted much of the day. Harold had already shown military skill at Stamford Bridge.

Misconception 4: "William won only because of luck"

Luck helped William, especially timing, but he also prepared carefully and used effective leadership and tactics.

Misconception 5: "Castles were only for defence"

Castles defended Normans, but they also controlled local people, stored supplies, acted as military bases and symbolised power.

Misconception 6: "The Domesday Book counted every person"

Domesday was not a modern census. It mainly recorded land, resources, values and obligations.

Misconception 7: "The feudal system meant everyone was happy and loyal"

The system was based on land, service and power. Loyalty was enforced by rewards and punishments. Rebellions still happened.

Misconception 8: "1066 changed everything instantly"

Many things changed, especially landholding and rulers. But farming, local administration and Christianity continued.

Vocabulary Confusions

Witan was a council, not a parliament like today.
Fyrd were part-time soldiers, not full-time professional troops.
Housecarls were professional soldiers, not ordinary peasants.
Motte means mound; bailey means enclosed courtyard.
Tenant-in-chief does not mean a modern tenant renting a house. It means a major lord holding land directly from the king.

Weak Source Habits

Avoid writing:

"This source is biased so it is useless."
"This source tells us everything."
"This picture proves what everyone thought."

Better writing:

"This source is useful for showing a Norman justification for invasion, but it is limited because it was written from the victor's viewpoint."
"The image suggests castles were designed for control, but one image cannot show how all local people reacted."

11. Exam Tips

Command Words

Describe: Say what happened or what something was like. Use accurate detail.

Explain: Give reasons and link them clearly to the outcome.

Compare: Show similarities and differences.

How far: Make a judgement. Explain both sides before deciding.

How useful: Use the source's content and provenance. Explain value and limitations.

Why: Give causes. Try to include more than one factor.

What changed: Identify change and support it with evidence.

How significant: Judge importance using criteria such as scale, depth, duration and consequences.

Building Strong Paragraphs

Use this structure:

Point: Give your main idea.
Evidence: Add a precise fact.
Explain: Show how the fact supports your point.
Link: Connect back to the question.

Example:

William's use of castles helped him control England because castles allowed a small number of Normans to dominate local areas. Motte-and-bailey castles could be built quickly near towns, roads and rivers. They housed soldiers and acted as bases against rebels. This made Norman control stronger even where local people disliked William.

Explaining Causation

For "Why did William win?" do not list reasons without links. Explain how each reason caused the outcome.

Weak: "William had cavalry. Harold was tired. William was lucky."

Stronger: "William's cavalry mattered because it gave him a way to attack English soldiers who left the shield wall. This became important when parts of the English line chased Normans downhill."

Judging Significance

Use criteria:

How many people were affected?
How deeply were they affected?
How long did the effect last?
Did it lead to other changes?

For example, Domesday Book was significant because it helped William understand land and wealth across much of England. Its records also show how much land had changed hands by 1086.

Evaluating Source Usefulness

A source is useful if it helps answer the question. It can still be useful even if it is one-sided.

For a Norman account of Hastings:

Useful for Norman justifications and how victors wanted events remembered.
Limited because it may exaggerate William's right and ignore English arguments.

Comparing Interpretations

When interpretations differ, ask:

Do they focus on different evidence?
Were they written from different viewpoints?
Do they have different purposes?
Are they asking slightly different questions?

12. Practice Questions

A. Quick Recall Questions

Who was King of England before Harold Godwinson?
What was the Witan?
What does succession mean?
Name two claimants to the English throne in 1066.
Who was Duke of Normandy?
Who was King of Norway in 1066?
What happened at Fulford?
What happened at Stamford Bridge?
On what date was the Battle of Hastings?
What was the English defensive formation called?
What is a feigned retreat?
What is a motte-and-bailey castle?
What was a tenant-in-chief?
What was Domesday Book used for?
What was the Harrying of the North?

B. Multiple Choice Questions

Choose one answer for each question.

Edward the Confessor died in: A. 1042 B. 1066 C. 1086 D. 1215
Harold Godwinson was chosen king by: A. the Pope B. the Witan C. the French king D. the Domesday surveyors
William ruled which area before becoming King of England? A. Norway B. Wales C. Normandy D. Scotland
Harald Hardrada was: A. King of Norway B. Earl of Wessex C. Archbishop of Canterbury D. Duke of Brittany
Tostig was: A. Harold's brother B. William's son C. Edward's father D. Edgar's uncle
The Battle of Fulford took place before: A. Edward's death B. Stamford Bridge C. Domesday Book D. William's death
At Stamford Bridge, Harold defeated: A. William and Odo B. Hardrada and Tostig C. Edwin and Morcar D. Lanfranc and Edgar
William landed at: A. York B. Pevensey C. Winchester D. Stamford Bridge
Hastings was fought on: A. 6 January 1066 B. 20 September 1066 C. 14 October 1066 D. 25 December 1066
The English army at Hastings mainly used: A. tanks B. a shield wall C. longbows D. gunpowder
William's army included: A. archers, infantry and cavalry B. only peasants C. Roman legionaries D. Viking ships only
A feigned retreat means: A. pretending to run away B. building a castle C. writing a survey D. crowning a king
A motte was: A. a raised mound B. a royal council C. a tax record D. a knight's horse
A bailey was: A. a church office B. an enclosed courtyard C. a battlefield oath D. a royal coin
Castles helped William because they: A. replaced all farms B. controlled local areas C. ended all taxes D. made the Witan stronger
In the feudal system, tenants-in-chief held land directly from: A. peasants B. knights C. the king D. the Pope only
Knights owed lords: A. military service B. printed books C. factory labour D. votes in parliament
Domesday Book was completed in: A. 1066 B. 1070 C. 1086 D. 1100
Domesday Book mainly recorded: A. land and resources B. football scores C. every conversation in England D. only church prayers
The Harrying of the North happened after: A. northern rebellions B. the Black Death C. the Peasants' Revolt D. the Spanish Armada
Edgar Aetheling had a claim because: A. he was from the Anglo-Saxon royal family B. he was Duke of Normandy C. he won Hastings D. he wrote Domesday Book
One continuity after 1066 was: A. village farming continued B. all castles disappeared C. English kings never collected tax D. Normandy became part of Scotland
One major change after 1066 was: A. many Norman lords gained English land B. the sea disappeared C. all churches closed D. England stopped using local government
The Witan's role was to: A. advise the king and help choose a ruler B. build every castle C. command Norway D. write all Norman laws in French
Housecarls were: A. professional soldiers B. castle mounds C. survey records D. foreign bishops
The fyrd were: A. part-time local soldiers B. Norman cavalry only C. stone towers D. royal tax collectors only
William was crowned King of England on: A. 25 December 1066 B. 14 October 1066 C. 5 January 1066 D. 20 September 1066
The Harrying of the North is an example of: A. harsh punishment to crush rebellion B. peaceful negotiation only C. a castle design D. a succession meeting
A strong answer about Hastings should: A. use only one cause B. explain several linked causes C. ignore Harold D. say luck explains everything
A source's provenance means: A. who made it, when, why and for whom B. its spelling only C. the number of pages D. its colour
Why was England attractive to claimants? A. It was wealthy and well organised B. It had no farmland C. It had no towns D. It could not collect taxes
Which phrase best describes 1066? A. A year of succession crisis and invasion B. A year with no battles C. A year when Domesday Book was written D. A year when castles vanished

C. Source Questions

Use Source A from section 6.

What does Source A say Harold had done wrong?
What does Source A suggest about William's right to invade?
Explain one reason why Source A may be one-sided.
How useful is Source A for studying Norman views of the conquest?

Use Source C from section 6.

Which manor was held by King William in 1086?
What landholding change can be seen across the table?
What does the table suggest about Norman control?
Explain one limitation of this table.

Use Source E from section 6.

What advantage did the English have at Hastings?
What advantage did the Normans have?
How could this source help explain why the battle lasted so long?
How could it help explain William's victory?

D. Short Answer Questions

Describe two reasons why there was a succession crisis in 1066.
Explain one reason Harold Godwinson had a strong claim to the throne.
Explain one reason William claimed the throne.
Describe what happened at Stamford Bridge.
Explain why Stamford Bridge created problems for Harold.
Describe the English position at Hastings.
Explain how a feigned retreat could help William's army.
Explain one way castles helped Norman control.
Explain one way the feudal system helped William control land.
Describe two types of information recorded in Domesday Book.
Explain why the Harrying of the North helped William.
Describe one change and one continuity after 1066.

E. Longer Written Questions

Explain why William won the Battle of Hastings. Use at least three reasons.
How far was Harold Godwinson responsible for his own defeat at Hastings?
Explain how castles helped William control England.
How useful is Domesday Book for understanding Norman control?
Compare Saxon and Norman England. What changed and what stayed the same?
How significant was 1066 as a turning point in English history?
Explain why William faced rebellions after 1066.
"The most important method of Norman control was violence." How far do you agree?

13. Answer Key

Quick Recall Answers

Edward the Confessor.
A council of leading nobles and churchmen that advised the king and helped choose the next king.
Deciding who becomes the next ruler.
Any two: Harold Godwinson, William of Normandy, Harald Hardrada, Edgar Aetheling.
William of Normandy.
Harald Hardrada.
Hardrada and Tostig defeated the northern earls Edwin and Morcar.
Harold Godwinson defeated Hardrada and Tostig.
14 October 1066.
Shield wall.
Pretending to run away to draw the enemy out of position.
A castle with a mound, tower and enclosed courtyard.
A lord who held land directly from the king.
To record land, resources and values for tax and control.
William's destruction of parts of northern England after rebellions.

Multiple Choice Answers

Source Question Guidance

Harold had broken faith or broken an oath.
It suggests William was the rightful ruler and was justified.
It is from a Norman viewpoint and supports the victor.
It is useful for Norman views, but limited for English views.
Eastford.
English holders in 1066 were replaced by Norman or royal holders by 1086.
William used landholding records to strengthen control.
It does not show feelings, violence, daily life or every person.
High ground and shield wall.
More varied troops: archers, infantry and cavalry.
The English defensive position was strong, so it was hard to break quickly.
Norman variety and tactics could weaken the shield wall over time.

14. Model Answers

Model Answer 1: Explain Why William Won the Battle of Hastings

William won the Battle of Hastings because several factors worked together. One important reason was Harold's difficult situation before the battle. Harold had already marched north and defeated Harald Hardrada at Stamford Bridge on 25 September 1066. He then had to march south quickly after William landed at Pevensey. This meant Harold's army was likely tired, and some soldiers had been killed or wounded in the north.

Another reason was William's tactics. The English shield wall on Senlac Hill was strong, but William had archers, infantry and cavalry. This gave him more options. If parts of the English army chased Normans downhill, the shield wall became weaker. Norman cavalry could then attack exposed soldiers.

William's leadership also mattered. The battle lasted much of the day, and William kept his army fighting. His preparation before the invasion also helped because he had gathered ships, supplies and soldiers. Overall, William won because Harold was under pressure, but William's preparation, leadership and tactics turned that opportunity into victory.

Model Answer 2: How Far Was Harold Responsible for His Own Defeat?

Harold was partly responsible for his defeat because he chose to march south quickly and fight William soon after Stamford Bridge. This meant his army may not have been fully rested. Some historians argue that Harold could have waited for more troops before facing William.

However, Harold's choices were shaped by serious pressure. William had landed in southern England and was threatening Harold's own lands. If Harold waited too long, William might strengthen his position and gain more support. Harold also had good reasons to trust his army because the shield wall was strong and he had just won a major victory in the north.

William and luck were also important. William prepared carefully, used varied troops and kept control during the battle. The timing of William's landing, after Harold had gone north, helped him. Therefore, Harold was not fully responsible. His decisions mattered, but they were made in a difficult situation created by two invasions and William's strong planning.

Model Answer 3: Explain How Castles Helped William Control England

Castles helped William control England because they allowed a small Norman ruling group to dominate local areas. Motte-and-bailey castles could be built quickly from wood and earth. This meant William could place castles in important towns, near roads and by rivers soon after the conquest.

Castles were military bases. Norman soldiers could shelter inside them, store supplies and ride out against rebels. This was important because many English people did not accept William's rule. Castles also protected Norman lords who had been given English land.

Castles were symbolic as well as military. A castle on a mound above a town showed that Norman power was permanent and visible. Later stone keeps made this message even stronger. Therefore, castles helped William by defending Normans, controlling movement, intimidating rebels and showing who now held power.

Model Answer 4: How Useful Is Domesday Book for Understanding Norman Control?

Domesday Book is very useful for understanding Norman control because it shows how carefully William recorded land and resources. The survey listed landholders, values, plough teams, animals and other resources. This helped William tax England and know what each area was worth.

It is also useful because it shows landholding changes after 1066. Many English landowners had been replaced by Norman lords or by the king himself. This helps historians understand how conquest changed power and wealth.

However, Domesday Book has limitations. It does not tell us everything about ordinary people's feelings or experiences. It was created for royal government, not to give a balanced account of the conquest. It also does not describe every event of rebellion or violence. Overall, it is highly useful for land, wealth and control, but it needs to be used with other evidence.

Model Answer 5: How Significant Was 1066 as a Turning Point?

1066 was highly significant because it changed who ruled England. Harold Godwinson was killed at Hastings, and William of Normandy became king. This led to a new Norman ruling elite. Many Anglo-Saxon nobles lost land, while William's followers became tenants-in-chief.

The conquest also changed control of the landscape. The Normans built castles across England, first motte-and-bailey castles and later stone keeps. These castles helped enforce Norman rule and showed local people that power had changed.

There were also changes in the Church, language and links with Europe. Norman bishops became more important, and French influenced the language of law and government.

However, 1066 did not change everything at once. Many peasants continued farming. Shires, sheriffs and taxes continued in some form. England was already Christian before the conquest. Therefore, 1066 was a major turning point in politics, land and power, but it was not a complete break with every part of the past.

Model Answer 6: "The Most Important Method of Norman Control Was Violence." How Far Do You Agree?

Violence was an important method of Norman control. William used force against rebellions, especially during the Harrying of the North in 1069-1070. By destroying food supplies, animals and settlements in parts of northern England, William made it much harder for rebels to continue resisting. This showed the consequences of rebellion.

However, violence was not the only method of control. Castles were also very important because they allowed Norman soldiers to control towns and roads every day, not just during rebellions. Land redistribution also mattered because William rewarded loyal followers and weakened Anglo-Saxon nobles. The feudal system linked land to military service, while Domesday Book helped William record wealth and tax the kingdom.

Overall, I partly agree. Violence was crucial when William faced rebellion, but long-term control depended more on a combination of castles, land, service, records and punishment.

15. Final Revision Checklist

I know the key dates: Edward's death, Fulford, Stamford Bridge, Hastings, William's coronation and Domesday Book.
I know the key people: Edward the Confessor, Harold Godwinson, William of Normandy, Harald Hardrada, Tostig, Edgar Aetheling, Edwin and Morcar.
I can explain the key events of 1066 in chronological order.
I can explain why there was a succession crisis.
I can compare the claims of Harold, William, Hardrada and Edgar.
I can describe what happened at Fulford, Stamford Bridge and Hastings.
I can explain at least three reasons why William won Hastings.
I can rank causes of William's victory and justify my ranking.
I can draw or explain the battlefield at Hastings.
I can explain how castles helped Norman control.
I can label a motte-and-bailey castle diagram.
I can explain the feudal system and the role of tenants-in-chief.
I can explain why Domesday Book helped William control England.
I can describe rebellions and the Harrying of the North.
I can explain changes after 1066.
I can explain continuities after 1066.
I can compare Saxon and Norman England.
I can use source content and provenance.
I can explain why Norman and Saxon interpretations may differ.
I can answer "how useful" source questions with value and limitations.
I can answer "how far" questions with a balanced judgement.
I can use evidence in every longer answer.
I can explain causes and consequences, not just describe events.
I can judge whether 1066 was a turning point.

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