PAPER 2b REVISION GUIDE

Anglo-Saxon and Norman England

c1060 - 1088

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Topics for revision Red Amber Green Ready?

1. Anglo-Saxon society:The Social System:

Peasant farmersSlaves

Thegns Earls Changing social statusThe Power of the English Monarchy:

Power of Edward the Confessor Limits to the King’s power GovernmentThe WitanEarldomsLimits to the earls’ powers

Local government: Shire, hundreds and hides Shire reeves The Fyrd The legal system: King and Law Blood feuds and Wergild Collective responsibility Anglo-Saxon economy: Towns Towns and trade Villages The influence of the Church

Last years of Edward the Confessor and the succession crisis:The House of Godwin: Harold’s succession as Earl of Wessex Godwin and the King Harold’s embassy to Normandy The rising against Earl Tostig Death of Edward the ConfessorRival claimants for the throne: Harold Godwinson Edgar Aethling Harald Hardrada William of NormandyHarold’s coronation and reign: The Witan King Harold’s challenges King Harold’s responses The Battles of Gate Fulford and Stamford Bridge Significance of the battles

Topics for revision Red Amber Green Ready?

The Norman Invasion: The Battle of Hastings Key events of the battle Elite troops (Norman and English) Other troops (Norman and English) Reasons for William’s victory Reasons for Harold’s defeat

2. William establishing control

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Topics for revision Red Amber Green Ready?

3. Norman England, 1066-88:The Feudal System: Feudal hierarchy Importance of tenants-in-chief Importance of knight service Nature of feudalismThe Church in England: Church’s social and government roles Role of Stigand and Lanfranc Church reforms: Normanisation of the Church The extent of change/continuity to the Church

Norman government: Changes to the government Centralised power Office of the sheriff and the demesne Significance of the ‘forest’The Domesday Book, 1086: Significance of the Domesday Book

Financial, legal and military The Norman Aristocracy: Culture (buildings, attitudes and landholding) Language Career and significance of Bishop OdoWilliam I’s death and disputed succession: Character and personality of William I Relationship with his son, Robert William’s death and funeral Succession of William William Rufus Defeat of Robert and Odo

Timeline of key events

1050 Earl Godwin exiled after refusing to obey Edward the ConfessorEdward possibly makes a deal with William of Normandy about succession

1051 Edward makes Godwin Earl of Wessex again1053 Death of Earl Godwin

Harold Godwinson becomes Earl of Wessex1055 Tostig Godwinson becomes Earl of Northumbria1062 The Godwins defeat the Welsh King, Gruffudd ap Llywelyn1064 Harold’s embassy to Normandy1065 Uprising against Earl Tostig

Tostig is exiled1066 Death of Edward the Confessor; Harold Godwinson becomes King

20th Sept – Battle of Gate Fulford25th Sept – Battle of Stamford Bridge14th Oct – Battle of Hastings25th Dec – William crowned King of England - lands forfeited to the new king

1067 William returns to Normandy to celebrateBishop Odo made Earl of Kent and co-regent of England

1068 Revolt of Earls Edwin and Morcar1069 Edgar Aethling and the Rebellions in the North1069-1070

The Harrying of the North

1070 Stigand replaced by Lanfranc as Archbishop of Canterbury1070-1071

Hereward the Wake and the Revolt at Ely 1071 – Edwin’s lands forfeited

1075 Revolt of the Earls1076 Inquiry into Bishop Odo’s illegal land grabs1077 Robert Curthose rebels against his father (William I)1080 Robert and William reconciled 1082 Bishop Odo imprisoned1083 Death of Matilda, William’s wife and trusted regent1084 Heavy geld tax levied (raised)1085 William orders the Domesday Book surveys

Threat of the Danish invasion means William brings thousands of troops to England 1086 First draft of the Domesday Book shown to William

Landholders summoned to swear allegiance1087 Death of William in Normandy

William II (William Rufus) crowned King of England1088 Odo leads rebellion against William Rufus, which is defeated

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1. Anglo-Saxon Society

The Social System:

Peasant farmers made up the majority of Anglo-Saxons, they did a set amount of work for the local lord and could lose their right to use the land if they did not carry out this work.

10% of Anglo-Saxons were slaves, they could be bought and sold. The Normans thought owning slaves was barbaric, but it was normal in Anglo-Saxon England.

Thegns were the local lords - were important men; holding more land than peasants. Thegns were the aristocracy of the Anglo-Saxon society.

Earls competed against each other to be trusted by the king to receive great rewards. They ruled a region on behalf of the king eg. Wessex/Kent.

Power of the English Monarchy:

Powers of Edward the Confessor:

Law-making – the king created new laws and enforced them. Money – controlled the production of silver pennies used as money. Landownership – king owned large estates and could grant land to his

followers. He could also take land away from those who weren’t loyal. Military power – had the ability to raise a national army and fleet. Taxation – king decide when taxes were paid and a national taxation

system which delivered this tax to him.

Limits to the King’s power:

Kings needed to rule the whole country, BUT half of the country was Anglo-Danish and wanted to follow their own laws and customs.

Earl Godwin, Wessex challenged Edward – Godwin was militarily stronger than Edward and applied pressure to give his sons earldoms. Godwin was exiled in 1050 but to avoid war, Edward restored his earldoms in 1051.

Government:

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The Witan advised the king - made up of aristocrats who discussed issues such as foreign threats, religious affairs and land disputes.

Earldoms were created to help the king govern England, in return they were given many powers to collect tax, ensure justice and military power.

Earls’ power relied on support from thegns in their earldoms eg. Earl Tostig was exiled following protests from his thegns in 1065.

Local government:

Shire, hundreds and hides:

Earldoms were divided into shires. They had social, political and economic functions:

o Each shire had its own court and gave punishmentso The shire reeve acted as the king’s representative (duties include

revenue, fines, geld tax collection and law enforcement)o Each shire had a burh (fortified town) as its main administrative and

trading centre and provided troops for the fyrd. Shires were divided into hundreds and hundreds were divided in tithings. At the base of the administrative system was the hide – each hide of land

was responsible for payment of tax and military service. When the king demanded an army, each shire had to provide men for the

fyrd - 40 days was fixed for their service, so farms did not suffer.

The Legal System:

The king was the law-maker – the people expected them to provide justice and fairness based on their social standing.

Blood feuds and Wergild – blood feuds were traditionally created when a family member was murdered and could last generations. As a solution, Wergilds were used so the family received compensation.

Collective responsibility meant that it was duty of all to catch criminals. If a member of their village did something wrong, consequences were for all.

The Anglo-Saxon economy:

By 1066, 10% of England lived in towns. Fortified burhs were linked to roads so troops could move quickly when needed.

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The burhs were also trading hubs – towns grew importance when international trading links existed. For example, York’s link to Denmark.

The Church was organised into large areas each controlled by a bishop. Religion was an important part of Anglo-Saxon life.

The last years of Edward the Confessor and the Succession Crisis:

By mid-1060s, the Godwins had control over almost all of England:o After 1053, Harold Godwinson was Earl of Wessexo From 1055, Tostig was Earl of Northumbriao From 1057, Gyrth Godwinson was Earl of East Angliao Also 1057, Leofwine Godwinson was Earl of South-West Midlands

Harold’s embassy to Normandy:

Harold travelled to France in a mission for King Edward (argued by some that it was allegiance to support William’s claim to the English throne)

Harold’s embassy is significant because:o Showed Harold was King Edward’s trusted advisoro It boosted William’s claim and showed Harold as an oath-breaker

Rising against Earl Tostig:

Northumbria rebelled against Tostig as he: taxed Northumbria too heavily, didn’t defend them from Scottish attacks and imposed new laws and abused his power to get rid of rivals

In 1065, rebels marched on York, killed many of Tostig’s housecarls and servants. They declared Tostig and outlaw and invited Morcar to become earl – Edward blamed Tostig and he was exiled in November 1065.

Death of Edward the Confessor:

Edward died on 5th January 1066 with no heir to the English throne: Rival claimants – there were 4 main claimants after Edward’s death:

o Harold Godwinson – appointed as Edward’s successor, English and had the support needed in England

o Edgar Aethling – had royal blood but had no power to defend ito Harald Hardrada – Viking warrior but unlikely to be successfully

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o William of Normandy – agreement with Edward, backed by Pope and had the best warriors in Europe, but needed to convince his men of its worth

Harold’s coronation and reign:

The Witan elected Harold as King on the same day of Edward’s death Harold faced challenges from England and abroad eg. other rival earls,

Tostig, Hardrada and William of Normandy.

Battles of Gate Fulford and Stamford Bridge:

20th September 1066 – Gate Fulford was a crushing defeat for Edwin and Morcar. There was a number of reasons for the English defeat:

o English were outnumbered by Hardrada and Tostigo Hardrada and his troops were well trained, experienced and used

clever strategy in battle After this invasion, Harold’s army marched north (185 miles in 5 days). 25th September 1066 – Stamford Bridge was a victory for Harold:

o Hardrada and Tostig were killed with thousands of their meno Harold’s victory was aided by military factors including Harold taking

Hardrada by surprise as the Vikings were unprepared for battle. Significance of the battles:

o Harold was not in place to prevent William’s invasiono Edwin and Morcar survived but were unable to fight at Hastings and

had lost thousands of soldiers making Harold’s army weaker

The Battle of Hastings, 14 th October 1066 :

Key events:

1. Harold did not achieve surprise 2. William sent his foot soldiers in first3. William showed his face to rally his troops4. Harold’s shield wall was worn down due to William’s feigned retreat5. Harold, Gyrth and Leofwine were killed. William was victorious.

Elite Troops:

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Reasons for William’s victory:

William’s leadership – William waited in Normandy, he kept his army together and showed tactical strength when he arrived in England by organising ‘pre-fabricated’ castles to add security.

Harold’s leadership – rushing to fight William was not his only option. Harold’s army was unprepared due to a long march and lack of soldiers.

Luck – Hardrada’s invasion weakened Harold’s defences, William sailed to England at the right time and that Harold was killed by an arrow.

2. William I in power: establishing control, 1066-87

Submission of the Earls, 1066:

After Hastings, William marched his army to London, as they marched they destroyed homes and farms.

William marches to Berkhamstead, he met Edgar Aethling, Edwin and Morcar, and they swore oaths to obey William.

They earls felt that submission was better than fighting as they had significant weaknesses, while the Normans had military strengths.

Rewarding followers and marcher earldoms:

William wanted a trouble-free takeover, so he rewarded Anglo-Saxon loyalty eg. Edwin and Morcar kept their earldoms.

He had promised land to followers who joined his invasion. He also sent rich gifts to the Pope and Church supports.

William declared all English land belonged to him and set up geld tax. Wales was a threat to Edward’s reign and William wanted to secure the

border. He created three earldoms: Hereford, Shrewsbury and Chester. Marcher earldoms had special privileges to create settlements, had full

power of the law, exempt from taxation and could be build castles.

Castles:

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An estimated 500 castles were built during William’s reign. They were key to William establishing control over England.

Why were castles important?o They were built in strategic locations and used as a base for lordso They dominated territory newly under Norman controlo A symbol of Norman power – reminded people who ruled England

Anglo-Saxon resistance, 1068-71

The Revolt of Edwin and Morcar, 1068:

Causes – Edwin resented William for making his earldom less important, Morcar’s earldom was reduced in size meaning a loss of power and money. They also resented castles and introduction of geld tax.

The North, including Edwin and Morcar, protested at injustice and tyranny of William’s rule. William marched North to meet the rebels building castles in Warwick and Nottingham.

Outcomes and failure:o Revolt collapsed after Edwin and Morcar’s surrendero William’s strength convinced many that revolt was uselesso Using castles proved effective at imposing control in England

Edgar Aethling and the rebellions in the North, 1069:

Causes:o Robert Cumin attacked towns and villages while marching north. o Cumin’s death led to an uprising in York which killed many

Norman troops – Edgar came from Scotland to join the rebels. William arrived with a large army quickly to destroy York and Edgar

escaped back to Scotland. BUT, rebellions in the North weren’t over.

The Anglo-Danish attack on York:

Sept 1069 - Danish met Edgar’s troops to march on York where Norman defenders accidently set fire to it - estimated 3,000 Normans were killed

The Normans held on as William’s leadership was strong and the Anglo-Danish army split up rather than pressuring south together.

The Danish were the major threat to William, so he paid them money to leave and started a campaign of destruction – the ‘Harrying of the North’.

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Hereward the Wake, 1070-71:

Hereward was a thegn, who was exiled by Edward the Confessor. In 1069, he found his lands had been seized and given to Normans.

The Danes and Hereward raided Peterborough Abbey to stop its riches going to the Normans. The Danish sailed back to Denmark with treasure.

Hereward joined Morcar to defend Ely. The Normans captured Ely and Morcar while Hereward escaped and was not heard of again.

The defeat at Ely ended large-scale Anglo-Saxon rebellions.

Legacy of resistance to 1087:

The Harrying of the North, 1069-70:

Causes:o Cumin and thousands of Normans had been slaughtered at York.o Northern rebels refused to meet in open battle, William wanted to

make it impossible for rebels to stay in the North. Short-term impacts:

o An estimated 100,000 people died - there was no crops or livestock to live on and little protection from the cold as homes were destroyed.

o There were reports of cannibalism and people selling themselves as slaves, while thousands of others fled the region.

Long-term impacts:o The Northern region had not recovered almost 20 years latero 60% of Yorkshire was classed as waste and without livestocko Removed large numbers of Anglo-Danes to prevent Danish invasiono William decided to replace Anglo-Saxon aristocracy with Normans.

Changes in Landownership, 1066-87:

By 1087:o Over half of England’s land was held by 190 tenants-in-chief, only 2

were Anglo-Saxon.o The Church owned 1/4 of land - Normans had their senior positions.o The king’s royal estates made up 1/5 of the lando Less than 5% of land was still held by Anglo-Saxon aristocrats

How did Anglo-Saxons lose their land?

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1. By forfeit – acting against the king meant lands would be forfeited2. New earldoms were granted to followers by using forfeited holdings3. Land grabs were illegal seizures and corrupt dealing left Anglo-Saxons

with less land. Norman sheriffs were notorious for this

Changes in how land was held:

Anglo- Saxon landholding - there were two types of tenure:o Booklands meant lords granted land or passed onto heirs or sold.o Leases was land loaned for money and was for a set period of time.

Norman landholding:o Only the king was a landholder - William owned all of England’s land.o Anglo-Saxons paid William for the right to keep using their land. o William granted land to followers, if there was no heir, land went

back to William. If there was an heir, they paid to inherit the land. o William gave power to his tenants-in-chiefs - who reallocate land if a

thegn died and dispossess thegns who acted against them.

Maintaining royal power:

Military strength was the main way William maintained his power, but he needed to be recognised as their legitimate ruler:

Royal ceremonies – William wore his crown 3 times a year while discussing business of the realm with important men.

Coinage and writs - William took control, coins had William’s image on them and his royal seal were attached to writs (official documents).

Journeys around England - he travelled to regions to show his authority Owning the land –landholders was connected to the king. William was constantly exercising his royal power by giving and taking back land.

Oath-taking – all men had to swear to serve William loyally.

The Revolt of the Earls, 1075:

The rebellion’s conspirators were Ralph de Gael (Earl of East Anglia), Roger de Breteuil (Earl of Hereford) and Waltheof (Earl of Northumbria).

Reasons for the revolt: loss of land, privileges and power, William’s absence, powerful allies and Anglo-Saxon rebelliousness.

Events of the revolt:

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o Ralph and Roger anticipated Anglo-Saxon and Danish support. HOWEVER, the revolt did not get widespread support and the Danish fleet arrived too late.

o Waltheof informed Lanfranc who excommunicated Roger from the Church to prevent his plans for revolt

o Anglo-Saxons and Normans joined together to stop Ralph and Roger.o William returned from Normandy which prevented the Danish from

attacking as they feared joining the revolt with William there Defeat of the revolt:

o Ralph escaped to Brittany and his followers were blinded or banishedo Waltheof fled abroad but he was imprisoned and executed in 1076o William imprisoned Roger for life (like Morcar)

Effects of the revolt:o William now needed to choose his own earls carefullyo Anglo-Saxons joined loyal Normans suggest more support for Williamo Failure of the Danish invasion was the end of Viking threat to England

3. Norman England, 1066-88

The feudal system:

The king had ultimate power, while tenants-in-chief had power they answered to the king and under-tenants had to swore loyalty to the king.

Tenants-in-chief had military, social, political and economic roles.

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Knights had to guards their lord’s property and combat threats to their lord. They also had to provide 40 days of knight service to the king.

The nature of feudalism:

Landholding was made simpler – the king owned all the land which encouraged loyalty. The relief system reduced the power of challengers.

Homage – William granted land to tenant-in-chief and received loyalty. Labour service – peasants would farm land for their own benefit. Forfeiture was punishment for breaking their obligations.

The Church in England:

Roles of Stigand and Lanfranc:o Witan council, legal expertise and representatives of the kingo Shire and hundreds courts, tenants-in-chief (military and economic)o Advising the king and administration of the Church

Role of Lanfranc only:o Head of the Church of England, reorganisation and control of Churcho Reinforcement of Norman rule, religious reforms, church rebuilding.

Normanisation of the Church – every church, cathedral and most abbeys had been demolished and rebuilt in Norman style. By 1070, only one Anglo-Saxon bishop remained, which enhanced William’s power.

Changes:o Churches and cathedrals were rebuilt in stoneo Large areas of towns and villages were cleared to build castleso William remodelled social roles to remove the Anglo-Saxon threat

Continuity:o Village life was similar for peasants – it was dominated by agricultureo Royal household included servants, administrative staff and advisers

although they were replaced by Normanso Geld tax meant more wealth for William as he levied it frequently

Norman government:

William used the conquest to centralise his power by using the following:o Royal demesne – he owned more land which brought more incomeo Fiefs and homage – William gave land grants/forfeits to gain loyalty

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o Church – king could appoint bishops and Lanfranc’s reforms helpedo Economy – geld tax was paid to the king - revenue ensured loyaltyo Domesday Book – guide to what tenants were worth and could payo Knight service – troops owed loyalty to the kingo Feudal system – everyone who used land depended on the king

Domesday Book:

William ordered a survey of England to investigate landholding and taxes It was significant to the Norman government in 3 ways:

o Financial – tenants-in-chief didn’t have to pay geld tax, William received revenue from reliefs to new tenants

o Legal – sorted out legal disputes over land - showed William was fairo Military - showed how many soldiers tenants-in-chief could provide

The Norman aristocracy:

Aristocratic Norman culture showed their wealth, power and superiority Normans were interested in making their building bigger and better that

ever before eg. Winchester Cathedral was the largest in Europe. The Norman clergy threw out many Anglo-Saxon saints’ relics suggesting

that the Norman aristocracy was superior Latin replaced English for all written legal documents by mid-12th Century

Bishop Odo:

Odo (William’s half-brother) was rewarded the earldom of Kent and was co-regent during William’s absence in 1067.

Domesday Book recorded complaints against Odo for illegal land seizures. In 1082, Odo fell out of favour with William and was imprisoned (released

in 1087). Argued it was for his corrupt behaviour or wanting the throne. Significance?

o Odo abused his power – William allowed the law to be enforced against a relative shows his fairness

o His imprisonment showed William took loyalty very seriously

William’s death and disputed succession:

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9th Sept 1087 - William died and panic broke out amongst his barons who rode to secure their castles and servants stole everything they could.

Before William’s death, he decided Robert would be Duke of Normandy and William Rufus would be King of England - crowned in Sept 1087.

Odo was a serious threat to William II’s rule and led rebellion in 1088. William II was popular after Odo’s defeat and promised the English to lower

taxes, end of ‘forests’ and return laws from Edward’s reign.

How to get top marks in Paper 2 - structuring your answers:

Assessment Objectives:

AO1: demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the key features and characteristics of the periods studied

A02: Explain and analyse historical events and periods using second-order historical concepts (change and consequence, similarities and differences etc)

A03: Analyse, evaluate and use sources to make substantiated judgements, in the context of historical events

A04: Analyse, evaluate and make substantiated judgements about interpretations (including how and why interpretations may differ)

Question structure:

Describe two features of…………….. (4 marks):

Explain why............ (12 marks):

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(AO1) Describe two features of aspects of Anglo-Saxon

and Norman England

Describe first feature of that aspect

Describe second feature of that aspect

(A01/A02) Explain why something has happened

Explain why using the second stimulus point. Use PEEL to structure this paragraph

Explain why using the first stimulus point. Use PEEL to structure this paragraph

How far do you agree with…………… (16 marks + 4 SPaG):

All questions:

It’s never too early to start timing your answers. A good rule of thumb is to allow yourself one and a half minutes per mark. You will need to both plan and write your answers in this time.

What you leave out of an exam answer is as much a message to the examiner as what you include. Make sure all your information supports your answer to the question. Don’t make the mistake of writing down everything you can think of: this is a clear sign of somebody who doesn’t know the significance of the facts and is trying to hide it.

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Explain why using your own knowledge. Use PEEL to structure this

paragraph

(A01/A02) How far do you agree with “statement”? Explain your reasons.

2-3 line introduction

PEEL paragraph that agrees with the statement (can use

bullet point if you wish)

PEEL paragraph that disagrees with the statement (can use

bullet point if you wish)

PEEL paragraph that agrees or disagrees with the statement

(you MUST use your own knowledge)

Conclusion: answer the question and make your overall judgement on how far you agree (somewhat, not at all, completely) and explain why

It is helpful to have a “go-to” connective word to use here, to make sure you clearly demonstrate different arguments. “Whereas” and “however” are both good choices.

Focus on words like “completely”, “partially”, “somewhat”. You can use these to argue significance and your judgements.

Model answers:Describe two features of towns in Anglo-Saxon England [4 marks]:

Example exam questions - 4 marks:

Describe two features of the social system of Anglo-Saxon England.

Describe two features of earldoms in Anglo-Saxon England.

Describe two features of the Witan.

Describe two features of Harold’s claim to the throne in 1066.

Describe two features of William of Normandy’s claim to the throne in 1066.

Describe two features of Harald Hardrada’s claim to the throne in 1066.

Describe two features of Edgar Aethling’s claim to the throne in 1066.

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Identifies another valid feature

Identifies a valid feature

Provides supporting detail (protection from attack) that is directly related to the feature

Provides supporting detail (burhs used to tax trade) that is directly related to the feature

The main Anglo-Saxon towns, called Burhs, were fortified with strong walls. These protected inhabitants from attack by Vikings raiders.

Towns were important for trade, especially the burhs. In Anglo-Saxon England, all trade worth a certain amount of money had to take place in burhs by law, so that this trade could be taxed.

Describe two features of William’s troops at the Battle of Hastings.

Describe two features of Harold’s troops at the Battle of Hastings.

Describe two features of Norman castles that made them effective against unrest.

Describe two features of the rebellions in the North in 1069.

Explain why William won the Battle of Hastings [12 marks]:

You could use: 1) knights 2) tactics. You must use your own knowledge.

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Analysis focuses on explaining why William’s tactics were significant

Clear reasoning linking it to other factors giving a consistent line

Third point going beyond stimulus points

For top

Specific information to make a strong and supported argument

Second point set out clearly

Explanation of why it helped William win

Provides specific information in support of the point

First point set out clearly

Introductory sentence(s) to set out a clear focus and line of argument

In October 1066, William won the Battle of Hastings against King Harold. While both armies were roughly the same size and William and Harold were experienced military leaders. It was William’s leadership skills and use of sophisticated tactics that meant he ended up victorious.

While the Anglo-Saxons used a defensive shield wall. The Norman knights were well trained and could move quickly across the battlefield. At the start of the battle, the Saxon shield wall slowed the Norman charge, however, the shield wall weakened as sections of troops left the wall. The Norman knights were able to cut through and defeat fleeing enemies. This display of dominance shown by the Norman knights demonstrates why William was able to win the battle.

The key to William’s victory was his ability to be flexible and try out different tactics. William was able to use his foot soldiers, archers and cavalry in different ways to attack the Saxons. For example, when direct cavalry charges failed, William used the tactic of the feigned retreat to weaken the shield wall. Harold’s army included many general fyrdsmen, who were not highly trained or discipline. Whey they ran after the ‘fleeing’ Normans, the Normans turned back, surrounded them and cut them to pieces. The loss of these troops weakened the shield wall, this tactic significantly helped William win the Battle of Hastings.

William’s careful planning, knowledge of his troops and tactical awareness ensured his victory. For example, warned by his scouts, he led his army out of Hastings early in the morning to prevent Harold taking him by surprise. When his own troops were about to retreat after rumours of his death, William took off his helmet to show he was alive.

“It was changes in landholding that did the most to secure Norman control of England” How far do you agree? [16 marks]:

You may use: 1) tenants-in-chief 2) forfeiture. You must use own knowledge.

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Clear reasoning linking it to other factors giving a consistent line For top

In October 1066, William won the Battle of Hastings against King Harold. While both armies were roughly the same size and William and Harold were experienced military leaders. It was William’s leadership skills and use of sophisticated tactics that meant he ended up victorious.

While the Anglo-Saxons used a defensive shield wall. The Norman knights were well trained and could move quickly across the battlefield. At the start of the battle, the Saxon shield wall slowed the Norman charge, however, the shield wall weakened as sections of troops left the wall. The Norman knights were able to cut through and defeat fleeing enemies. This display of dominance shown by the Norman knights demonstrates why William was able to win the battle.

The key to William’s victory was his ability to be flexible and try out different tactics. William was able to use his foot soldiers, archers and cavalry in different ways to attack the Saxons. For example, when direct cavalry charges failed, William used the tactic of the feigned retreat to weaken the shield wall. Harold’s army included many general fyrdsmen, who were not highly trained or discipline. Whey they ran after the ‘fleeing’ Normans, the Normans turned back, surrounded them and cut them to pieces. The loss of these troops weakened the shield wall, this tactic significantly helped William win the Battle of Hastings.

William’s careful planning, knowledge of his troops and tactical awareness ensured his victory. For example, warned by his scouts, he led his army out of Hastings early in the morning to prevent Harold taking him by surprise. When his own troops were about to retreat after rumours of his death, William took off his helmet to show he was alive.

Specific supporting evidence which links to a valid point

Explanation linking to the direct focus on the question

Judgement is supported with analysis

Strong

Uses specific evidence showing good knowledge

Third paragraph based on own knowledge

Analyses ‘how far’ by considering both sides of the argument

Precisely selected information showing good knowledge and use of key terms

A valid point to support the statement

Introduction makes a valid argument supported by specific information

Changes to landholding played an important role in how William secured his control of England. He changed who the key landholders in England were. Of his 190 tenants-in-chief, who own half the land in England, only 2 were Anglo-Saxons. William also used a number of methods other than landholding to secure power, he also built Motte and Bailey castles to show his dominance and control over the English.

I agree that changes in landholding secured Norman control as forfeiture was an important part of how William’s control was imposed. Anyone who rebelled against the king (even those who had fought against William at the Battle of Hastings) forfeited their land. The same was true for under-tenants if they acted against their tenants-in-chief, they could lose their land too. This demonstrates how it secured Norman control as it was passed down the feudal hierarchy in this way.

Furthermore, changes in landholding were a cause of Anglo-Saxon rebellion against Norman control. Anglo-Saxons like Hereward the Wake rebelled against the Normans because of resentment at the loss of their land and because their old lords were replaced by Norman tenants-in-chief. This shows that changes made in landholding did help secure Norman control as landholders were now in the majority Normans and rebellions against William were crushed which further demonstrated his control over England.

However, I disagree as changes in landholding was not the only method used by William also used Motte and Bailey castles to secure control. For example, William built around 500 castles during his reign which provided secure bases to dominate areas of England especially in cities such as York. Without castles, it seems unlikely that Normans would have kept control over England. This means that landholding was not most important in securing control as William’s use of other methods such as castles provided an important role in securing control.

In conclusion, I partially agree that landholding was most important in securing control. Although landholding sparked Anglo-Saxon resentment against William, he intensified his changes and replaced

Example exam questionsYou should prepare for the following:

12 marks:

Explain why there was a rising against Earl Tostig in 1065.

Explain why Hardrada and Tostig won the Battle of Gate Fulford

Explain why Harold won the Battle of Stamford Bridge.

Explain why there was a disputed succession to the English throne when Edward the Confessor died.

Explain why William won the Battle of Hastings.

Explain why William created the Marcher earldoms.

Explain why the Anglo-Saxon earls and Edgar were not able to win against William.

16 marks:

How far do you agree that Anglo-Saxon England was a prosperous and well-governed country? Explain your answer.

‘The main reason for the English defeat at the Battle of Hastings was superior Norman tactics.’ How far do you agree? Explain your answer.

‘The main reason for the Harrying of the North was to prevent another Danish invasion.’ How far do you agree? Explain your answer.

‘Harold’s problems in 1066 were impossible to overcome.’ How far do you agree? Explain your answer.

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Strong

Changes to landholding played an important role in how William secured his control of England. He changed who the key landholders in England were. Of his 190 tenants-in-chief, who own half the land in England, only 2 were Anglo-Saxons. William also used a number of methods other than landholding to secure power, he also built Motte and Bailey castles to show his dominance and control over the English.

I agree that changes in landholding secured Norman control as forfeiture was an important part of how William’s control was imposed. Anyone who rebelled against the king (even those who had fought against William at the Battle of Hastings) forfeited their land. The same was true for under-tenants if they acted against their tenants-in-chief, they could lose their land too. This demonstrates how it secured Norman control as it was passed down the feudal hierarchy in this way.

Furthermore, changes in landholding were a cause of Anglo-Saxon rebellion against Norman control. Anglo-Saxons like Hereward the Wake rebelled against the Normans because of resentment at the loss of their land and because their old lords were replaced by Norman tenants-in-chief. This shows that changes made in landholding did help secure Norman control as landholders were now in the majority Normans and rebellions against William were crushed which further demonstrated his control over England.

However, I disagree as changes in landholding was not the only method used by William also used Motte and Bailey castles to secure control. For example, William built around 500 castles during his reign which provided secure bases to dominate areas of England especially in cities such as York. Without castles, it seems unlikely that Normans would have kept control over England. This means that landholding was not most important in securing control as William’s use of other methods such as castles provided an important role in securing control.

In conclusion, I partially agree that landholding was most important in securing control. Although landholding sparked Anglo-Saxon resentment against William, he intensified his changes and replaced

‘The main reason William I was able to keep control of England in the years 1066-75 was the building of castles.’ How far do you agree? Explain your answer.

Top tips for revision!

1. Planning – be organised, make a realistic plan/timetable and stick to it!2. Be realistic – split revision in sections of 45 minutes, and allow yourself a

10 minute break in between (you will be more productive than if you try to do it in solid blocks of time)

3. Be purposeful – don’t give up – even a mountain of work gets smaller once you get started!

4. Support each other – if you can find someone to revise with and test each other it can be a big help.

5. Ask your teacher for advice – they will have questions you can have a go at or just for general tips and suggestions

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