William the Conqueror's Control in England

Apr 9, 2025

Norman History GCSE Course: William the Conqueror's Control of England (1067-1071)

Introduction

  • Instructor: Mr. Taylor
  • Course: Norman's History GCSE for OCR
  • Focus: Unit 3 - How did William take control of England from 1067 to 1071?
  • Background:
    • William the Conqueror, an influential King of England.
    • 1066: Approximately 10,000 Normans vs. over a million English.
    • Key question: Was control achieved by force or persuasion?

Challenges to William's Rule

Battle of Hastings Aftermath

  • Contenders:
    • Edgar the Aetheling, next in line to the Anglo-Saxon throne.
    • Earls Edwin and Morcar opposed William's kingship.
  • William's Response:
    • Conducted raids around London (harrying) to intimidate the citizens.
    • Result: Citizens of London accept William as king; crowned on Christmas Day, 1066.

Uprisings Against William

1. Hereford and the Marcher Lands (August 1067)

  • Leader: Edric the Wild, a former powerful English thane.
  • Action: Burned Hereford with Welsh allies.
  • Outcome: Fled to mountains when Norman army led by Fitz Osbern arrived.

2. Exeter Rebellion (February 1068)

  • Leader: Gytha Godwin, mother of Harold Godwinson.
  • Plan:
    • Sought to restore her family's rule with support from Harold's grandsons from Ireland.
    • William quickly organized a counter-army and negotiated with Exeter's citizens.
  • Outcome:
    • William offered clemency in exchange for surrender.
    • Geetha refused, leading to an 18-day siege.
    • William eventually used force by blinding a hostage.
    • Geetha fled, the town surrendered, and William pardoned remaining citizens.

Strategies for Control

Methods Beyond Force

  • Alliance Building:
    • Retained Anglo-Saxon thanes' support by allowing them to keep lands.
    • Earls Edwin and Morcar retained lands, offered marriage alliance (unfulfilled).
  • Negotiations:
    • Negotiated with Exeter citizens, initially seeking peaceful resolution.
    • Pardoned Exeter citizens after the siege, adhered to tax promises.

Conclusion of Control Efforts

  • Final Event:
    • Easter 1068: William's wife crowned queen in London, signifying stability.
  • Status:
    • With key opponents (Edric and Gytha) gone, William appeared poised for a settled rule.
  • Summary:
    • William's control involved a blend of intimidation and strategic alliances with Anglo-Saxon leaders.