Coconote
AI notes
AI voice & video notes
Try for free
👑
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.
📄
Full transcript