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.