Norman Conquest Overview - AQA History

Exam Overview

• Question 1: Interpretation question ("rugby ball question")

  • How convincing is interpretation A?
  • Use quotes and personal knowledge to substantiate the argument.

• Question 2 and 3: Explain what was important about... / Write an account of...

  • Use PE (Point Evidence) or Seed Paragraphs.
  • Treat both questions similarly (explain vs. write an account).

• Question 4: Historic environment (changes annually; separate video available).

Pre-Norman England (before 1066)

• Anglo-Saxon Rule:

  • King Edward the Confessor (peaceful and stable reign).
  • England divided into seven "earldoms".
  • Powerful Earls, notably the Godwin family.
  • Feudal System: Kings, Earls, Thegns, Churls, Peasants, Slaves.
  • High infant mortality rate; 31-year average life expectancy.

• Military Defense:

  • Housecarls (professional soldiers) and the Fyrd (peasant army).

Events of 1066

• King Edward's Death:

  • No heir; Witan chose Harold Godwinson as king.
  • Other claimants: Harald Hardrada (Viking, Norway) and William (Duke of Normandy).

• Battle of Gate Fulford (Sept 20, 1066):

  • Vikings defeat northern Earls Edwin and Morcar.

• Battle of Stamford Bridge (Sept 25, 1066):

  • Harold's victory against Hardrada and Tostig.
  • Hard's son spared under condition of non-invasion.

• Battle of Hastings (Oct 14, 1066):

  • Harold's forces vs. William's Norman Army.
  • Key tactics: Shield wall defense, "feigned retreat" by Normans.
  • Harold killed, William becomes king by Dec 25, 1066.

Post-Conquest Changes by Normans

• Land Ownership

  • William controlled all land; granted 25% to the Church.
  • Feudal restructuring: Earls replaced by Norman barons.
  • Barons swore loyalty through "oath of fealty".

• Legal Changes

  • Introduction of Forest Laws and Trial by Battle.

• Military and Economic Changes

  • Introduction of castles (motte and bailey, stone construction).
  • Doomsday Book (1086) for economic records and military preparedness.

• Social and Religious Changes

  • Towns built around castles; increased trade.
  • Changes in church and monastery structures.
  • Lanfranc reformed Church practices (nepotism, pluralism, celibacy, simony).

Rebellions Against Norman Rule

• 1069 Northern Rebellion:

  • Edwin, Morcar, and Edgar Atheling's failed rebellion.
  • William's brutal "Harrying of the North".

• 1070 Hereward the Wake Rebellion:

  • Revenge-driven attack in East Anglia; betrayal by monks.

• 1075 Revolt of the Earls:

  • Roger de Breteuil's rebellion.

Post-William Rule

• Succession of William's Sons
  • William Rufus became king; Robert Curthose Duke of Normandy.
  • Disputes among brothers; William Rufus's mysterious death.
  • Henry became king after Rufus.

Key Practice Exam Questions

• Doomsday Book Importance

  • Economic (taxation), social (judgment), military (defense).

• Changes to Towns

  • Centers of trade, economic growth, social structure (e.g., apprenticeships).

Closing

• Further video on the historic environment question will follow.
• Best of luck with exams!