OCR GCSE History B revision notes
The Norman Conquest, 1065-1087 Revision Notes
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The Norman Conquest, 1065-1087
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Invasion and Norman Victory in 1066 Revision Notes
The Contenders for the Throne in 1066
Upon the death of Edward the Confessor in January 1066, there was a severe succession crisis due to his lack of a direct heir. The three main claimants were: Harold Godwinson, the powerful Earl of Wessex and brother-in-law to Edward, who claimed Edward had named him as successor on his deathbed; William, Duke of Normandy, who asserted that Edward had promised him the throne years earlier and that Harold had sworn an oath to support his claim; and Harald Hardrada, the King of Norway, who had a claim based on an earlier agreement between his predecessor and a previous Danish king of England. These conflicting claims set the stage for the dramatic events of 1066.
The Battles of 1066: Stamford Bridge and Hastings
The year 1066 saw two major invasions and battles. First, in September, Harald Hardrada and Tostig Godwinson invaded northern England, overwhelming local forces. King Harold Godwinson, having just been crowned, rapidly marched his army north and achieved a decisive victory at the Battle of Stamford Bridge, virtually annihilating the invading force. However, just as Harold was celebrating this victory, William of Normandy landed his invasion fleet in Sussex. Harold was forced to undertake another rapid march south, covering over 250 miles in about two weeks, to confront William. The Battle of Hastings, fought on 14 October 1066, was a long, hard-fought engagement. Harold's troops formed a strong shield wall on Senlac Hill. William's Norman knights, archers, and infantry repeatedly attacked. Accounts suggest the Normans used feigned retreats to break the English formation. The battle culminated in Harold's death, likely from an arrow, leading to the collapse of English resistance and a decisive Norman victory.
Factors Contributing to William's Victory
Several factors contributed to William's victory at Hastings. Harold's army was exhausted from the forced march south after fighting at Stamford Bridge. William's forces were fresh and well-prepared. Norman tactics, including the effective use of cavalry and archers and the innovative use of feigned retreats, proved superior. The death of King Harold during the battle was a critical blow, as it demoralized the English forces and removed their leader. Furthermore, William had the Pope's blessing for his invasion, which gave his cause a moral authority and attracted more support. The Norman army's superior leadership and discipline also played a crucial role in their eventual triumph over the English.
Consequences of the Norman Conquest
The Norman Conquest of 1066 had profound and lasting consequences for England. It led to a complete overhaul of the English aristocracy, with Norman lords replacing Anglo-Saxon nobles. The Domesday Book, commissioned by William, was a comprehensive survey of land and resources, consolidating Norman control. English language was significantly influenced by French, leading to the development of Middle English. The legal system was reformed, incorporating Norman practices. The Church also underwent changes, with Norman bishops replacing English ones. The conquest established a stronger, more centralized monarchy and fundamentally altered England's relationship with continental Europe, integrating it more closely with French culture and politics for centuries to come.
Norman Castles: Purpose, Design, and Impact (to 1087) Revision Notes
The Strategic Importance of Norman Castles
After the Norman Conquest in 1066, castles were built for several key reasons. Militarily, they provided secure bases for Norman garrisons, allowing them to control newly conquered territories, protect supply routes, and launch offensive operations against any remaining Anglo-Saxon resistance. Their locations were carefully chosen, often on strategic sites like hills or river crossings, to maximise their defensive capabilities and their ability to dominate the surrounding area. This strategic placement was vital for maintaining control over a hostile population and asserting Norman authority.
Types of Early Norman Castles: Motte-and-Bailey
The earliest and most common type of Norman castle in England was the motte-and-bailey. This design consisted of a large earth mound (motte), usually topped with a wooden tower or keep, and an enclosed courtyard (bailey) at its base, surrounded by a palisade and ditch. These castles were relatively quick and cheap to construct, primarily using earth and timber, which could be sourced locally. This allowed the Normans to establish a widespread network of fortifications rapidly, crucial for consolidating their power in the immediate aftermath of the conquest. The height of the motte provided a strong defensive position and a clear vantage point.
Castles as Administrative and Symbolic Centres
Beyond their military function, Norman castles served as vital administrative hubs. They were the centres from which Norman lords governed their estates, collected taxes from the local populace, and dispensed justice. This effectively replaced the existing Anglo-Saxon administrative structures and integrated the conquered territories into the new Norman system. Furthermore, castles were powerful symbols of Norman dominance and a constant visual reminder of their authority. Their imposing presence was intended to intimidate the Anglo-Saxon population and deter any thoughts of rebellion, showcasing the power of William the Conqueror and his barons.
Impact and Evolution by 1087
By the time of William the Conqueror's death in 1087, over 500 castles, mostly motte-and-bailey, had been constructed across England. This rapid proliferation fundamentally altered the landscape and society. The castles ensured Norman control by providing a network of strongholds. They facilitated the centralisation of power under the king and his loyal barons, replacing the fragmented Anglo-Saxon landholding system. While early castles were typically timber, some began to be rebuilt in stone, demonstrating a more permanent commitment to Norman rule and reflecting their increasing wealth and stability. This evolution solidified their long-term impact on England.
Resistance and the Establishment of Norman Rule (1067-1071) Revision Notes
Early Norman Control and Initial Rebellions (1067-1068)
After the Battle of Hastings, William initially sought to secure key strategic locations and establish a base of power. However, his absence in Normandy in 1067 sparked immediate unrest. Significant rebellions arose in the South-West, particularly in Exeter, led by Harold Godwinson's mother, Gytha. These uprisings were often driven by resentment against Norman taxation, land confiscation, and the foreign presence. William responded with swift military campaigns, besieging Exeter and demonstrating his determination to crush opposition. This early resistance highlighted the fragility of Norman control and the deep-seated resentment among the Anglo-Saxon populace.
The Northern Rebellions and the 'Harrying of the North' (1069-1070)
The North of England proved particularly challenging for William. Repeated rebellions erupted, often supported by Danish invaders and figures like Edgar Aetheling, the Anglo-Saxon claimant to the throne. Major uprisings occurred in York, which was twice recaptured by rebels. William's response was brutal and decisive. In 1069-1070, he launched the 'Harrying of the North', a scorched-earth campaign that deliberately devastated vast swathes of land, destroying crops, livestock, and homes. This act of terror caused widespread famine and depopulation, effectively eliminating the basis for future resistance in the region and sending a clear message to any potential rebels elsewhere.
Resistance in the Fens and Hereward the Wake (1070-1071)
The final major wave of resistance came from the marshy region of the Fens, led by the legendary figure Hereward the Wake. Based on the Isle of Ely, Hereward's forces used the difficult terrain to their advantage, launching raids against Norman garrisons. His rebellion gained support from dispossessed English landowners and even a contingent of Danish invaders. William personally led the campaign to suppress this revolt, building a causeway to reach Ely. Despite fierce resistance, the Norman forces eventually overwhelmed the rebels, capturing Hereward's stronghold. The suppression of this rebellion marked the end of large-scale organised Anglo-Saxon resistance against Norman rule.
Methods of Norman Consolidation
William employed several strategies to establish and maintain Norman rule. Central to this was the extensive building of castles, such as motte-and-bailey fortifications, which served as strongholds and administrative centers. He introduced the feudal system, replacing Anglo-Saxon lords with Norman loyalists and distributing land in exchange for military service. Sheriffs, often Normans, were appointed to enforce royal authority locally. The Domesday Book, though compiled later, was a comprehensive survey that cemented Norman land ownership and taxation. These measures, combined with military might and strategic brutality, ensured the eventual success of the Norman conquest and established a new social and political order.
Conquest, Control, and Norman Impact on English Society Revision Notes
The Norman Conquest and Establishment of Control
The Norman Conquest began with William the Conqueror's invasion in 1066, culminating in the Battle of Hastings. After defeating King Harold Godwinson, William set about securing his new kingdom. Key to this was the redistribution of land: vast swathes were confiscated from English nobles and granted to loyal Norman barons, creating a new ruling class. Castles were built strategically throughout England, acting as centres of power, defence, and administration, effectively dominating the landscape and the populace. Examples include motte-and-bailey castles, which were quick to construct. The 'Harrying of the North' (1069-1070) was a brutal campaign to suppress rebellions, illustrating William's ruthless determination to crush resistance and assert control, resulting in widespread devastation and famine in the region.
Feudalism and Land Ownership
One of the most significant changes introduced by the Normans was the feudal system, which profoundly altered land ownership and social hierarchy. Under feudalism, all land ultimately belonged to the king. He granted large estates (fiefs) to his most important Norman barons in exchange for military service and loyalty. These barons, in turn, subdivided their land among knights, who then granted portions to peasants (villeins) in exchange for labour and services. This hierarchical structure ensured military support for the king and established a clear chain of command and allegiance, fundamentally restructuring English society from the previous Anglo-Saxon system of allodial land ownership.
The Domesday Book and its Purpose
Commissioned by William the Conqueror in 1085, the Domesday Book was an extraordinary and unprecedented survey of land, property, and resources across England. Its primary purposes were to assess the taxable value of land, identify who owned what before and after the Conquest, and understand the extent of royal revenues. It also served to confirm and solidify Norman land ownership, providing a legal record that resolved disputes and prevented future challenges to William's grants. This meticulous record-keeping gave William an unparalleled understanding of his new kingdom, enabling more effective governance, taxation, and military planning, further cementing Norman control.
Impact on Language, Law, and the Church
The Norman Conquest had a lasting impact on English culture and institutions. French became the language of government, law, and the nobility, while English continued to be spoken by the common people. This led to a significant influx of French words into the English language, creating the rich vocabulary we have today. The legal system was reformed, moving towards a more centralised, written system with Norman principles. The Church, too, underwent significant changes; Norman bishops and abbots replaced English ones, bringing the English Church more in line with Continental practices and strengthening its ties to Rome. Cathedrals and monasteries were rebuilt in the Norman architectural style, reflecting this new influence.
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