Anglo-Saxon England and the Norman Conquest: A Comprehensive Guide
Anglo-Saxon England and the Norman Conquest
The Anglo-Saxon Kingdoms
England was divided into seven kingdoms, each ruled by its own king.
The Witan
The Witan was the king’s council, providing advice on important matters. While the king was not obligated to follow their advice, he usually did.
Anglo-Saxon Society
Most ordinary people were ceorls (free men). Slaves, known as thralls, came from three main groups: prisoners of war, criminals, and descendants of the original British people. Social mobility was possible, with ceorls sometimes rising to become thegns (nobles).
Religion
The Anglo-Saxons were Christians and followed the teachings of the Church.
The Church
The Church played a significant role in Anglo-Saxon society. Kings recognized the authority of the Pope, and bishops were appointed by both the king and the Pope. Celtic monks were replaced with candidates chosen by the Church.
Roles of Men and Women
Boys typically learned skills like farming, fishing, and hunting, while girls focused on domestic tasks such as cooking and brewing.
Laws and Justice
Local courts, known as ‘hundred’ courts, handled legal cases. The Anglo-Saxons valued oaths highly, and a system of wergild (compensation for crimes) was in place. If wergild was not paid, the victim’s family could pursue a blood feud.
Harold Godwinson and the Battle of Hastings
Harold’s Tactics
- Marched his army quickly from Stamford Bridge to Hastings.
- Did not wait for reinforcements.
- Positioned his housecarls at the front of the army on Senlac Hill.
Edward the Confessor’s Heir
Edward nominated Harold Godwinson as his heir.
Godwine’s Power
Godwine, Harold’s father, cemented his family’s power through his loyalty and position as Earl of Wessex. Two of his sons were also earls in East Anglia.
Harold Godwinson
Harold Godwinson was the Earl of Wessex and a loyal servant to King Edward. He had fought for the king and quelled the Welsh rebellion.
Edward and William’s Relationship
Edward and William of Normandy had a good relationship. William had helped Edward regain the English throne, and Edward promised William the throne in return.
The Pope’s Blessing
William had the Pope’s blessing in the Battle of Hastings because Harold had broken his oath to support William’s claim to the throne.
Saxon Rebellions
The Saxons rebelled against William after the Battle of Hastings because they did not accept him as their rightful king. They believed that Harold Godwinson, Edward the Confessor’s brother-in-law, should have been king.
William’s Army
William’s army consisted of professional soldiers from neighboring lands.
The Battle of Hastings
The Battle of Hastings, fought on October 14, 1066, was a decisive battle for the English throne. The Normans, led by William, defeated the Anglo-Saxons, killing King Harold and paving the way for Norman rule.
Aftermath of the Battle of Hastings
- Harold Godwinson was killed.
- William was crowned King of England.
- Saxon rebellions erupted against Norman rule.
The Harrying of the North
William brutally suppressed rebellions in the north of England, destroying villages, crops, and livestock, and killing many people.
The Feudal System
Characteristics
- William granted land to his barons in exchange for loyalty and military service.
- Saxon earls were replaced with Norman barons.
Roles
- Barons: Supported the king, controlled land, and provided military service.
- Knights: Worked part of the land, provided military support to barons, and could lend land to villeins.
- Villeins: Worked the land, provided food and military support to knights, and had various duties to their lord.
Elizabethan England
Religious Divisions
England was divided between Catholics and Protestants during Elizabeth I’s reign. Catholics did not recognize Elizabeth as the legitimate heir to the throne.
Economic Challenges
Bad harvests in the mid-1550s led to food shortages, rising prices, and unemployment. England was also at war with France.
Elizabeth’s Popularity
Elizabeth I maintained her popularity through skillful use of propaganda, including portraits that projected an image of power, wealth, and legitimacy.
The Royal Court
Elizabeth I was surrounded by a royal court of nobles, officials, and servants. She controlled the government, army, and navy.
Parliament
Parliament was responsible for passing laws and taxes. However, Elizabeth I had significant control over Parliament and could dismiss its members.
Key Ministers
- William Cecil (Secretary of State): Elizabeth’s most trusted advisor.
- Robert Dudley: Held various government positions and had romantic aspirations towards Elizabeth.
- Sir Francis Walsingham (Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs): Established a spy network to protect Elizabeth from plots.