Question 1

Why did William win the Battle of Hastings?

Accepted Answer

William won due to a combination of factors: superior tactics (feigned retreats that broke the Anglo-Saxon shield wall), better cavalry and archers, and the exhaustion of Harold's army after marching from Stamford Bridge. Crucially, Harold was killed, possibly by an arrow, which caused panic and collapse. William also had good luck—the wind changed direction, allowing his fleet to cross the Channel.

Question 2

What was the Harrying of the North?

Accepted Answer

The Harrying of the North was a brutal military campaign by William the Conqueror in 1069–70 to crush rebellion in Yorkshire and the North. His forces systematically destroyed crops, livestock, and villages, causing a devastating famine. The Domesday Book records many 'waste' villages. This terror tactic aimed to prevent future uprisings and is seen as an early example of genocide or scorched-earth policy.

Question 3

How did William control England after 1066?

Accepted Answer

William used several methods: building castles (motte-and-bailey and stone keeps) to dominate towns and routes; introducing feudalism, where land was granted in return for military service; confiscating Anglo-Saxon land and giving it to Normans; conducting the Domesday Book survey to assess wealth and assert ownership; and using brutal force like the Harrying of the North to suppress rebellion. He also reformed the Church, appointing Norman bishops like Lanfranc.

Question 4

What was the Domesday Book and why was it important?

Accepted Answer

The Domesday Book was a survey of land and resources in England completed in 1086. It recorded who owned land, its value, and how many people lived there. It allowed William to tax efficiently, settle legal disputes, and demonstrate his authority as the ultimate owner of all land. It also showed the extent of Norman control, as most Anglo-Saxon landowners had been replaced by Normans.

Question 5

How did the Norman Conquest affect ordinary Anglo-Saxons?

Accepted Answer

For most peasants, life changed little—they still worked the land and paid rent. However, many Anglo-Saxon thegns (lesser nobles) lost their land to Normans, becoming peasants or fleeing. The new Norman lords often imposed stricter controls and higher taxes. The Harrying of the North caused mass starvation. Over time, French language and culture influenced English, but the majority of people remained English-speaking peasants.

Question 6

What was the role of castles in Norman control?

Accepted Answer

Castles were crucial for military control and administration. Motte-and-bailey castles were quick to build and allowed a small Norman garrison to dominate the local area. They served as bases for troops, centres of local government, and symbols of Norman power. Later, stone castles like the Tower of London provided stronger defence. Castles also helped control key routes and towns, such as at Dover, London, and York.

The Normans: conquest and control

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