Norman Conquest

In what year did the Norman Conquest take place?

• 1086

• 1065

• 11661

• 1066

Who was the King of England at the start of the year of the Norman Conquest?

• William of Normandy

• Harold Godwinson

• Edward the Confessor

• Harald Hardrada

Answer explanation

Edward the Confessor died on 5th January 1066, leaving no son or heir. His death sparked a series of struggles for the throne.

Following the death of the English King in January 1066, Harold Godwinson the Earl of Wessex, was crowned King. What relation was Harold to the previous king?

• son

• nephew

• brother-in-law

• brother

Answer explanation

Harold was a rich and powerful Earl, from the south-west of England. His sister was the wife of Edward, known as Edward the Confessor, and Harold expected to be crowned King after Edward's death. In fact, he organised a swift coronation the day after Edward's funeral.

Following the Battle of Hastings, William of Normandy became King of England. When was his coronation?

• 25th December

• 25th October

• 25th November

• 25th September

Answer explanation

He was crowned in Westminster Abbey, and became - at least in established English mythology - the last person to invade England.

Which of these changes did William bring to England?

• he replaced English nobles with Norman lords

• he built many castles

• he caused a change of language

• he did all of these things

Harold Godwinson was also threatened by William of Normandy, who was planning an invasion from the south. What was William's claim to the throne?

• all of these reasons

  
  

• Edward had promised him the throne years previously

• Harold Godwinson had promised to support him in 1064

• he was Edward the Confessor's cousin

According to tradition, and the Bayeux Tapestry, in which part of the body was King Harold injured?

• eye

• chest

• leg

• back

Answer explanation

We will never know if this is what really happened, but the Bayeux Tapestry shows Harold being killed as a single arrow pierces his eye

Popular tradition in England claims that for most of the Battle of Hastings the Saxons were winning but that the Normans managed to gain a sudden advantage. How?

• they used spies

• they used cannon

• they pretended to run away

• they used battering rams

By what name did William of Normandy become known?

One reason the Vikings migrated to England was for