William the Conqueror and the Norman Conquest

In 1066, William of Normandy defeated the last Anglo-Saxon king at the Battle of Hastings, becoming England's ruler. Despite resistance, he maintained power through strategic feudalism and military force. William's knights were granted lands, forming a new aristocracy. Revolts, including one by Eustace of Boulogne, were suppressed. The Anglo-Saxon nobility, led by Edgar Atherling, resisted but were ultimately defeated. William's brutal Harrying of the North devastated the region. His governance included castle building and the Doomsday Book, solidifying Norman control. William's legacy set the stage for his descendants' rule.

What significant event in 1066 marked the beginning of William of Normandy's rule in England?

• The War of the Roses

• The signing of the Magna Carta

• The Battle of Hastings

• The Glorious Revolution

How did William the Conqueror ensure loyalty from the Anglo-Saxon nobles?

• By allowing them to keep their lands

• By offering them gold and riches

• By making them swear fealty at his coronation

• By marrying into their families

What system did the Normans implement to control local populations in England?

• Monarchy

• Feudalism

• Republicanism

• Democracy

Why did Eustace of Boulogne rebel against William the Conqueror?

• He was promised more land by the French

• He was loyal to the Anglo-Saxons

• He was unhappy with the size of his fief

• He wanted to become king himself

Who was the last living member of the old Anglo-Saxon royal family that became a rallying figure?

• Earl Edwin

• Earl Mawcar

• Prince Edgar Atherling

• King Harold

What was the Harrying of the North?

• A diplomatic mission to France

• A brutal campaign in northern England

• A series of battles in southern England

• A peaceful negotiation with the Anglo-Saxons

What was the estimated impact of the Harrying of the North on the population?

• It increased the population by 10%

• It doubled the population

• It wiped out about 5% of the population

• It had no significant impact

What was the purpose of the Doomsday Book commissioned by William?

• To survey all the property in England

• To document the Anglo-Saxon culture

• To record the history of the Norman Conquest

• To list all the battles fought by William

What was one of William the Conqueror's last great acts before his death?

• Winning the Battle of Hastings

• Commissioning the Doomsday Book

• Building the Tower of London

• Establishing the Magna Carta

What legacy did William the Conqueror leave for his descendants?

• A divided England

• A peaceful transition of power

• A foundation for Norman rule in England

• A return to Anglo-Saxon leadership