After William the Conqueror became King, it was important that he was able to defend his rule - there was still opposition to his rule. Castles were the way that he did this. They were used to keep him and his supporters safe from those that still were not happy about his invasion and were also used to house important people as they travelled up and down the country.
The first type of castle that he built were Motte and Bailey castles. They were made out of wood and consisted of two parts - the Motte and the Bailey.
The Motte was a defensive mound to make it harder for the attackers to penetrate the castle, and the Bailey was where the animals and soldiers lived.
This type of castle was quick to build when William's troops and followers were unwanted in certain areas. It was also easy to defend though it's weakness was that it was easy to burn down - it was made out of wood.
Wednesday, 17 August 2011
Monday, 8 August 2011
Battle of Hastings
Just found this great resource about the Battle of Hastings.
1.On the fifth of January 1066 Edward the Confessor, King of England died. Almost immediately, Harold Godwinson of Wessex is made King.
2. At around this time, Harold’s exiled brother, Tostig, returned to England…
3. …causing havoc along the south coast
4. William was preparing to head south, to defend England against the Normans, so hurriedly Tostig fled to the North.
5. But even here, Earls who were allies of Harold’s drove him from England… so he fled on to Scotland
6. In Scotland, Tostig met up with Harald, King of Norway, where he agreed to join forces with him
7. For several months, Harold and his army kept watch on the south coast, ready to defend against William
8. As Harold prepared to return to London, Harald of Norway & Tostig returned to Yorkshire
9. As soon as Godwinson heard this, he headed north with his armies
10. And the two armies met at Stamford Bridge, in Yorkshire, where a battle was fought
11. Sound effect
12.And at the battle of Stamford Bridge, Harald Hardrada and Tostig were both killed, leaving Harold Godwinson as victor.
13. Meanwhile, having heard that Harold had been drawn to the north, William set out to attack southern England with his armies.
14. When he arrived in England, defence was so poor that he even had time to construct a small castle.
15. On hearing the news of William’s approach, Harold once more marched his armies, this time to the south
16. And at Hastings another battle took place…
17. …with Harold killed, leaving William as King of England
Taken from http://www.tes.co.uk/ResourceDetail.aspx?storyCode=6003712 - also available as a PowerPoint
1066 and the Battle of Hastings.
This is the year that saw 3 Kings in power in England - Edward the Confessor, Harold Godwineson and William the Conqueror.
After the death of Edward in early 1066, Harold was crowned King. William did not like this - he had already been promised the Crown from Edward in the years before his death. He therefore proceeded in getting ready to fight Harold for the crown of England. He aimed to take England from the South. Harald Hardraada, a Norwegian who has not been not mentioned before, did not like Harold's coronation either, believing that he also had a stronger claim to the Crown. He also wanted England in order to rebuild the great Viking Empire that had been lost. He was also planning to invade the country though from the North.
So Harold Godwineson had to try and defend the country from a Northern attack as well as from a Southern Attack - Stretching his army rather thin. The Northern attack happened first, Harold winning after the Battles of Stamford Bridge and those just outside York.
When William chose to cross the channel to England, Harold Godwineson was not in the best of forms. He had a weakened, smaller, exhausted army that was miles from where William was planning to attack - they were still resting from Harald. Harold had to march them to the other end of the country and try and gather as many people as he could along the way to make up numbers.
The video in this link explains the battle and what happened afterwards.
http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/daysout/properties/1066-battle-of-hastings-abbey-and-battlefield/history/
After the Battle, William was forced to consolidate his power by gaining control of the country. He did this in a variety of ways, as can be seen in the next post.
After the death of Edward in early 1066, Harold was crowned King. William did not like this - he had already been promised the Crown from Edward in the years before his death. He therefore proceeded in getting ready to fight Harold for the crown of England. He aimed to take England from the South. Harald Hardraada, a Norwegian who has not been not mentioned before, did not like Harold's coronation either, believing that he also had a stronger claim to the Crown. He also wanted England in order to rebuild the great Viking Empire that had been lost. He was also planning to invade the country though from the North.
So Harold Godwineson had to try and defend the country from a Northern attack as well as from a Southern Attack - Stretching his army rather thin. The Northern attack happened first, Harold winning after the Battles of Stamford Bridge and those just outside York.
When William chose to cross the channel to England, Harold Godwineson was not in the best of forms. He had a weakened, smaller, exhausted army that was miles from where William was planning to attack - they were still resting from Harald. Harold had to march them to the other end of the country and try and gather as many people as he could along the way to make up numbers.
The video in this link explains the battle and what happened afterwards.
http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/daysout/properties/1066-battle-of-hastings-abbey-and-battlefield/history/
After the Battle, William was forced to consolidate his power by gaining control of the country. He did this in a variety of ways, as can be seen in the next post.
Tuesday, 12 July 2011
William of Normandy and Harold Godwineson
William of Normandy
When William came to England when it was under the rule of Edward the Confessor, it has been written by Norman's that the King gave the succession to William during a visit to the country. When Edward died in 1066, William felt that the throne belonged to him and he was the rightful king.
William was born when his parents were not married and as such was known by the not so pleasant title 'William the Bastard' in his home town. In 1035, William's father died leaving William, aged 8, his only heir. Now, the lords in Normandy did not approve of him ruling them as he was so young and was not born in marriage. in 1040, there was an attempt on his life. He survived though his guardian was killed.
There was another rebellion against William in 1047. This again was a failure. This meant William was able to trust no one. He was ruthless to those who were disrespectful to him. he even cut off the hands and feet of those that taunted him about being illegitimate.
Now right up to date. William was 'promised' the throne yet there was no proper witness to this.
In the next 10 years, William was always fighting his battles. He had gotten so powerful and there was a constant threat from his enemies who had ganged together to stop his power. From 1062, William made sure that all of his fighting was to strengthen Normandy and make sure that it was secure from threats.
Harold Godwineson
While William was busy making sure Normandy was in a good situation, Harold Godwineson was busy getting more powerful than ever before under Edward. The hold that the family had in England was getting stronger than ever. When it was obvious that Edward would die without a blood heir, Harold started scheming to get hold of the crown; he wanted to be King.
After Edward died, Harold was given the crown, something that William did not like, afterall he had been given a promise by Edward. Harold was expecting a reaction to his taking the crown, though it turned out that it was not as bad as he thought the threat was going to be.
Like William, Harold was an able fighter which was to come to play during the events of 1066.
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To reinforce the learning of this lesson, I would probably get the students to create a profile on each of the men. This would come into play during the teaching of the Battle of Hastings.
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http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/british/normans/background_01.shtml#four
http://www.historylearningsite.co.uk/william_the_conqueror.htm
Schools History Project - Discovering the Past Y7: Contrasts and Connections
When William came to England when it was under the rule of Edward the Confessor, it has been written by Norman's that the King gave the succession to William during a visit to the country. When Edward died in 1066, William felt that the throne belonged to him and he was the rightful king.
William was born when his parents were not married and as such was known by the not so pleasant title 'William the Bastard' in his home town. In 1035, William's father died leaving William, aged 8, his only heir. Now, the lords in Normandy did not approve of him ruling them as he was so young and was not born in marriage. in 1040, there was an attempt on his life. He survived though his guardian was killed.
There was another rebellion against William in 1047. This again was a failure. This meant William was able to trust no one. He was ruthless to those who were disrespectful to him. he even cut off the hands and feet of those that taunted him about being illegitimate.
Now right up to date. William was 'promised' the throne yet there was no proper witness to this.
In the next 10 years, William was always fighting his battles. He had gotten so powerful and there was a constant threat from his enemies who had ganged together to stop his power. From 1062, William made sure that all of his fighting was to strengthen Normandy and make sure that it was secure from threats.
Harold Godwineson
While William was busy making sure Normandy was in a good situation, Harold Godwineson was busy getting more powerful than ever before under Edward. The hold that the family had in England was getting stronger than ever. When it was obvious that Edward would die without a blood heir, Harold started scheming to get hold of the crown; he wanted to be King.
After Edward died, Harold was given the crown, something that William did not like, afterall he had been given a promise by Edward. Harold was expecting a reaction to his taking the crown, though it turned out that it was not as bad as he thought the threat was going to be.
Like William, Harold was an able fighter which was to come to play during the events of 1066.
--------
To reinforce the learning of this lesson, I would probably get the students to create a profile on each of the men. This would come into play during the teaching of the Battle of Hastings.
-------
http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/british/normans/background_01.shtml#four
http://www.historylearningsite.co.uk/william_the_conqueror.htm
Schools History Project - Discovering the Past Y7: Contrasts and Connections
Tuesday, 5 July 2011
Edward the Confessor
Edward the Confessor had no children. Some say it was due to a vow of celibacy as he was pious and devoted to God, some say it was because he despised his wife. His wife, Edith, was the daughter of Godwin, one of the most influential noblemen in the country at the time. Now, Edward was a Norman; he spent his childhood in Normandy, France and was brought back over to England by his brother when his father died. When Edward became King, due to his brother passing away after drinking too much at a party, he became King and was expected to marry Edith.
In 1051, there was an incident in Dover involving some of Edward's allies. Godwin was tasked to punish those who went against Edward, though Godwin decided instead to rise against Edward. This didn't go in Godwin's favour though and he ended up being exiled as opposed to going to trial. It was with his son, Harold, that he moved his family to Flanders, France.
Back to Edward. His Norman background led to him having many Normans in his court to advise him on state matters; something his English advisors did not like. This meant that there was was discontent. Godwin was called back to England by his supporters to tackle Edward about these issues. Harold came too. The army that Godwin had raised was much stronger than Edward's and so Edward had to concede to not having his Norman advisors who were shipped back to Normandy. Godwin was allowed to stay and was given back all his estates.
On Godwin's death, his son Harold took his title and was henceforth called Harold of Wessex. This was to his advantage when Edward died. He was swiftly made King in 1066, just as William of Normandy was ready to fight for the crown himself.
-----------
To help with this lesson, I would use pictures on a powerpoint. I think the reinforcement of this topic would be done through a story board or a play. I think it would be fun for Year 7's to do this topic with a hands on approach rather than a text book approach.
---------
http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/british/normans/background_01.shtml#four
http://www.historylearningsite.co.uk/edward_the_confessor.htm
Schools History Project: Discovering the past Y7 - Contrasts and Connections.
In 1051, there was an incident in Dover involving some of Edward's allies. Godwin was tasked to punish those who went against Edward, though Godwin decided instead to rise against Edward. This didn't go in Godwin's favour though and he ended up being exiled as opposed to going to trial. It was with his son, Harold, that he moved his family to Flanders, France.
Back to Edward. His Norman background led to him having many Normans in his court to advise him on state matters; something his English advisors did not like. This meant that there was was discontent. Godwin was called back to England by his supporters to tackle Edward about these issues. Harold came too. The army that Godwin had raised was much stronger than Edward's and so Edward had to concede to not having his Norman advisors who were shipped back to Normandy. Godwin was allowed to stay and was given back all his estates.
On Godwin's death, his son Harold took his title and was henceforth called Harold of Wessex. This was to his advantage when Edward died. He was swiftly made King in 1066, just as William of Normandy was ready to fight for the crown himself.
-----------
To help with this lesson, I would use pictures on a powerpoint. I think the reinforcement of this topic would be done through a story board or a play. I think it would be fun for Year 7's to do this topic with a hands on approach rather than a text book approach.
---------
http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/british/normans/background_01.shtml#four
http://www.historylearningsite.co.uk/edward_the_confessor.htm
Schools History Project: Discovering the past Y7 - Contrasts and Connections.
Wednesday, 29 June 2011
First Post
Well I thought I should write something to start this off. The subjects that I'm looking further into are Medieval England, and 20th Century International Relations.
To begin with, I'm doing work experience currently and have been given the task of recording videos onto DVD. This has been invaluable to me, as there have been many Year 7 videos, (I've just started) that relate to medieval England. As I've been set up with this task, I've been watching the videos and starting to get a feel for this area of History. I've come across some good videos for getting my knowledge up, though I have realised that sometimes video is not always the answer. Surely it's better to do something new and fresh yourself then show an old, dusty, rubbish sounding, 90s video!! :-)
I'll be starting to look further into this area over the next few weeks, and as I'm in school, will nab a few text books to get a firm foundation as to how it's taught.
To begin with, I'm doing work experience currently and have been given the task of recording videos onto DVD. This has been invaluable to me, as there have been many Year 7 videos, (I've just started) that relate to medieval England. As I've been set up with this task, I've been watching the videos and starting to get a feel for this area of History. I've come across some good videos for getting my knowledge up, though I have realised that sometimes video is not always the answer. Surely it's better to do something new and fresh yourself then show an old, dusty, rubbish sounding, 90s video!! :-)
I'll be starting to look further into this area over the next few weeks, and as I'm in school, will nab a few text books to get a firm foundation as to how it's taught.
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