Question 1: Who was King Harold II, and what role did he play in the Norman Conquest?

Answer: King Harold II was the king of England who was crowned after the death of Edward the Confessor. He played a key role in defending England against William of Normandy during the Norman invasion.

Question 2: Describe the events that led to William of Normandy claiming the English throne. Include at least two reasons.

Answer: William claimed the throne because Edward the Confessor promised it to him and Harold Godwinson allegedly swore an oath of loyalty. Additionally, William argued that Harold's accession was illegitimate after Edward's death, leading him to invade England.

Question 3: Explain the significance of the Battle of Hastings. What was the outcome and how did it change England?

Answer: The Battle of Hastings was a decisive battle in 1066 where William of Normandy defeated King Harold II. It resulted in William becoming King of England and led to significant Norman influence on English culture, language, and governance.

Question 4: Identify two ways in which William of Normandy changed England after his victory.

Answer: William introduced the feudal system to England and commissioned the Domesday Book to assess landholdings and taxes.

Question 5: Describe what a typical Norman castle looked like and explain its purpose during the Norman period.

Answer: A Norman castle was often built on a hill with thick stone walls, a central keep, and a moat. Its purpose was to defend against enemies and demonstrate Norman power over the land.

Question 6: Draw a simple sketch of a Norman motte-and-bailey castle. Label the motte, bailey, and keep.

Answer: A correct sketch would show a raised mound (motte) with a wooden or stone structure (keep) on top, and an enclosed courtyard (bailey) at the base of the motte, connected by a path or ramp.

Question 7: What was the Domesday Book, and why was it important for William the Conqueror?

Answer: The Domesday Book was a survey of all the landholdings and resources in England. It was important because it helped William assess taxes and control his new kingdom.

Question 8: Explain two ways in which the Norman Conquest affected the culture of England.

Answer: The Norman Conquest introduced Norman French language and customs, influencing English law, architecture, and the aristocracy.

Question 9: Describe how the Battle of Hastings might have looked if you had been a soldier fighting there. Include details about the terrain and the atmosphere.

Answer: A vivid description would include the grassy battlefield, the noise of clashing swords, the formation of Norman and English soldiers, and the tense, chaotic atmosphere as the battle unfolded.

Question 10: Identify and explain one long-term consequence of the Norman Conquest on the development of England.

Answer: One long-term consequence was the blending of Norman and Anglo-Saxon cultures, which shaped the development of the English language, legal system, and social structure.