Question 1: Who was the ruler of England before the Norman Conquest, and who claimed the throne after King Edward the Confessor died?

Answer: Before the conquest, Edward the Confessor was the king. After his death, Harold Godwinson claimed the throne, but William of Normandy also believed he had a right to it.

Question 2: Describe the significance of the Battle of Hastings in 1066.

Answer: The Battle of Hastings was a decisive conflict where William the Conqueror defeated Harold Godwinson, leading to Norman control of England and major changes in English society.

Question 3: Explain how William the Conqueror secured control over England after his victory at Hastings.

Answer: William secured control by establishing a strong feudal system, building castles, and conducting surveys like the Domesday Book to assess landholdings and resources.

Question 4: What was the Domesday Book, and why was it important?

Answer: The Domesday Book was a survey of England's land and resources ordered by William. It was important because it helped him manage taxes and control over his new kingdom.

Question 5: Describe how the Normans changed the architecture of England after 1066.

Answer: The Normans introduced new styles of architecture, such as stone castles and cathedrals, which were more durable and symbolized Norman power.

Question 6: Sketch a simple plan of a typical Norman castle, labeling key features like the keep, walls, and moat.

Answer: A correct sketch would show a central rectangular keep, surrounded by defensive walls, with a moat around the outer perimeter. Labels should include 'keep', 'walls', and 'moat'.

Question 7: List two ways the Norman Conquest affected the everyday lives of ordinary English people.

Answer: The Normans introduced new laws and land ownership practices, often changing who owned land. They also built new castles and changed local customs.

Question 8: Why was the Battle of Stamford Bridge in 1066 significant in the context of the Norman Conquest?

Answer: The battle was significant because it delayed William’s invasion of England, as Harold had to fight off Harald Hardrada's invasion first, weakening Harold's army before Hastings.

Question 9: Explain the concept of feudalism that was introduced by the Normans and how it affected land ownership.

Answer: Feudalism was a system where land was given by the king to nobles in exchange for loyalty and military service. It created a hierarchy of landowners and peasants, changing land ownership and social structure.

Question 10: Describe one way in which the Norman Conquest had a lasting impact on the English language.

Answer: The Norman Conquest introduced many Norman French words into English, especially in law, government, and the church, influencing the language we speak today.