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History
Anglo-Saxon + Normal England topic notes
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Aug 25, 2025
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Edexcel GCSE History: Anglo-Saxon and Norman England Revision PDF - Bitesize Tips and Timeline
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Sophia Mini
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Norman Invasion
The Norman invasion of England in 1066 involved several key battles and military tactics:
Battle of Gate Fulford:
- Harald Hardrada and Tostig marched to York with 10,000 warriors
- Vikings outflanked the English shield wall for victory
Battle of Stamford Bridge:
- Harold Godwinson surprised the Viking army, killing Tostig and Hardrada
- English forces broke through the Viking shield wall
Example: The surprise attack at Stamford Bridge demonstrates Harold's military skill and the importance of timing in medieval warfare.
Battle of Hastings:
- Harold's forces formed a defensive shield wall on high ground
- William used a mix of archers, infantry, and cavalry in his attack
- Norman tactics included the feigned retreat to break the English formation
Key battle tactics in Norman invasion included:
- Norman use of combined arms (archers, infantry, cavalry)
- English reliance on the shield wall formation
- Norman knights' height advantage but vulnerability of horses
- William's leadership and adaptability in battle
Highlight: The feigned retreat was a crucial tactic that helped the Normans break the English shield wall at Hastings.
Factors contributing to William's victory:
- William's superior leadership and tactical flexibility
- Harold's fatigue from rushing south after Stamford Bridge
- Norman use of archers to weaken the English shield wall
- Luck and timing, including surviving a stormy channel crossing
Quote: "What tactics did William use in the Battle of Hastings? A mix of archers, cavalry charges, and infantry assaults, along with the innovative feigned retreat."
William in Power
After the conquest, William consolidated his power through several means:
Castles:
- Built strong wooden towers for defense and control
- Features included lookouts for archers and gatehouses with drawbridges
Definition: Motte and bailey castles - early Norman fortifications with a raised mound (motte) and enclosed courtyard (bailey)
Rewards and land distribution:
- William claimed all of England's land as his own
- Granted land to followers, creating a new Norman aristocracy
- Controlled borderlands by creating earldoms in Hereford, Shrewsbury, and Chester
Anglo-Saxon resistance to Norman rule continued:
Revolt of the Earls (1068):
- Caused by heavy geld tax and broken promises
- Edwin and Morcar rebelled but eventually surrendered
- Resulted in Normans taking charge of the North
Harrying of the North (1069-70):
- William's brutal response to northern rebellions
- Aimed to destroy resistance and serve as a warning
- Resulted in widespread destruction and famine
Highlight: The Harrying of the North demonstrated William's ruthlessness in dealing with rebellion and had long-lasting economic impacts on the region.
Royal powers under William:
- Centralized control through the Domesday Book
- Reduced power of earls and redistributed land
- Maintained some Anglo-Saxon institutions like the geld tax
Example: The Domesday Book survey helped William assess wealth and resources throughout England, enabling more efficient taxation and governance.
Norman England
The Norman conquest brought significant changes to England's social and political structure:
Feudal System:
- Hierarchy of tenants-in-chief, under-tenants, and peasants
- Knights owed military service in exchange for land
Church reforms:
- Lanfranc appointed as Archbishop to oversee church reforms
- Church remained a major landholder and social institution
Vocabulary: Feudalism - a social and political system based on land ownership and military service
Continuities and changes:
- Farming methods and some government structures remained similar
- Powerful earls were replaced by tenants-in-chief loyal to William
- Domesday Book centralized economic information
William's character and rule:
- Known for military prowess and strategic thinking
- Devoted to his wife and religious
- Faced ongoing challenges, including the 1088 rebellion
Highlight: The introduction of the feudal system helped William maintain control by tying land ownership to military service and loyalty.
Legacy of the Norman Conquest:
- Established a new aristocracy and changed land ownership patterns
- Introduced Norman French influence on language and culture
- Strengthened royal power through centralized administration
Quote: "The long-term impacts of the Harrying of the North included demographic decline and economic stagnation in the region for generations."
Anglo-Saxon Society
The Anglo-Saxon society pyramid was headed by the king, who was chosen by God and owned all land. Below him were the Witan (royal council), earls, and thegns. Key aspects of Anglo-Saxon rule included:
- The Witan advised the king on law-making and policy
- Earls collected taxes and oversaw law and order in shires
- Religious codes were important, as seen under Edward the Confessor
- Legal system included concepts like wergild and trial by ordeal
Highlight: Edward the Confessor's exile in Normandy would later influence William's claim to the throne.
A significant event was the rising against Earl Tostig in 1065:
- Tostig abused his power as Earl of Northumbria through over-taxation
- Northumbrians revolted and invited Morcar to replace Tostig
- Harold Godwinson agreed to the demands, weakening the House of Godwin
The main claimants to the throne after Edward's death were:
- Harold Godwinson - crowned in 1066, supported by witnesses
- Harald Hardrada - Viking leader with a claim through a secret deal
- Edgar Aethling - descended from King Alfred, but young and inexperienced
- William of Normandy - claimed Edward promised him the throne
Vocabulary: Witan - the Anglo-Saxon king's council of advisors
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This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
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Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️
Thomas R
iOS user
Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️
Thomas R
iOS user
Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user
Edexcel GCSE History: Anglo-Saxon and Norman England Revision PDF - Bitesize Tips and Timeline
S
Sophia Mini
@sophiamini_zfmi
The Anglo-Saxon and Norman England GCSE Edexcel topic covers the transition of power from Anglo-Saxon to Norman rule in England. Key aspects include:
- Anglo-Saxon society structure and key figures
- Claimants to the throne after Edward the Confessor
- Norman invasion and... Show more
Norman Invasion
The Norman invasion of England in 1066 involved several key battles and military tactics:
Battle of Gate Fulford:
- Harald Hardrada and Tostig marched to York with 10,000 warriors
- Vikings outflanked the English shield wall for victory
Battle of Stamford Bridge:
- Harold Godwinson surprised the Viking army, killing Tostig and Hardrada
- English forces broke through the Viking shield wall
Example: The surprise attack at Stamford Bridge demonstrates Harold's military skill and the importance of timing in medieval warfare.
Battle of Hastings:
- Harold's forces formed a defensive shield wall on high ground
- William used a mix of archers, infantry, and cavalry in his attack
- Norman tactics included the feigned retreat to break the English formation
Key battle tactics in Norman invasion included:
- Norman use of combined arms (archers, infantry, cavalry)
- English reliance on the shield wall formation
- Norman knights' height advantage but vulnerability of horses
- William's leadership and adaptability in battle
Highlight: The feigned retreat was a crucial tactic that helped the Normans break the English shield wall at Hastings.
Factors contributing to William's victory:
- William's superior leadership and tactical flexibility
- Harold's fatigue from rushing south after Stamford Bridge
- Norman use of archers to weaken the English shield wall
- Luck and timing, including surviving a stormy channel crossing
Quote: "What tactics did William use in the Battle of Hastings? A mix of archers, cavalry charges, and infantry assaults, along with the innovative feigned retreat."
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William in Power
After the conquest, William consolidated his power through several means:
Castles:
- Built strong wooden towers for defense and control
- Features included lookouts for archers and gatehouses with drawbridges
Definition: Motte and bailey castles - early Norman fortifications with a raised mound (motte) and enclosed courtyard (bailey)
Rewards and land distribution:
- William claimed all of England's land as his own
- Granted land to followers, creating a new Norman aristocracy
- Controlled borderlands by creating earldoms in Hereford, Shrewsbury, and Chester
Anglo-Saxon resistance to Norman rule continued:
Revolt of the Earls (1068):
- Caused by heavy geld tax and broken promises
- Edwin and Morcar rebelled but eventually surrendered
- Resulted in Normans taking charge of the North
Harrying of the North (1069-70):
- William's brutal response to northern rebellions
- Aimed to destroy resistance and serve as a warning
- Resulted in widespread destruction and famine
Highlight: The Harrying of the North demonstrated William's ruthlessness in dealing with rebellion and had long-lasting economic impacts on the region.
Royal powers under William:
- Centralized control through the Domesday Book
- Reduced power of earls and redistributed land
- Maintained some Anglo-Saxon institutions like the geld tax
Example: The Domesday Book survey helped William assess wealth and resources throughout England, enabling more efficient taxation and governance.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Norman England
The Norman conquest brought significant changes to England's social and political structure:
Feudal System:
- Hierarchy of tenants-in-chief, under-tenants, and peasants
- Knights owed military service in exchange for land
Church reforms:
- Lanfranc appointed as Archbishop to oversee church reforms
- Church remained a major landholder and social institution
Vocabulary: Feudalism - a social and political system based on land ownership and military service
Continuities and changes:
- Farming methods and some government structures remained similar
- Powerful earls were replaced by tenants-in-chief loyal to William
- Domesday Book centralized economic information
William's character and rule:
- Known for military prowess and strategic thinking
- Devoted to his wife and religious
- Faced ongoing challenges, including the 1088 rebellion
Highlight: The introduction of the feudal system helped William maintain control by tying land ownership to military service and loyalty.
Legacy of the Norman Conquest:
- Established a new aristocracy and changed land ownership patterns
- Introduced Norman French influence on language and culture
- Strengthened royal power through centralized administration
Quote: "The long-term impacts of the Harrying of the North included demographic decline and economic stagnation in the region for generations."
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Anglo-Saxon Society
The Anglo-Saxon society pyramid was headed by the king, who was chosen by God and owned all land. Below him were the Witan (royal council), earls, and thegns. Key aspects of Anglo-Saxon rule included:
- The Witan advised the king on law-making and policy
- Earls collected taxes and oversaw law and order in shires
- Religious codes were important, as seen under Edward the Confessor
- Legal system included concepts like wergild and trial by ordeal
Highlight: Edward the Confessor's exile in Normandy would later influence William's claim to the throne.
A significant event was the rising against Earl Tostig in 1065:
- Tostig abused his power as Earl of Northumbria through over-taxation
- Northumbrians revolted and invited Morcar to replace Tostig
- Harold Godwinson agreed to the demands, weakening the House of Godwin
The main claimants to the throne after Edward's death were:
- Harold Godwinson - crowned in 1066, supported by witnesses
- Harald Hardrada - Viking leader with a claim through a secret deal
- Edgar Aethling - descended from King Alfred, but young and inexperienced
- William of Normandy - claimed Edward promised him the throne
Vocabulary: Witan - the Anglo-Saxon king's council of advisors
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI companion is specifically built for the needs of students. Based on the millions of content pieces we have on the platform we can provide truly meaningful and relevant answers to students. But its not only about answers, the companion is even more about guiding students through their daily learning challenges, with personalised study plans, quizzes or content pieces in the chat and 100% personalisation based on the students skills and developments.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app in the Google Play Store and in the Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
Smart Tools NEW
Transform this note into: ✓ 50+ Practice Questions ✓ Interactive Flashcards ✓ Full Mock Exam ✓ Essay Outlines
Mock Exam
Quiz
Flashcards
Essay
Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.
Students love us — and so will you.
4.9/5
App Store
4.8/5
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️
Thomas R
iOS user
Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️
Thomas R
iOS user
Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user