Study Notes Creation Quiz

A large area of land ruled by a jarl (a kind or an earl).

A story, usually told and sometimes written down, that mixes history and mythology.

Regional and local meetings held by important families where laws were made and criminal disputes were settled.

The Vikings who settled in eastern and north-eastern England.

The area in England where the Danes settled.

The people who lived in England before the arrival of the Danes.

The period when the Danes and Saxons coexisted and interacted in England.

A stone cross that blends Christian symbols with scenes from Norse mythology, suggesting the fusion of cultures in the Danelaw.

Cnut, also known as Canute, became King of England in 1016, marking the end of a decades-long struggle between Saxons and Danes. His reign brought peace and prosperity to England.

The Normans, led by William, took control of England after the Battle of Hastings in 1066. However, establishing Norman control throughout the country was a long and difficult process, taking several years.

William built castles throughout England to maintain control and prevent rebellions. These castles, initially made of wood, were important symbols of Norman power.

The 'Harrying of the North', a brutal campaign of destruction, was launched by the Normans in 1069-70. They burned crops, destroyed homes, and killed livestock to suppress any potential resistance in the north.

The feudal system was a socio-political system established by William to maintain control over England. It involved a hierarchy of lords and vassals, with land granted in exchange for loyalty and military service.

The Normans faced challenges in controlling England after the conquest. They encountered resistance from Saxons and had to implement strategies like building castles and establishing the feudal system to solidify their power.

The Normans' conquest of England marked a significant turning point in English history. It introduced new language, culture, and institutions, shaping the country's future.

Anglo-Saxon king who defended Wessex against Viking invasions and is credited with uniting England. He was known for his military prowess, intelligence, and his efforts to promote education and culture.

A tax paid by Anglo-Saxons to Vikings to prevent them from attacking and raiding their land. It was a way to buy peace and avoid destruction. The Vikings often threatened to return if the Danegeld wasn't paid.

A region in England controlled by the Vikings after the Treaty of Wedmore (878). It roughly encompassed the areas of northern and eastern England. This term is used by historians to denote Viking settlements and influence in England.

The Battle of Edington, fought in 878, marked a turning point in the Viking invasion of England. It was a key victory for the Anglo-Saxons, led by King Alfred, against the Vikings. This battle resulted in the Treaty of Wedmore.

The Treaty of Wedmore was a peace agreement signed between King Alfred of Wessex and Guthrum, leader of the Viking army, in 878. The treaty formally divided England between Viking and Anglo-Saxon control. The Vikings agreed to settle in East Anglia and to respect the Christian faith.

A Viking leader who was known for his successful military campaigns in England. He invaded Wessex in 878 and was defeated at the Battle of Edington. After the treaty of Wedmore, he was baptized as a Christian.

The Kingdom of Wessex was the last Anglo-Saxon kingdom to stand against the Viking invasion. It was ruled by King Alfred the Great. Wessex's resistance was a crucial factor in preventing the Vikings from conquering all of England.

Anglo-Saxon kingdoms that were conquered by the Vikings in England. Northumbria, Mercia, and East Anglia were powerful kingdoms before the Vikings' arrival.

Public meetings where free men gathered to decide laws through voting, also served as courts.

The basis of Viking lawmaking emphasized preventing harm to life and property.

Administrative divisions of the Danelaw, later becoming the familiar 'Ridings' of Yorkshire.

Women in Viking society enjoyed near-equal rights with men, including land ownership and participation in 'Things'.

The English tax system, continued by William the Conqueror, where each shire paid a specific amount of taxes.

Each division of England for administrative purposes, led by a 'sheriff' responsible for its governance.

Local courts run by landowners in each 'shire' that dealt with major criminal cases.

Local courts within each 'shire' that settled smaller disputes and everyday matters.

Anglo-Saxons unified England into one kingdom in 927 CE. This marked a significant shift in the government structure, laying the foundation for a stronger and more centralized rule. The Witan, a council of advisors, continued to play a role in advising the Anglo-Saxon rulers.

The Witan, a council of advisors, played a role in advising Anglo-Saxon rulers. Their presence reflects a degree of consultation and governance, suggesting a more structured approach to rule than in prior periods.

By 1500, England was governed by a monarch and his advisors, often barons, and a parliament composed of lords and commons. This system gradually evolved, marking a shift towards a more centralized and structured governance.

Monarchs levied taxes, a way to fund government activities. This had to be agreed upon with the Parliament, highlighting the growing power of the representative body and the need for collaboration between the king and the people he ruled.

England's abundance in resources and its expanding trade connections with other European nations made it an attractive destination for migrants. This could have been for conquering the land or participating in the thriving trade networks.

Monarchs could invite migrants who would benefit them. For example, Henry III welcomed Lombard bankers and Flemish weavers to England, bringing in skills and contributing to the economy.

The government could provide support for merchants by granting them trade rights, encouraging economic activity. This facilitated the migration of merchants and increased trade within England and with other countries.

The government's ability to expel migrant groups, like Edward I's decision to expel all Jews from England, reveals the power dynamics and sometimes discriminatory actions taken against specific groups.

A language spoken by the Norman rulers of England, distinct from the language spoken by the English population.

The process of bringing together two different languages, like Old French and the language spoken by the English population, to form a new, more unified language.

A royal forest created by William the Conqueror in Hampshire, England.

A fine imposed by law on a hundred (district) where a Norman was killed and the murderer was not caught.

The practice of borrowing money from Jews by English monarchs, often with threats and heavy taxes.

A sum of money demanded for the release of a captured person.

The impact of the Norman Conquest on England, leading to changes in language, laws, and the lives of the English people.

The period after the Norman Conquest, characterized by adjustments and influences from both Norman and English culture.