William of Normandy’s Claim and His Plans to Invade Flashcards

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Who was William of Normandy in 1066?

William was the powerful Duke of Normandy, a region in northern France, and a distant cousin of King Edward the Confessor of England.

How did William’s blood relationship to Edward the Confessor support his claim to the English throne?

William was related by blood to Edward through Edward’s Norman family, so he argued that as one of Edward’s closest male relatives he had a right to be king.

What promise did Edward the Confessor allegedly make to William in 1051?

In 1051 Edward is said to have promised William that he would be the next king of England, giving William a claimed right to the throne.

Why was Harold Godwinson’s oath to William in 1064 important to William’s claim?

Harold visited Normandy in 1064 and, according to Norman writers, swore a holy oath on relics. He promised to support William’s claim to the throne, so William said Harold broke this oath when he became king himself.

How did support from the Pope help William’s plan to invade England?

Pope Alexander II agreed William had a strong claim and sent him a special papal banner. This made William’s attack look like a holy war and helped him attract more knights to his cause.

Why did William decide he had to invade England in 1066?

When Harold Godwinson was crowned king in January 1066, William believed he had been cheated of the throne, so he chose to invade England to take the crown by force.

How did William gather soldiers for his invasion of England?

William called on his Norman lords to provide knights and soldiers, and he also hired extra fighters, called mercenaries, from other parts of France and Europe to build a large invasion army.

How did William collect enough ships for his invasion fleet?

William ordered his barons to build or supply ships, and he made deals with nearby rulers such as the Count of Boulogne, so he could carry his knights, soldiers, and horses across the Channel.

Where did William gather his invasion fleet before sailing to England?

William first gathered his fleet at Dives-sur-Mer in Normandy, then moved it to Saint-Valery-sur-Somme on the French coast, where he waited for the right wind to sail to England.

Why was there a delay before William could sail to England, and how did he use this time?

For several weeks the wind blew the wrong way, stopping William from sailing. He used the delay to train his troops, organise supplies, and keep his army ready for invasion.

What types of soldiers did William include in his invasion army, and why was this important?

William’s army included well-armed knights on horseback, archers, and foot soldiers, giving him a strong and flexible force for the planned battle in England.

How did William plan to secure his position once he landed in England?

William brought prefabricated wooden castle parts so his men could quickly build motte-and-bailey castles, helping him protect his army and control nearby areas after landing.

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