Paper 2B — British depth: Norman England, 1066–c1100
AQA GCSE History revision on Paper 2B — British depth: Norman England, 1066–c1100. Aligned to the AQA GCSE History 8145 specification. This bank has 78 practice questions on this topic.
Sample questions (3 of 78)
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Question 1
Who won the Battle of Hastings (14 October 1066)?
- A) King Harold Godwinson
- B) William, Duke of Normandy
- C) Harald Hardrada
- D) Edward the Confessor
Show answer
Answer: William, Duke of Normandy
Harold won at Stamford Bridge (north) against Norwegian invader Hardrada on 25 Sept, then marched 280 miles south to meet William at Hastings on 14 Oct. Harold's army was tired; William's cavalry charged uphill. Tactic: feigned retreat lured English shield wall to break. Harold killed (legend: arrow in the eye). William crowned in Westminster Abbey Christmas Day 1066.
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Question 2
Edward the Confessor died in...
Show answer
Answer: 1066
Edward the Confessor had no children. On his deathbed he supposedly nominated Harold Godwinson (his most powerful earl). But three rivals claimed the throne: HAROLD (already crowned next day), HARALD HARDRADA (King of Norway - distant claim), WILLIAM OF NORMANDY (claimed Edward had promised him the throne years earlier + that Harold had sworn an oath). Crisis resolved by force.
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Question 3
The 'feudal system' introduced by the Normans meant...
- A) All land was owned by peasants
- B) Land was held in exchange for military service to the king
- C) Everyone had equal rights
- D) Trade was banned
Show answer
Answer: Land was held in exchange for military service to the king
Top: king (owns ALL land). Below: barons (granted estates - 'fiefs' - in return for providing knights when summoned). Below them: knights (granted smaller manors for military service). Bottom: peasants (worked the land, gave produce + service to lord). Each level swore an oath of loyalty (homage) to those above. Tied everyone into a system serving the king's military needs.
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