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4 (a) Describe two features of the role of tenants-in-chief in Norman England - Edexcel - GCSE History - Question 4 - 2018 - Paper 1
Question 4
4 (a) Describe two features of the role of tenants-in-chief in Norman England. Feature 1 Feature 2 (b) Explain why Anglo-Saxon monarchs had so much power. Yo... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:4 (a) Describe two features of the role of tenants-in-chief in Norman England - Edexcel - GCSE History - Question 4 - 2018 - Paper 1
Step 1
Describe two features of the role of tenants-in-chief in Norman England.
Answer
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Military Obligation: Tenants-in-chief held a military role that involved fighting for the king. They were responsible for leading a group of knights and providing military service when called upon.
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Financial Responsibility: They had financial responsibilities to the king, primarily through the revenues produced on their lands. This included providing a portion of the money raised on their lands, ensuring a steady flow of income and resources to the crown.
Step 2
Explain why Anglo-Saxon monarchs had so much power.
Answer
Anglo-Saxon monarchs had significant power due to several key elements:
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Landholding: The monarch owned vast areas of land and could reward loyal supporters, creating a strong network of nobles and allies who were beholden to the crown. This ensured loyalty and military support when needed.
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Law-making Authority: Monarchs had the ultimate authority to make laws, influencing the governance of the kingdom. They could travel throughout their realm to ensure laws were enforced, further solidifying their control.
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Divine Right: Many believed that kings were chosen by God, which legitimized their rule and discouraged opposition. This belief was integral in maintaining their power over the populace.
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National Defense: The ability to raise an army provided the monarch with substantial military power. This was critical during times of invasion or internal strife, allowing them to protect their realm effectively.
Step 3
'The main reason for William's victory at the Battle of Hastings was the tactics used by the Normans.' How far do you agree? Explain your answer.
Answer
While the tactics employed by the Normans played a crucial role in William's victory at Hastings, other factors also contributed significantly.
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Norman Tactics: The use of mounted Norman knights was innovative and effective in breaking the infantry lines of the Anglo-Saxons. The feigned retreat tactic also disorganized the Saxon forces, leading to their defeat.
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Preceding Battle at Stamford Bridge: The lengthy march from Stamford Bridge also played into William's hands. By engaging Harold's forces immediately after their prior battle, the Normans faced a fatigued and depleted enemy.
In conclusion, while Norman tactics were vital, the preceding events and Harold's tactical choices also significantly impacted the outcome.
Step 4
'The destruction of lives and property was the main consequence of the Harrying of the North.' How far do you agree? Explain your answer.
Answer
The Harrying of the North had devastating effects, notably the destruction of lives and property, but other long-term consequences must also be considered.
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Devastation of Land: The royal decree led to wide-scale destruction of farmland and villages, which created a famine and drastically reduced the North's population as people fled or perished.
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Social and Political Changes: In the aftermath, there was a shift in power dynamics, with many Anglo-Saxon nobles either killed or dispossessed, leading to the establishment of Norman lords.
Thus, while the immediate impact of destruction was significant, the ensuing political changes were equally crucial in altering the social landscape of England.