4 (a) Describe two features of the role of tenants-in-chief in Norman England - Edexcel - GCSE History - Question 4 - 2018 - Paper 2

Anglo-Saxon monarchs held tremendous power due to several key factors:

1. Landholding: The king controlled vast areas of land that were essential for wealth and resources. This land was granted to nobles and lords in exchange for loyalty and military service, establishing a network of power that supported the monarch.

2. Law-Making: Monarchs had the exclusive right to make laws, enforcing order and justice throughout the kingdom. This authority not only solidified their power but also their image as divinely appointed rulers.

3. Religious Support: The belief that kings were chosen by God provided a divine justification for their rule. This belief was crucial in securing loyalty from subjects and nobles alike.

4. Control of Resources: They had significant influence over who could collect taxes, which further centralized their power and allowed them to maintain a strong defense and promote economic stability.

I agree that the tactics used by the Normans were indeed a significant factor in their victory at the Battle of Hastings.

1. Mounted Knights: The use of mounted Norman knights gave them a tactical advantage over the Anglo-Saxon foot soldiers. Their mobility allowed for quick flanking maneuvers, disrupting the formations of the English army.

2. Strategic Retreats: The Normans employed a strategy of feigned retreats, luring English soldiers into breaking their ranks, which ultimately led to disarray and vulnerabilities in the Anglo-Saxon lines.

3. Preparation and Intelligence: William's preparation, including intelligence about the terrain and the enemy's tactics from previous encounters, played a pivotal role in securing victory.

However, the battle's outcome was also influenced by factors such as the earlier conflict at Stamford Bridge which weakened the Anglo-Saxon forces, suggesting that while tactics were vital, they were not the sole reason for victory.

I concur that the destruction of lives and property was a major consequence of the Harrying of the North, yet it is essential to consider the broader impact of this campaign.

1. Human Cost: The Harrying led to significant loss of life, with many people killed or displaced. Communities were destroyed, leading to a breakdown of social structures.

2. Economic Impact: The obliteration of crops and livestock resulted in severe food shortages, causing famine and leading to long-term economic decay in the affected regions.

3. Psychological Effects: Such brutality instilled fear throughout the North of England, serving as a stark warning to any potential dissenters against Norman rule.

However, beyond the immediate destruction, the Harrying also reshaped the political landscape, consolidating Norman control over England, which was a significant consequence that required further assessment.