Test your knowledge on the Normans:
The Middle Ages in Britain cover a huge period : from the 
Norman Conquest, which began in 1066, to the devasting Black Death of 1348, the Hundred Years' War with France and the War of the Roses, which finally ended in 1485.
The Normans built impressive castles, imposed a feudal system and carried out a census of the country.
Norman Conquest, which began in 1066, to the devasting Black Death of 1348, the Hundred Years' War with France and the War of the Roses, which finally ended in 1485. The Normans built impressive castles, imposed a feudal system and carried out a census of the country.
Who were the Normans?
The Normans were people who lived in Normandy in Northern 
France. They were originally Vikings from Scandinavia. (The name Normandy comes from the French normand, meaning Norsemen and Normans)
France. They were originally Vikings from Scandinavia. (The name Normandy comes from the French normand, meaning Norsemen and Normans)
The Normans lived in wattle and daub huts with thatched straw roofs.
(After invading Britain they also built castles - to defend their new kingdom)
The Normans lived in wattle and daub huts with thatched straw roofs.
(After invading Britain they also built castles - to defend their new kingdom)
(After invading Britain they also built castles - to defend their new kingdom)
Food
There were no supermarkets or shops to buy food so the Normans ate what food they could grow or hunt.
Plants
Vegetables e.g. leeks, onions, turnips, parsnips and carrots.
Wild nuts e.g. hazelnuts and walnuts.
Berries e.g. gooseberries, blackberries and blueberries.
Grains to make bread and also porridge
Herbs e.g. fennel, common sorrel, wild garlic, parsley
Leaves e.g. nettles and spinach
Animal
Wild animals e.g. deer, wild boar, fox, beaver, and bear.
Fish e.g. trout, mackerel, and salmon.
Domesticated animals e.g. chicken, goat, sheep and pigs.
Eggs from hens and wild birds eggs.
Insects
Honey from bees
William, Duke of Normandy was the leaderof the Normans.William was born in 1027. He became duke of Normandy when he was only seven years old.
Why did William the Conqueror invade England?
William laid claim to the English throne after Edward died. He was a distant cousin of Edward and said that Edward had promised him the throne when visiting France in 1051. He even said his claim had been accepted by Harold Godwinson in 1064, when Harold had been blown onto the Norman shore by a storm. William invaded England to become King and claim the throne from Harold.
When did William the Conqueror invade England?
The Norman Invasion started when William, Duke of Normandy's 7,000 soldiers landed at Pevensey on the morning of the 28th September 1066.
Where did William fight Harold for the English Throne?
Harold and William's armies met on Senlac Hill*, seven miles (10 km) from Hastings.(Today the village where the battle took place is simply called Battle.)
What is the name of the famous battle between William and Harold?
The Battle of Hastings.
What date did the Battle of Hastings take place on?
It began at about nine o'clock on the 14th October 1066 and lasted most of the day.
The battle lasted six hours.
Why did William won the Battle of Hastings?
- William's army had time to rest before the battle. Harold Godwinson's army was tired and they did not have time to prepare properly for the battle. The English army had already fought the Battle of Stamford Bridge that day and had to march quickly down to the battlefield outside Hastings. They marched 50 miles a day!
- William's army was stronger. He had better trained soldiers and had the use of a strong cavalry (men on horseback) and archers whereas Harold did not.
- William's army pretended to flee. Many of Harold's men broke their sheild wall to chase after them but as they did William and his army turned back and slaughtered them.
What is the Bayeux Tapestry about?
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The Bayeux Tapestry tells the story, in pictures ,of the events leading up to and including the Battle of Hastings on October 14, 1066. The story is told from the Norman point of view. There is no English equivalent so it is very difficult to confirm or dispute some of the details on the tapestry.
Why is it called the Bayeux Tapestry?
It is called the Bayeux Tapestry because it has been kept at Bayeux in France probably ever since it was made.
France probably ever since it was made.
THE TOWER OF LONDON
What do you know about the Tower of london ? Do the following quiz:
For over 900 years, The Tower of London has been standing guard over the capital. As a Royal Palace, fortress, prison, place of execution, arsenal, Royal Mint, Royal Zoo and jewel house, it has witnessed many great events in British history.
The Tower of London was originally built by William the Conqueror, following his successful invasion of England in 1066.
The Tower of London is perhaps better known as a prison. The prisoners would be brought, via the river, from Westminster where they would have been tried and crowds would wait on the river bank to find out the verdict to see if they would be treated to the spectacle of a public execution. The executioner, with his long sharp axe would stand behind the accused on the boat. If the accused was guilty he would point his axe towards the victim and if not guilty he would point it away. People knew that if found guilty there would be a public execution 48 hours later.
The responsibility for looking after the prisoners was given to the Yeomen Warders or Beefeaters (These guards, although looking very similar, are different from the Yeomen of the Guard).
The Yeomen Warders originate from twelve Yeoman of the Guards, who were once private bodyguards of Henry VIII.
The Yeomen Warders job title is "Yeoman Warder of Her Majesty's Royal Palace and Fortress the Tower of London, and Members of the Sovereign's Body Guard of the Yeoman Guard Extraordinary".
In the centre of the Tower of London is the famous White Tower.
It is the oldest part of the fortress and was built on the site of the Norman Keep built by William the Conqueror.
THE WINDSOR CASTLE
The castle was built in the 11th century after the Norman invasion by William the Conqueror.
THE WINDSOR CASTLE
The castle was built in the 11th century after the Norman invasion by William the Conqueror.
