Anglo-Saxon and Norman England, c1060-88 is a British depth study that investigates how England was ruled under the late Anglo-Saxons and the early Norman kings. The course focuses on the period from 1060 to the early reign of William Rufus in 1088. You will focus on crucial events during this period, and study the different social, cultural, political, economic and religious changes that occurred.

This study will help you to understand the nature of Anglo-Saxon and Norman rule in England. You will investigate themes such as power, law and order, government, religion, and economy and society. This course will enable you to develop the historical skills of causation, consequence, importance, continuity, and change.

Anglo-Saxon and Norman England, c1060-88 is split into three key topics: Anglo-Saxon England and the Norman Conquest, 1060-66; William I in power: securing the kingdom, 1066-87; Norman England, 1066-88.

• ❖ Topic 1 looks at Anglo-Saxon society, the succession crisis in 1066, and the Norman invasion in 1066.
• ❖ Topic 2 looks at how William consolidated control after 1066. This includes how he dealt with Saxon rebellions against his rule, and how he faced a revolt by his own Norman followers in 1075.
• ❖ Topic 3 looks at how the Normans governed England. You will study the feudal system, the government and legal systems, and the Norman Church. Finally, you will learn about the accession of William Rufus, and the troubles he faced in the first years of his rule.

Some of the key individuals studied on this course include:

• ❖ Edward the Confessor.
• ❖ Earl Godwin and his family.
• ❖ Harold Godwinson.
• ❖ Harald Hardrada.
• ❖ Edgar Aetheling.
• ❖ William I (William the Conqueror).
• ❖ Lanfranc, Archbishop of Canterbury.
• ❖ Bishop Odo of Bayeux.
• ❖ William II (William Rufus).
• ❖ Robert Curthose.

Some of the key events you will study on this course include:

• ❖ The Battle of Stamford Bridge.
• ❖ The Battle of Hastings.
• ❖ The Saxon rebellions of 1067-1071.
• ❖ The Harrying of the North, 1069-70.
• ❖ The Earls' Revolt of 1075.
• ❖ The creation of the Domesday Survey.
• ❖ The accession of William Rufus, and the revolt against him by Odo of Bayeux.

Anglo-Saxon and Norman England, c.1060-88 forms part of paper 2 which you have a total of 1 hour and 45 minutes to complete. You should spend around 50 minutes on this section of the paper. There will be three exam questions which will assess what you have learnt on the Anglo-Saxon and Norman England, c.1060-88 course.

• ❖ Question 1 is worth 4 marks. This question will require you to simply describe two features of an aspect of the course.
• ❖ Question 2 is worth 12 marks. This question will require you to explain the importance of a theme or event of the course by using your contextual knowledge. You will be given two prompts to indicate what you might include in your answer, but you must also use your own knowledge.
• ❖ Question 3 is worth 16 marks. You will have to choose one of two options. This question will require you to show your knowledge and understanding of the key features and characteristics of the course. You will have the opportunity to show your ability to explain and analyse historical events using second order concepts such as causation, consequence, change, continuity, similarity and difference. You will be given two prompts to indicate what you might include in your answer, but you must also use your own knowledge.