Starter quiz
- Complete the sentence: The Normans built castles primarily to prevent ______ by the Anglo-Saxons.
- 'rebellions' ✓
- Complete the sentence: Pevensey was an ______ centre.
- 'administrative' ✓
- Why did William the Conqueror build castles in strategic locations like Sussex?
- To manage England's vast resources ✓
- To provide leisure facilities for his soldiers
- To establish new trade routes and economic hubs
- To create centres for cultural development
- To secure weak points in England’s defences ✓
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- What role did the sheriff play in the management of a rape in Sussex?
- To oversee the construction of new castles
- To collect taxes and call up men for the king’s army ✓
- To manage the education system in the local area
- To organise public festivals and entertainments
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- What was a significant feature of Pevensey Castle that made it particularly strong?
- Its location in the centre of a large forest
- Its construction from locally sourced sandstone
- Its proximity to major Roman roads
- Its position within the Roman fort’s walls ✓
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- Why was Pevensey Castle strategically important for William?
- It was a major trade center with valuable resources.
- It was the site of a major Anglo-Saxon rebellion.
- It was located halfway between London and Normandy. ✓
- It was situated in a large, fertile agricultural area.
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Exit quiz
- Which word describes a military tactic of surrounding a settlement or fortification in order to cut off supplies and weaken troops?
- 'siege' ✓
- When did William the Conqueror die?
- 10th February 1134
- 1st December 1135
- 9th September 1087 ✓
- 2nd August 1100
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- Match the son to their inheritance from William I.
- Robert Curthose⇔the Duchy of Normandy ✓
- William Rufus⇔the kingdom of England ✓
- Henry Beauclerc⇔given £5000 to buy land of his own ✓
- Why did many Norman nobles initially support Robert Curthose over William Rufus?
- Robert was seen as more capable and experienced than William.
- Robert was seen as weaker-minded, so nobles thought they could gain more power. ✓
- Robert promised to immediately increase their lands and wealth.
- William was known for his poor leadership and lack of military skill.
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- What was one of William Rufus' strategies to counter the rebellion against him?
- He increased the taxes on his loyal supporters to fund the defence.
- He abandoned his castles and retreated to Normandy for safety.
- He promised nobles who rebelled an increase in lands and wealth. ✓
- He invited foreign armies to England to help him regain control.
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- What was a major factor in the failure of the Rebellion of 1088?
- The rebellion leaders ran out of money and supplies quickly.
- William Rufus immediately captured all the rebel leaders.
- The local English people strongly supported Robert Curthose’s cause.
- Poor weather prevented Robert Curthose's army from crossing to England. ✓
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Worksheet
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Lesson Details
Key learning points
- William II Rufus fought with his brother, Robert Curthose, for the throne.
- Some Norman nobles supported William's brother Robert.
- Odo of Bayeux held Pevensey against William.
- William Rufus laid siege to Pevensey.
- William Rufus' siege was successful.
Common misconception
Kings have always passed on their whole kingdoms to one successor.
Throughout history, there have been many examples of rulers dividing their lands amongst their sons. Quite frequently, this led to war between the sons in an attempt to reunite the realm.
Keywords
Rebellion - an armed uprising against a ruler
Siege - military tactic of surrounding a settlement or fortification in order to cut off supplies and weaken troops
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