1. n the desperate year 1066, a legendary event terrified those living in the western lands. What was it?
A)
There was a new king in England, but not of royal blood.
B)
A great comet was seen, predicting turmoil and tragedy;
C)
King Harald Hardrada invaded England.
D)
All of the above.
2. The invader, Duke William of Normandy, could be said to have a ‘secret weapon’ in his invasion. What was it?
A)
He’d secured the support of the Pope against Harold Godwinson;
B)
He’d kept his invasion completely secret from the English;
C)
The king had hired thousands of mercenary warriors from Scandinavia.
3. Unfortunately for King Harold Godwinson, the English, in meeting William at the Battle of Hastings:
A)
Found their archers couldn’t shoot in the pouring rain;
B)
Were outnumbered 4-1;
C)
Were exhausted, having just raced the length of England where they’d fought an earlier battle; ‘
4. While William brought over his feudal lords, who in turn brought over their warriors, the Anglo-Saxon system provided armies by:
A)
Mercenaries from Ireland;
B)
Volunteers in the form of a local (untrained) militia, known as the fyrd;
C)
Hired the peasants to fight for England.
5. One of the most famous artifacts in history derived from the Battle of Hastings. It is:
A)
The great poem, The Poetic Edda
B)
A lengthy tapestry telling the entire tale leading up to the battle.
C)
A stained glass window in York Cathedral.
6. King William of Normandy was:
A)
A bastard
B)
Related to the British royal family
C)
Allegedly promised the crown by Edward the Confessor.
D)
All of the above.
7. One of the reasons Harold and his men had had to fight a major battle at Stamford Bridge just before Hastings, was due to a family betrayal. What was it?
A)
Harald Hardrada was Harold Godwin’s uncle, but still invaded his kingdom;
B)
Harold’s aunt, wife of Edward the Confessor, sent King William Harold’s battle plan;
C)
His brother, Tostig, had joined with Harald Hardrada to fight against him.
8. Harold Godwinson was the first of two British kings who died in battle, fighting invaders. Who was the second?
A)
Richard II
B)
Richard III
C)
Edward III
9. Harold seized the throne, thus precipitating William’s actions, because:
A)
King Edward’s Will made him his heir;
B)
King Edward had gestured at him as he lay dying;
C)
The Pope had appointed Harold as a good son of the Church.
10. William justified his invasion because he claimed:
A)
Not only had King Edward promised him the throne, but Harold himself had sworn to support him;
B)
King Harold was a pagan and William had the support of the Church;
C)
William was the legitimate son of Edward’s sister, Ethelfluff.