Year 10 - History
Edward the Confessor and the House of Godwin
British depth study: Anglo-Saxon and Norman England, c1060–88
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This pupil-friendly study guide includes a unit summary, clear notes, common mistakes, and quick questions with answers.
Unit Summary
In this unit, pupils study an aspect of British medieval history in depth. They learn about the social, economic, religious and political events that influenced the lives of those who lived in this period.
Lesson Summary
You will learn to explain why the Godwin family was so powerful in Anglo-Saxon England.
Key Notes
- After years in exile in Normandy, Edward the Confessor's position as king was weak; he relied on Earl Godwin's support.
- In 1051 the Godwins were exiled after tensions over Edward's Norman advisers.
- After threatening to invade, the Godwins returned to positions of power.
- Edward relied more and more on the Godwins, whose power increased.
- In a trip to Normandy in 1064, Harold Godwin made promises to William, Duke of Normandy.
Vocabulary To Learn
- exile: exile is when someone is sent away from your home country
- adviser: an Anglo-Saxon adviser was a high-ranking noble who gave advice to the monarch, such as an earl or bishop
- successor: a successor is a person expected to inherit the throne after the monarch has died
- House: a House refers to a dynasty, a group of leaders or rulers from the same family
- chronicler: a chronicler is someone who writes a record of historical events
Common Mistakes To Avoid
- An Anglo-Saxon monarch held all the power in their kingdom.
3 Quick Questions (With Answers)
1. Summarise this historical learning in two key ideas.
After years in exile in Normandy, Edward the Confessor's position as king was weak; he relied on Earl Godwin's support. In 1051 the Godwins were exiled after tensions over Edward's Norman advisers.
2. Define this history term and explain why it matters in this topic. 'exile'
exile is when someone is sent away from your home country.
3. Correct this common history misconception using evidence language.
Mistake: An Anglo-Saxon monarch held all the power in their kingdom. Correction: In fact, Anglo-Saxon nobles could force their monarchs to do things they did not want to do. For example, King Edward was forced to allow the House of Godwin back from exile and restore them to their earldoms.
More Lessons In This Unit
- Anglo-Saxon society Study Guide
- Bishop Odo of Bayeux Study Guide
- Change and continuity in Norman England Study Guide
- Claimants to the throne in 1066 Study Guide
- Earldoms and local government in Anglo-Saxon England Study Guide
- Motte-and-bailey castles Study Guide
- Reasons for William's victory at the Battle of Hastings Study Guide
- Rewarding followers and the Marcher earldoms Study Guide
- The Anglo-Norman Church Study Guide
- The Anglo-Saxon economy and the role of the Church Study Guide
- The Anglo-Saxon monarchy Study Guide
- The Battle of Hastings Study Guide
- The battles of Gate Fulford and Stamford Bridge Study Guide
- The feudal system in Norman England Study Guide
- The Harrying of the North Study Guide
- The legacy of Anglo-Saxon resistance Study Guide
- The Norman aristocracy Study Guide
- The Northern and East Anglian rebellions Study Guide
- The revolt of the earls in 1075 Study Guide
- The significance of Domesday Book Study Guide
- The submission of the earls in 1066 Study Guide
- The uprising against Earl Tostig Godwinson Study Guide
- William I and his successors Study Guide
Browse all guides in the Year 10 History guide library.