Question
Examine the impact that the Duchy of Normandy had on relations between English and French monarchs.
Answer/Explanation
Ans:
The focus of candidates’ responses will be on the impact of the Duchy of Normandy on the relations between English and French kings. While other factors may be considered in order to provide context, the focus of the response must be on the Duchy’s role.
Indicative content
• The Duchy of Normandy was a central cause of conflict between English and French monarchs from 1066 until 1223. The reasons for this include the fact that the duke of Normandy was also the king of England after 1066.
• The duke was more powerful than the king of France at that time and was in a position to intimidate him and limit his ability to increase his power and territory. The desire of the French kings to increase their power was opposed by the dukes of Normandy who felt that their territory was threatened by these actions.
• Constant warfare was the consequence of this friction: Henry I (1100–1135) defeated Louis VI (1108–1137) in his attempts to control Normandy and actually took more French territory. Henry II (1154–1189) expanded from his Norman base and, while he was in theory a vassal of the king of France, he was actually more powerful and in constant conflict with him.
• The entire programme of the French monarchy to increase its power and authority and unify the country was based on the need to evict the English from Normandy and their other possessions. The English regarded Normandy as part of England and were not going to surrender without conflict.
• The wars continued until John (1199–1216) was no longer able to maintain the territory and Phillip II (1180–1223) recovered it and made France a powerful state. The loss of Normandy to France signalled a major change in the power relationships in medieval Europe.
Question
To what extent do you agree with the argument that the power and influence of Henry II was substantially reduced as a result of his dispute with Thomas Becket?
▶️Answer/Explanation
Ans:
Candidates must consider the merits or otherwise of the assertion that the Thomas Becket affair had a significantly negative impact on the reign of Henry II. Candidates may choose to agree, partially agree or disagree with the statement; however opinions should be presented clearly and supported with appropriate evidence and sound argument.
Indicative content
• Henry’s position was not weakened by the Papacy, which did not impose a heavy penance on him.
• Henry easily suppressed the rebellion of 1173 that was inspired by his confrontation with Becket and there were no further uprisings against him.
• He continued his administrative and legal reforms without opposition.
• His relations with the Church were repaired and he had no further conflicts with them.
• However, Henry was forced to accept that he could not punish clerics in secular courts.
• He accepted the right of appeals from English Church courts to Rome; this was a concession of power and influence to the papacy.
• The martyrdom of Becket was a black mark on his reputation and a source of discontent that flared into rebellion in 1173 (although it was easily suppressed).
• Becket’s martyrdom made him a popular saint in England and cast a shadow on Henry’s reputation.
Question
To what extent did the Norman invasion change the government and administration of England?
▶️Answer/Explanation
Ans:
Candidates are expected to consider the extent to which the government and administration of England was changed by the Norman invasion. They may suggest that the impact of the invasion was either significant, minimal or somewhere in between and they may, briefly, compare the impact of the Norman invasion to other factors that contributed to change. However, the majority of the response should deal with the impact of the invasion.
Indicative content
• The Norman invasion made extensive changes to government in England; however candidates may comment that a number of Anglo-Saxon institutions were retained by the Normans.
• A new monarch and dynasty replaced the Anglo-Saxon kings. The feudal system was changed to the Norman model where the king had extensive power through his landholdings, limits were placed on the lands of nobles and there was a requirement that all landholders swore allegiance to the king.
• In addition, a system of royal castles and garrisons was created to maintain central authority and prevent local opposition. The Anglo-Saxon nobility was replaced by Norman nobles.
• The Church was reformed, discipline tightened and the leadership replaced by Norman bishops. The Church lost its independence and was closely controlled by the king.
• New laws such as those dealing with the royal forest and hunting were introduced as well as punishments for attacks on Normans. The Anglo-Saxon population was removed from any significant power.
• The Domesday Book provided the king with a record of all landholdings and allowed him to extract more revenue for the support of his government. This level of central power was unprecedented in Europe at the time.
• The sheriffs were retained as agents of the king as well as the local courts, which were placed under greater royal supervision. The traditional powers of the Anglo-Saxon kings to legislate and tax were retained.
Question
Examine the impact that the Duchy of Normandy had on relations between English and French monarchs.
▶️Answer/Explanation
Ans:
The focus of candidates’ responses will be on the impact of the Duchy of Normandy on the relations between English and French kings. While other factors may be considered in order to provide context, the focus of the response must be on the Duchy’s role.
Indicative content
• The Duchy of Normandy was a central cause of conflict between English and French monarchs from 1066 until 1223. The reasons for this include the fact that the duke of Normandy was also the king of England after 1066.
• The duke was more powerful than the king of France at that time and was in a position to intimidate him and limit his ability to increase his power and territory. The desire of the French kings to increase their power was opposed by the dukes of Normandy who felt that their territory was threatened by these actions.
• Constant warfare was the consequence of this friction: Henry I (1100–1135) defeated Louis VI (1108–1137) in his attempts to control Normandy and actually took more French territory. Henry II (1154–1189) expanded from his Norman base and, while he was in theory a vassal of the king of France, he was actually more powerful and in constant conflict with him.
• The entire programme of the French monarchy to increase its power and authority and unify the country was based on the need to evict the English from Normandy and their other possessions. The English regarded Normandy as part of England and were not going to surrender without conflict.
• The wars continued until John (1199–1216) was no longer able to maintain the territory and Phillip II (1180–1223) recovered it and made France a powerful state. The loss of Normandy to France signalled a major change in the power relationships in medieval Europe.