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The Norman Conquest 01
Which King was the first to attack England in 1066?

The Norman Conquest 01

In 1066 England faced a succession crisis. This KS3 History quiz explores why William of Normandy and Harold Godwinson believed they had a claim to the English throne.

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Fascinating Fact:

When King Edward the Confessor died without a clear heir in January 1066, several rivals claimed the crown, including Harold Godwinson and William of Normandy.

In KS3 History, you explore how the Norman Conquest reshaped England. You learn about rival claimants to the throne, the events of 1066, and how Norman rule changed land, power, and government.

Key Terms

  • Succession crisis: A problem that happens when a ruler dies and it is unclear who should take the throne.
  • Claimant: A person who argues that they have the right to be king or queen.
  • Battle of Hastings: The battle in October 1066 where William of Normandy defeated Harold Godwinson.

Frequently Asked Questions (Click to see answers)

What was the Norman Conquest of England?

The Norman Conquest was the takeover of England by William of Normandy after his victory at the Battle of Hastings in 1066. It brought new rulers, laws, and customs to England.

Why did William of Normandy think he should be king in 1066?

William claimed that Edward the Confessor had promised him the throne and that Harold had sworn an oath to support him. He used these claims to justify invading England.

Why is the year 1066 important in British history?

The year 1066 is important because the Norman Conquest began then. It changed England’s ruling class, language, castles, land ownership, and the way the country was governed.

Try These Related Quizzes

1 .
How many Kings ruled England during 1066?
1
2
3
4
Edward the Confessor, Harold II and William I
2 .
Which King died in early January 1066?
Canute
Edward the Confessor
Ethelred the Unready
Hardicanute
Harold claimed that Edward had said that he should be the next King just before he died
3 .
Edward the Confessor had how many children?
0
1
3
5
The fight over who should succeed him led to the Norman invasion
4 .
Who was chosen to succeed Edward as King?
Edgar Etheling
Harold
Swein Forkbeard
William of Normandy
England's leading nobleman - he became Harold II
5 .
What was Harold's surname?
Bedwinson
Edmundson
Godwinson
Mortenson
Literally, 'son of Godwin'
6 .
Harold had previously been Earl of where?
Mercia
Middlesex
Northumbria
Wessex
Wessex covered the bottom third of England and this made Harold the second most powerful man after the King
7 .
What relation was King Harold to the late King?
Brother-in-law
Cousin
Half-brother
Nephew
Edward had married Harold's sister, Edith
8 .
What was seen over England as Harold was crowned?
A meteor shower
A solar eclipse
Halley's comet
The Northern Lights
The comet was thought to be a sign of bad luck!
9 .
Which King was the first to attack England in 1066?
Duncan II
Erik of Sweden
Gruffydd of Wales
Harald Hardrada
He claimed that the crown had been promised to his family
10 .
Harald Hardrada ruled which country?
Belgium
Finland
Norway
Sweden
His invasion from the north left the south unprotected when William landed as Harold had marched his army north to repel the first invasion
You can find more about this topic by visiting BBC Bitesize - The Norman Conquest

Author:  Jan Crompton (KS3 Geography & History Teacher, Professional Quiz Writer)
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