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Anglo Saxon and Norman England History:
GCSE Edexcel Past Papers| 2025/2026
Updated Questions and Answers
How did the Anglo-Saxons organise their local government?
They used a system of ‘hundreds’ and ‘shires,’ where local leaders, called ‘reeves,’ helped
enforce the king’s laws. It was a pretty organised system that helped control everyday life.
What role did the Witan play in Anglo-Saxon England?
The Witan was a council of nobles and bishops who advised the king. They helped with
important decisions like choosing a new king or dealing with crises, but the king didn’t have to
follow their advice.
Why was the Battle of Hastings in 1066 so important for Norman control?
It was the turning point where William the Conqueror defeated King Harold. After that, the
Normans took control of England and started changing the whole system, from land ownership
to law.
What was the purpose of the Domesday Book?
It was like a huge census, made to record everything in England – land, property, and people
– so William could control resources and tax fairly. It was essential for Norman rule to run
smoothly.
, 2
How did the feudal system change England after 1066?
William introduced the feudal system, where land was owned by the king and given to his
loyal nobles. In return, they provided soldiers for the king. It meant most people were tied to the
land they worked on.
Why did the Normans build so many castles in England?
Castles were used to control the land and intimidate the Saxons. They helped the Normans
defend against rebellions and gave them a base to keep watch over the people.
What was the significance of the Harrying of the North in 1069?
William used brutal tactics to punish the North after a rebellion. Whole villages were
destroyed, and it left a lasting scar on the North, making the people more fearful and submissive.
How did the Normans deal with the Anglo-Saxon nobility?
Most of the Anglo-Saxon nobility lost their land and titles after 1066, but some were allowed
to keep their land if they swore loyalty to William. However, many were replaced by Normans.
What was the impact of the introduction of Norman law on England?
Norman law was stricter and more organised than the Anglo-Saxon system. It introduced
things like trial by combat and set punishments for crimes, which helped the Normans control the
people more effectively.
, 3
How did the church change under Norman rule?
The church became more tightly controlled by the king. William replaced many Anglo-
Saxon bishops with Normans, ensuring the church was loyal to him. This helped the Normans
control both land and people.
Why did the Anglo-Saxon system of law and order change after 1066?
William brought in stricter, more centralised laws to make sure people were controlled and
taxes were collected properly. He replaced the old ‘tithings’ and ‘hundreds’ with a system where
the king had more direct power.
What role did the fyrd play in Anglo-Saxon society?
The fyrd was the Anglo-Saxon army made up of ordinary men who had to fight for the king
when needed. They were called up for defense and were key in protecting England before the
Normans took over.
Why was the Battle of Stamford Bridge important?
It was the last major battle between the Anglo-Saxons and the Vikings, and it weakened
Harold’s forces before the Battle of Hastings. It also marked the end of Viking invasions of
England.
What changes did William make to land ownership in England after 1066?
William took control of all the land and gave it to his Norman followers, making them the
, 4
new landowners. The Anglo-Saxons who owned land before were either stripped of it or had to
swear loyalty to William.
How did the Normans maintain control over England after 1066?
They used castles, harsh punishments, and a new system of land distribution to keep the
Anglo-Saxons in check. They also relied on the support of the Church and introduced a strong
feudal system.
What were the main consequences of the Norman Conquest for the Anglo-Saxon peasants?
Life for peasants got harder – they had to work harder to pay rents and taxes to their new
Norman landlords. There was also more control over their lives, as they were bound to the land
under the feudal system.
What was the role of the sheriff in Norman England?
Sheriffs were royal officials who managed law and order in the counties. They collected
taxes, dealt with rebellions, and made sure the king’s laws were followed.
How did the Normans change the way people lived in villages?
Villages were reorganised to suit the feudal system. Peasants worked the land, often under
harsher conditions, and had to pay rent or give services to their Norman lords. The old Anglo-
Saxon village life was disrupted.
Anglo Saxon and Norman England History:
GCSE Edexcel Past Papers| 2025/2026
Updated Questions and Answers
How did the Anglo-Saxons organise their local government?
They used a system of ‘hundreds’ and ‘shires,’ where local leaders, called ‘reeves,’ helped
enforce the king’s laws. It was a pretty organised system that helped control everyday life.
What role did the Witan play in Anglo-Saxon England?
The Witan was a council of nobles and bishops who advised the king. They helped with
important decisions like choosing a new king or dealing with crises, but the king didn’t have to
follow their advice.
Why was the Battle of Hastings in 1066 so important for Norman control?
It was the turning point where William the Conqueror defeated King Harold. After that, the
Normans took control of England and started changing the whole system, from land ownership
to law.
What was the purpose of the Domesday Book?
It was like a huge census, made to record everything in England – land, property, and people
– so William could control resources and tax fairly. It was essential for Norman rule to run
smoothly.
, 2
How did the feudal system change England after 1066?
William introduced the feudal system, where land was owned by the king and given to his
loyal nobles. In return, they provided soldiers for the king. It meant most people were tied to the
land they worked on.
Why did the Normans build so many castles in England?
Castles were used to control the land and intimidate the Saxons. They helped the Normans
defend against rebellions and gave them a base to keep watch over the people.
What was the significance of the Harrying of the North in 1069?
William used brutal tactics to punish the North after a rebellion. Whole villages were
destroyed, and it left a lasting scar on the North, making the people more fearful and submissive.
How did the Normans deal with the Anglo-Saxon nobility?
Most of the Anglo-Saxon nobility lost their land and titles after 1066, but some were allowed
to keep their land if they swore loyalty to William. However, many were replaced by Normans.
What was the impact of the introduction of Norman law on England?
Norman law was stricter and more organised than the Anglo-Saxon system. It introduced
things like trial by combat and set punishments for crimes, which helped the Normans control the
people more effectively.
, 3
How did the church change under Norman rule?
The church became more tightly controlled by the king. William replaced many Anglo-
Saxon bishops with Normans, ensuring the church was loyal to him. This helped the Normans
control both land and people.
Why did the Anglo-Saxon system of law and order change after 1066?
William brought in stricter, more centralised laws to make sure people were controlled and
taxes were collected properly. He replaced the old ‘tithings’ and ‘hundreds’ with a system where
the king had more direct power.
What role did the fyrd play in Anglo-Saxon society?
The fyrd was the Anglo-Saxon army made up of ordinary men who had to fight for the king
when needed. They were called up for defense and were key in protecting England before the
Normans took over.
Why was the Battle of Stamford Bridge important?
It was the last major battle between the Anglo-Saxons and the Vikings, and it weakened
Harold’s forces before the Battle of Hastings. It also marked the end of Viking invasions of
England.
What changes did William make to land ownership in England after 1066?
William took control of all the land and gave it to his Norman followers, making them the
, 4
new landowners. The Anglo-Saxons who owned land before were either stripped of it or had to
swear loyalty to William.
How did the Normans maintain control over England after 1066?
They used castles, harsh punishments, and a new system of land distribution to keep the
Anglo-Saxons in check. They also relied on the support of the Church and introduced a strong
feudal system.
What were the main consequences of the Norman Conquest for the Anglo-Saxon peasants?
Life for peasants got harder – they had to work harder to pay rents and taxes to their new
Norman landlords. There was also more control over their lives, as they were bound to the land
under the feudal system.
What was the role of the sheriff in Norman England?
Sheriffs were royal officials who managed law and order in the counties. They collected
taxes, dealt with rebellions, and made sure the king’s laws were followed.
How did the Normans change the way people lived in villages?
Villages were reorganised to suit the feudal system. Peasants worked the land, often under
harsher conditions, and had to pay rent or give services to their Norman lords. The old Anglo-
Saxon village life was disrupted.
