(Merged Question Paper & Marking Scheme)
Key Areas to Revise
1. Anglo-Saxon England Before 1066 Focus on the political, social, and economic structure of Anglo-
Saxon England before the Norman Conquest. Study the role of the monarchy, the system of governance,
and the structure of society. Examine the position of the Anglo-Saxon aristocracy, the church, and the
influence of local and regional power dynamics in England during the early 11th century.
2. The Death of Cnut and the Succession Crisis (1035–1066) Analyze the events following the death of
King Cnut in 1035, focusing on the succession crisis that arose. Study the competing claims to the
throne from Cnut’s sons Harold Harefoot and Harthacanute, and the eventual election of Edward the
Confessor. Explore the role of key figures like Godwin, Earl of Wessex, and the impact of dynastic
struggles on Anglo-Saxon politics.
3. Edward the Confessor’s Reign (1042–1066) Study Edward the Confessor’s reign, focusing on his
relationship with the nobility, particularly the powerful Godwin family. Examine the challenges Edward
faced in maintaining control over his kingdom, including disputes with the Godwins and his reliance on
Norman advisors. Explore the role of religion and the building of Westminster Abbey during his reign,
as well as the significance of Edward's childless rule and his death in 1066.
4. The Norman Claim to the English Throne Examine the background to the Norman claim to the
throne of England, focusing on William, Duke of Normandy, and his relationship with Edward the
Confessor. Study the events that led to William’s claim, including his alleged promise of succession and
the role of Harold Godwinson’s oath of allegiance to William. Understand the political and dynastic
implications of this claim.
5. Harold Godwinson and the Battle of Hastings (1066) Focus on the events of 1066, a pivotal year in
English history. Study the succession crisis following Edward’s death and the competing claims to the
throne, including Harold Godwinson’s coronation as King of England. Analyze the Battle of Hastings,
including the tactics, leadership, and significance of Harold’s defeat by William the Conqueror, which
led to the Norman Conquest.
6. The Harrying of the North (1069–1070) Examine the devastating impact of the Harrying of the North,
a brutal campaign led by William to quell resistance in northern England. Study the causes of the
rebellion, the tactics used by William, and the long-term consequences for the Anglo-Saxon population
in the north, including the widespread destruction of land and loss of life.
7. The Domesday Book (1086) Study the creation and significance of the Domesday Book, commissioned
by William to survey and assess land ownership and resources across England. Examine how the survey
was conducted, its role in consolidating Norman control over England, and its importance as a historical
source for understanding medieval England's economy, society, and landholding patterns.
8. William I’s Legacy and the Early Norman Kings Analyze the legacy of William the Conqueror in the
context of English governance and society. Focus on his administrative reforms, the establishment of
Norman nobility, and the integration of Norman and Anglo-Saxon traditions. Study the reigns of his
successors, particularly William II (Rufus) and Henry I, and how they continued or adapted William’s
policies in consolidating Norman power.
, Oxford Cambridge and RSA
Friday 7 June 2024 – Afternoon
A Level History A
Y102/01 Anglo-Saxon England and the Norman Conquest 1035–
1107
Time allowed: 1 hour 30 minutes
*9951239481*
You must have:
• the OCR 12-page Answer Booklet
INSTRUCTIONS
• Use black ink.
• Write your answer to each question in the Answer Booklet. The question numbers must
be clearly shown.
• Fill in the boxes on the front of the Answer Booklet.
• Answer Question 1 in Section A. Answer either Question 2 or Question 3 in Section B.
INFORMATION
• The total mark for this paper is 50.
• The marks for each question are shown in brackets [ ].
• Quality of extended response will be assessed in questions marked with an asterisk (*).
• This document has 4 pages.
ADVICE
• Read each question carefully before you start your answer.
© OCR 2024 [F/506/4252] OCR is an exempt Charity
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, 2
Section A
Norman England 1087–1107
Study the four sources and answer Question 1.
1 ‘Ranulf Flambard played the key role in William II’s government.’
Use the four sources in their historical context to assess how far they support this view. [30]
Source A: An English chronicler explains how William II governed England.
William was very harsh and severe over his land and very formidable. Through the advice of evil men
and through his own greed, he was ever wearying this nation with an army and with unjust taxes.
God’s Church he humbled and all the bishoprics and abbacies whose holders died in his days, he
either sold or held in his own hands and let for a certain sum. On the day he died, he had in his own
hands the archbishopric of Canterbury, the bishopric of Winchester and that of Salisbury and eleven
abbacies. All that was loathsome to God and righteous men was customary in this land in his reign.
Anglo‑ Saxon Chronicle, 1100.
Source B: A chronicler gives an account of the ambitions of Odo of Bayeux.
Odo of Bayeux came to England and received from the king the earldom of Kent. But he saw that
everything in the kingdom was not managed at his own pleasure as formerly, for the administration of
affairs was now committed to William, bishop of Durham [Ranulf’s predecessor]. He was moved with
envy and used to mutter with Roger Montgomery and Roger, earl of Northumberland. Even William,
bishop of Durham, the confidential minister of the king, joined in their treachery. This was a matter of
great concern to William. Odo now carried off booty of every kind to Rochester, plundering the king’s
revenues in Kent and especially the lands of the archbishop.
William of Malmesbury, Chronicle of the Kings of England, written before 1143.
Source C: A chronicler outlines the activities of Ranulf Flambard.
© Simeon, translated J Stevenson, A History of the Kings of England, page 167-8, LLANERCH PRESS LIMITED, 1987. From first line " Ranulf, bishop of Durham, received from the king, first abbeys and then bishoprics, whose holders had died and put them up for sale" to last line " he harassed both g
© OCR 2024 Y102/01 Jun24