Pre-1066 - Warfare
History: KS3, topic 1.13.2
Norman Warfare
Before the Normans came to England, the Normans had one of the strongest armies in France.
Rollo the Walker and Normandy
- Under the Viking leader, Rollo the Walker, Normandy grew into the largest and most powerful fief in France.
- The Normans invaded nearby areas and captured places like Bessin and Maine.
- It is believed that Rollo doubled the size of Normandy during his time as leader.
What are chevaliers?
- 'Chevaliers' is the French word for knights.
- These chevaliers rode horses and could attack quickly.
- Normandy was located on the French coast, next to the English Channel.
- This meant that the Normans were good sailors and could launch sea attacks.
- Each Duke of a fief had a private army.
- This army included chevaliers, swordsmen, and axemen.
- The French chevaliers had stirrups, which allowed the knights to fight better while riding horses.
English Anglo-Saxon knights & soldiers
- No English Earl had a full-time army.
- English knights were often 'enforcers'.
- Enforcers were intimidating people who were loyal to their local lord.
- These enforcers would use force to take land and money from people below them in society.
Test yourself on Pre-1066 - Warfare
What was the French word for knight?