HIS 277 Lecture Notes - Lecture 5: Harold Godwinson, Harald Hardrada, Hugh Capet
Document Summary
In 1042 edward the confessor became king of england. When he died in 1066 there were 3 claimants to the english throne: harald hardrada king of norway and sweden, harold godwinson earl of wessex, Immediate impact of vikings: struck terror into europeans, europeans leaders had to defend against the vikings. Had to develop security and fortify coastal areas: the fortifications lead to the development of castles, led to the spread and development of feudalism, vikings travelled far, also established kingdoms in europe. Castles: become households and fortifications for regional nobility, we start to see noblemen associated with their castles. Their surnames are the locations of their castles: his knights also live in the castle with him, noblemen become powerful as they have their own armies, early castles were made out of wood and were not grand. Responsibilities of the vassal: serve in his lords army including the service of his knights, join his lords retinue on tours of the estates.
