Barons and the Monarchy
You will need the following materials in this assignment: Norman Castles, Tonbridge Castle, Feudal System, Clare Estates in 1086, William Rufus, Magna Carta and Castles: Glossary.
You are going to write an essay on the 'Norman Barons and the Monarchy'. The first paragraph and the beginning of each of the other paragraphs have been done for you (red type). The text in the light type suggests the type of information that you should include in this paragraph. The underlined numbers refers to the web pages where you will find the information. Always try to use your own words.
(1) On 14th October, 1066, the Normans defeated the English army at the Battle of Hastings. William, the leader of the Normans, claimed that all the land in England now belonged to him. William kept about a fifth of the land for his own use. The rest of the land was distributed to those Norman knights who had helped him defeat the English army.
(2) One of William's most important knights was Richard de Clare.
Give details of Richard de Clare's land (Feudal System 2nd paragraph; Clare Estates in 1086)
(3) Richard de Clare built several castles to help protect his estates in England.
Describe the early castles that Richard de Clare built (Norman Castles 2nd and 3rd paragraphs; Tonbridge Castle; Clare Estates in 1086; Castles: Glossary entries for 'bailey', 'drawbridge', 'moat', 'motte', 'palisade')
(4) Richard de Clare was now one of the most powerful men in England and he expected to be consulted when the king made important decisions.
Explain why Richard de Clare rebelled in 1088. (William Rufus 2nd, 3rd and 4th paragraphs)
Describe how he was punished (William Rufus 4th paragraph)
Explain how the Clare family might have been involved in the killing of William Rufus (William Rufus 12th, 13th and 14th paragraphs and source S2)
(5) The Clare family continued to have arguments with the monarchy.
Explain why Richard de Clare was angry with King John in 1215. (Magna Carta 1st and 2nd paragraphs)
Describe what happened on 15th June, 1215. (Magna Carta 3rd, 4th and 5th paragraphs)
Explain why the barons made King John sign the Magna Carta (Magna Carta 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th paragraphs and extracts from the Magna Carta)
