Page 1: Viking and Norman Influences

This page explores the impacts of Viking and Norman migrations on medieval England, focusing on institutional changes, societal attitudes, and economic influences.

Viking Settlements and Saxon Resistance

The Vikings established settlements in Mercia, creating jarldoms and holding Things $meetings$. Saxon kings, including Alfred's son Edward and grandson Athelstan, fought to regain control of the Danelaw. Athelstan's victory at the Battle of Brunanburh in 937 marked a significant turning point.

Vocabulary: The Danelaw refers to the part of England under Danish law and control during the Viking era.

Danish Rule and Cultural Adaptation

King Ethelred's St. Brice's Day massacre in 1002 led to increased Viking attacks, resulting in Danish rule under King Cnut by 1016. Cnut maintained stability by allowing Saxons to keep positions of power. This period saw cultural adaptation, with Saxons adopting Danish customs and Vikings incorporating Christianity into their beliefs.

Highlight: Under King Cnut, England became a more significant part of Christendom, with the king visiting the Pope in Rome.

Norman Conquest and Feudal System

The Norman conquest brought comprehensive changes to England's governance. William I built castles to assert control and developed the feudal system, creating a hierarchy of loyalty from barons to peasants. The Domesday Book of 1086 provided a detailed survey of land ownership and value.

Example: The Harrying of the North $1069-70$ demonstrated Norman brutality in suppressing Saxon rebellion, involving the destruction of crops, livestock, and homes.

Economic Impacts

Both Viking and Norman migrations had significant economic impacts. Vikings established workshops in the Danelaw, enhancing trade in cities like York. The Norman's Domesday Book served as a tool for taxation and economic assessment.

Quote: "The Doomsday Book recorded who owned the land, and the value of the estate, and could be used for purposes of taxation."

Page 2: Jewish Communities in Medieval England

This page focuses on the experiences of Jewish communities in medieval England, highlighting their changing status, persecution, and eventual expulsion.

Initial Welcome and Special Status

Jewish communities were initially invited to England by William I and held a special status due to their economic utility to the Crown. They played a crucial role in moneylending and supporting trade and business.

Highlight: Jewish communities were initially welcomed for their economic contributions, particularly in moneylending.

Growing Persecution

The 13th century saw increasing persecution of Jewish communities:

• In 1218, they were forced to wear yellow patches.
• In 1230, they were expelled from several towns.
• 'Blood libel' stories spread, leading to attacks.
• In 1255, Henry III ordered the arrest of about 90 Jews in Lincoln based on false accusations.

Definition: 'Blood libel' refers to false accusations that Jews used the blood of Christian children in religious rituals.

Economic Restrictions and Expulsion

Edward I's reign marked a turning point for Jewish communities in England:

• The Statute of Jewry in 1275 banned Jews from collecting interest on loans.
• In 1290, Edward I ordered all Jews to either convert to Christianity or leave England.

Quote: "1290 - Edward I ordered all Jews to convert to Christianity or leave."

Religious Tensions and Social Segregation

Jewish communities often lived in separate areas called Jewries, maintaining their religious and cultural practices. This segregation, combined with religious differences, led to suspicion and hostility from the Christian majority.

Vocabulary: Kehilas were Jewish community councils, while mikvehs were ritual bath houses.

The Crusades, beginning in 1095, further fueled anti-Semitism in England, as the Church's stance against 'unbelievers' was applied to both Muslims and Jews.

This period demonstrates the complex and often tragic history of Jewish communities in medieval England, from initial acceptance to persecution and eventual expulsion.

Vikings and Normans in Medieval England

The Vikings and Normans had profound impacts on medieval England, reshaping its institutions, society, and economy. This period saw significant changes in governance, settlement patterns, and cultural interactions.

Viking Influence in Mercia and Beyond

• Vikings established settlements in Mercia, creating jarldoms and holding Things $meetings$.
• Saxon kings fought to regain control of the Danelaw, culminating in Athelstan's victory at the Battle of Brunanburh in 937.
• King Ethelred's St. Brice's Day massacre in 1002 led to increased Viking attacks and eventually Danish rule under King Cnut.

Vocabulary: Jarldoms were areas of land ruled by a jarl, a Viking nobleman.

Highlight: The Battle of Brunanburh in 937 was a turning point, allowing Saxons to regain control from the Danes.

Norman Conquest and Its Aftermath

• William I introduced castle-building and developed the feudal system for greater control and stability.
• The Domesday Book of 1086 provided a comprehensive survey of land ownership and value.
• Norman rule faced initial resistance, leading to events like the Harrying of the North $1069-70$.

Example: The Harrying of the North involved burning crops, killing livestock, and destroying Saxon homes as a warning against rebellion.

Jewish Communities in Medieval England

• Initially invited by William I, Jewish communities played a crucial economic role but faced growing prejudice.
• The 13th century saw increased persecution, including forced wearing of yellow patches and expulsions from towns.
• Edward I's Statute of Jewry $1275$ and eventual expulsion order in 1290 marked the end of medieval Jewish presence in England.

Definition: Anti-Semitism refers to prejudice, hostility, or discrimination against Jewish people.

This period demonstrates the complex interplay of migration, conquest, and cultural exchange in shaping medieval English society.