Normans vs Saxons Quiz: Answers Explained
What does your choice of shield say about you? Did you decide to charge into battle on a magnificent steed, or face your enemies on foot?
Scroll down to find out more about the answers you gave in our 1066 quiz and get closer to our Norman and Saxon ancestors, or take the quiz here.
1. Names
Ælfric or Edith were popular Anglo Saxon names as you might have guessed. The impact of the Norman Conquest in England can still be seen today with Norman names such as Matilda and Henry still being in popular use.
2. Language
The Norman Conquest had a long-lasting effect on our language. Norman French and Latin were spoken by people in positions of power while Anglo Saxon English was generally associated with the lower classes, and considered unfit for literature.
In modern English there are both simple and sophisticated words for the same things - such as drink/beverage and hungry/famished. Some people consider this to stem from the class divide which began in 1066.
3. Churches
Saxon churches can sometimes be recognised by the 'strip work' on their exterior walls, possibly a decorative stone imitation of the framework of timber buildings. As experts in timber building, the Anglo Saxons were also known for their timber jointing techniques used alongside their stone masonry.
Some early Norman churches were built by Saxon masons, developing the old techniques. But soon the Norman style including round arches supported on mighty pillars took over. Particularly in southern England, the Normans imported their favourite high-quality stone from Caen in Normandy to build their new churches and castles - including Canterbury Cathedral and the Tower of London.
4. Currency
The only coin issued for Edward the Confessor was a silver penny. In this example he is depicted in profile and is holding a sceptre.
Our illustration of the William the Conqueror silver penny shows William facing forwards, which is a later style that would be used for many of the coins struck for the Plantagenet Kings.
5. Manuscripts
Artistically, the early Normans learned a lot from Anglo-Saxon England. They enthusiastically commissioned manuscripts from English artists working in the beautiful 'Winchester Style', and embroideries in the internationally renowned 'Opus Anglicanum' ['English work'] style.
The famous Bayeux Tapestry - which records the Norman triumph in 1066 - was almost certainly made by English embroiderers, most probably working in England.
6. Shields
Two different shield shapes are depicted in the Bayeux Tapestry. The kite-shaped shield is often associated with the Normans. This design covered the full length of the body and was carried on the left forearm while mounted on a horse.
The Saxons, who normally fought on foot, are often portrayed as carrying round shields, a stronger and heavier protection which was a vital element of the Saxon shield wall.
7. Banners
The Normans carried a cross banner into the Battle of Hastings, as shown in the Bayeux Tapestry. This banner was blessed by the Pope to indicate that Williams claim to throne had powerful backing.
The Red Dragon banner was a symbol of the united earldom of Wessex, and was carried into the Battle of Hastings as one of Harold Godwinson's battle standards.
8. Mounted Knights and Unmounted Warriors
The Normans were experts in mounted combat, and the Bayeux Tapestry shows the Norman knights riding into battle on their trusty steeds.
The Saxons preferred to fight on foot, and were highly effective at creating defensive walls using their shields, but would still use their horses for transporting goods.
9. War Cries
The Norman poet Wace reported the war cries used by both sides at the Battle of Hastings. The Normans shouted 'Dex Aie'-Norman-French for 'God Aid Us!, while the Saxons used their ancient war cry of 'Ut'-literally 'Out', meaning perhaps 'Get out'-and also the war-cry 'Olicrosse', 'Holy Cross'.
The shout of Holy Cross may have had a personal connection with King Harold, who had re-founded the abbey of Waltham Holy Cross in Essex. This supposedly preserved a very precious relic, a piece of the 'Holy Cross' on which Christ was crucified.
More to Explore
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Things you need to know about 1066
How long did the Battle of Hastings last? Was Harold really killed by a falling arrow? Discover what we know (or don't know) about the year that forged the future of England.
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The History of Battle Abbey
Founded by William the Conqueror on the site of the Battle of Hastings, Battle Abbey was built as a symbol of penance for the blood that was shed during the conflict.
