Questions on Markham's History of England

Front matter

MARKHAM'S HISTORY OF ENGLAND, FROM THE FIRST INVASION BY THE ROMANS TO THE ACCESSION OF QUEEN VICTORIA, FOR THE USE OF SCHOOLS AND FAMILIES. BURY ST. EDMUND'S : PUBLISHED BY JACKSON & FROST, CHEQUER SQUARE ; AND MAY BE HAD OF SLMPEIN AND MARSHALL, LONDON. 1845. M A R K H A M ' S HISTORY OF ENGLAND, FROM THE FIRST INVASION BY THE ROMANS TO THE ACCESSION OF QUEEN VICTORIA. FOR THE USE OF SCHOOLS AND FAMILIES. BURY ST. EDMUND'S : PUBLISHED BY JACKSON & FROST, CHEQUER SQUARE f AND MAY BE HAD OF SIMPKIN AND MARSHALL, LONDON. 1845. BURY ST. EDMUND'S : PRINTBD BY W. T. JACKSON, No. 4, CHEQUER SQUARE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.

Chapter I

Compare the present appearance of England with its former condition. In what did the people live, and how were they clothed ? Could they read and write, and sew, and weave, as we do now ? Did they like to make themselves look fine ? How did they endeavour to do this ? Were any of the inhabitants beginning to improve, when the Romans first invaded England ? To what circumstance was this owing ? From whom have we the first account of the Britons ? Who was Julius Caesar, and how came he to hear any thing about Britain ? What happened then ? Mention the particulars of Cæsar's first invasion of Britain. How long did he stay in the island ? Did he gain any thing by his expedition ? What took place the following year ? Were the Britons prepared to resist him ? Did they succeed ? What probably prevented Cæsar from slaughtering most of them ?

What did Cæsar do on hearing of this disaster ? Instead of pursuing the poor Britons, how was he obliged to employ his men ? Did Cæsar again go after the Britons ? What induced him to abandon his enterprise and return to Gaul ? *„* The conversation on each Chapter should be carefully read — extra questions will be given in all cases where it appears necessary. i. Had the Britons any thing surprising in their art of war at this time ? In what handiwork did they excel ? What sort of boats did they use, and are there such boats still in use ? Besides being very entertaining, what is the greatest and best use of History ?

Chapter II

How long were the Britons allowed to rest after the first invasion by the Romans 1 What is the story told of Caligula, who was afterwards Emperor of Rome ? In what year did the Romans make a second attempt to conquer Britain ? What were the difficulties in commencing this expedition, and who had the command of it ? How did the Britons behave, and were they able to withstand their invaders ? What prisoners of note did the Romans at length take, and where were they sent ? How were they treated at Rome ? What induced the Emperor afterwards to treat Caractacus with great kindness ? Did the Romans gain rapid possession of Britain ? Who were the Druids, and what induced Suetonius to seek their destruction ? Did he succeed in his enterprise against Anglesea, and what did the Britons do in the mean time ?

In what state did Suetonius find affairs on his return? What was the issue of the battle that ensued, and what the fate of Boadicea ? After such signal success, what did the Romans do ? Who was one of their most distinguished generals, and what did he do for the benefit of the natives ? When Agricola marched into Caledonia what took place ? Did the Caledonian's venture a battle, and what was the result ? How were the Roman ships engaged during this expedition ? How did the Romans occupy themselves for many years, after their possession of the country ? What took place in the year 207 ? Did Severus succeed in his attempt to conquer Caledonia ? What did he content himself with doing? Where did Severus die ? For how long after the death of Severus are we quite ignorant of the affairs of Britain ?

Who next came from Rome to take up his residence in this Island, where and in what year did he die ? Who succeeded him, and in what state was the country during his life ? When did Constantine the Great die ? What were the persons called who came successively from Rome to govern Britain ? To what period does our history now conduct us, and what happened to the Romans at that time ? How did the Britons feel when the Romans were gone ? By whom were they invaded ? What steps did the Britons take ? Did the Romans come to their assistance, and how long did they stay ? What happened when the Romans left ? Did the Romans come again to the help of the Britains ? What did Gallio do for them, and what did he tell them on his departure ? How long bad the Romans possession of the Island ? What is the meaning of the word colony, and in what did the Roman colonies differ from colonies in later times ?

What effect had this upon the Roman settlers ? What is Stonhenge supposed to be ? Where did the Druids live, and to what did they pray ? Mention some remains of Roman castles and roads still left. How may Roman roads generally be known ?

Chapter III

In what condition were the Britons after the Romans quitted the country ? b How did they conduct themselves ? What was the consequence of their improvidence ? Did the Scots and the Picts molest them at this time ? What induced the rapacious Scots to come afterwards ? What did the Britons do ? Can you repeat the letter they wrote to Ætius, the governor of Gaul, and what was it called ? Did the Romans attend to their request? WThom were the Britons now induced to invite to their aid ? Who were the Saxons, and were they willing to come ? Under whose conduct did the Saxons arrive in Britain ? Were the Scots defeated ? How did the Saxons treat the Britons ? In their battles with the Britons were either of the Saxon leaders killed, and what course did the other pursue in consequence ? About what time did this happen, and what British historian was a writer of this period ?

What do we learn from him with respect to the Saxons ? Mention the names of the seven Saxon kingdoms. When, and from what, did Britain begin to be called England ? What became of the native Britons after this ? From whom are the present inhabitants of Wales, and of a part of Cornwall, descended ? By whom was Scotland then inhabited, and how many different states did our island at that time contain ? Who was the first King of Scotland that we hear of? Did the seven Saxon Kings always live together like good neighbours ? What happened during this period ? How long did the Britons keep possession of Cambria, now called Wales ? What occurred during this dark and stormy period, that we should look at with pleasure and thankfulness ? What was the religion of the Britons under their Saxon persecutors ?

What celebrated person arrived in England about - the year 600 ; who was King of Kent at that time, and whom had he married ? How was Augustin received by Ethelbert, and what important events soon followed ? By whom was the heptarchy put an end to, and what is he commonly considered ? What happened towards the end of Egbert's reign ? How long did the Danes continue their incursions ? What King was killed in a battle with them in the year 871 ? To whom did he leave his kingdom ?

Chapter IV

At what period in our history are we now arrived ? What change had taken place in the face of the country, and in the manners and habits of the people ? What was the oldest kind of cloth ; and of what does clothing at first seem to have consisted '. How was clothing made in Alfred's time? Were reading and writing common at this period ? What was the professed religion of the country ? How was Alfred brought up, and what occurred when he was about twelve years old ? Did Alfred obtain the reward, and was he fond of study J What difficulties had he to contend with in his pursuit of knowledge ? Did he surmount these difficulties ? What age was Alfred when he succeeded his brother Ethelred, and how did he conduct himself at first ? What did he suffer during the first eight years of his reign ? What tale is told of him during his concealment ?

To what place did he go afterwards ? On what did he determine as soon as he had an armv under his command ? How did he obtain information of the state of the Danish army ? In what condition did lie find them ? What steps did he take, and was he successful in his attack on the Danes ? How did Alfred treat the prisoners ? To what part of England did the Danes retire ? Did they and their descendants continue quiet subjects ? How did Alfred employ his time after the victory over Guthruml' Mention the particulars of the ornaments found at Athelney, in the seventeenth century. is What was Alfred above all things desirous to improve ? Had he great difficulties to contend with ? Did he at last get together an effective fleet ? After the country had enjoyed near twelve years of peace and happiness, by whom was its tranquillity again disturbed ?

Where did the Danes land on this occasion ? What circumstance enabled Alfred at last to drive them out of the country ? Was the latter end of his reign prosperous ? At what age did Alfred die ? How will he ever be remembered by Englishmen ? Of what was the first Christian Church in Britian made ? Where was the first stone Church built ? Where was the first glass that was ever seen in England, and by whom was it made ? How did Alfred divide his time, and what contrivance had he to measure it by ?

Chapter V

By whom was Alfred succeeded, and what sort of reign had he ? Who was Ethelwold, and what right had he to the crown ? What was his fate ? What was the character of Edward, and by whom was he assisted in many of his enterprises? What was the character of Ethelfieda ? In what was Edward engaged, besides defending his kingdom against the Danes ? When did he die, and what is he commonly called ? Who succeeded him? Was he engaged in war with the Danes ? What stratagem did one of the Danish generals try, and what led to his being recognized ? Did the Soldier attempt to stop the Prince ? When did he inform Athelstan of the discovery he had made ? What answer did he make to the King, when reproved for letting such a dangerous enemy escape ? How did Athelstan receive his answer? Was Athelstan successful in the battle which followed, and by what name is it distinguisheel in Saxon history ?

In what year did Athelstan die, and by whom was he succeeded ? What prospect did Edmund give of a happy reign ? Relate the circumstance of his death. Who was chosen King after Edmund's death ? What did he do to prevent the Northumberland Danes from disturbing the peace of his kingdom ? What was it that prevented his leading, on the whole, a quiet life? Give some account of the state of the Church at this period. What were the first objects of attack by the Danes? What was the occasion of a great increase of Parish Churches, and what induced the Clergy to marry and live among their parishioners, as they do now ? Who was St. Dunstan ? What was his genera! character ? Against whom was he most violent, and what did he persuade the King to do ? What happened in the latter part of Edward's life, and in what year did he die ?

Who succeeded to the Throne? By whom was the happiness of his life destroyed, and eventually his life itself? Whom did Edwy marry ? Who declared this marriage sinful ? What did the King do ? How was the Queen treated? Who raised a rebellion against Edwy, and by whom was he instigated ? Who joined in this rebellion ? What became of Elgiva ? In what year did Edwy die ? Can you tell me some droll s'.ories about St. Dunstan ? Give me some account of the Saxon mode of cooking and setting out their dinner table. Who invented backgammon, and by what name did they call it?

Chapter VI

Who was the next King, and what was his age ? By whom was he governed ? What is said of the administration of justice in his time ? To what did he attend diligently, and did the Danes venture to molest him ? In what did the petty monarchs of Wales pay tribute to the Kings of England before Edgar's time ? What did he command the tribute to be paid in, and what number were they to bring yearly ? How long did Edgar reign, and when did he die ? By what title was he known, and what family did he leave ? Whom did Elfrida want to make King ? Through whose influence was Edward, crowned and how did he conduct himself? Mention the particulars of his death. Who succeeded to the Throne ? Was his wicked mother happy, now she had obtained her utmost wish ? What did she do in order to regain her peace of mind ?

WThat name was given to Edward on account of his tragical death ? Mention the name that was given to Ethelred, and the reason for it ? After the Danes had been bribed to go away, did they return again ? What reception did they meet with the second time ? Did they sustain any loss ? Who invaded England the following year, 993 ? What success had the invaders ? Was Ethelred so foolish as to bribe them again ? What was the consequence ? Whose protection did Ethelred seek, and what alliance did he make in order to cement their friendship ? Whose influence prevented this marriage from being some security to the English ? What vow did Sweyn make when he heard of his sister's murder ? Did he get possession of the kingdom ? What became of Ethelred and his Queen Emma ? Was Sweyn crowned ? How did Ethelred conduct himself on his return to England ?

If Ethelred had been wise and prudent what might he now have done ? After the return of Canute, who took a conspicuous part in the preservation of the kingdom ? When did this Prince become King, and what name did he obtain ? How came Canute to have a share in the kingdom, what part was allotted to him ? When and from what cause did Canute become sole King of England ? Was slavery common in England at this time ? ■ate the tale about Pope Gregory the First ? Where did the Welsh get the 300 wolves' heads annually to send King Edgar ? Did this plan succeed in extirpating the wolves? When and where was the last wolf killed that was known to remain in this Island ? What is meant by doing penance ? Why was one of the Towers of the Cathedral of Rouen called the Butter Tower ?

Chapter VII

Did the English shew a reluctance to accept a foreigner for their King ? What was Canute's first care after he ascended the Throne ? How did he treat the Saxons that had betrayed their Country to him ? What is the great stain on Canute's character ? What did the King of Sweden do with the little Princes ? What step did Canute take to shew the confidence he had in his new subjects ? Whom did he marry, and was it a fortunate marriage for him ? How came Earl Godwin one of Canute's greatest favourites ? How did Canute employ himself after his return from Denmark ? As a specimen of the literature of the times, repeat the stanza written by Canute, on hearing the Monks of Ely chanting Mass. How long did Canute reign, did he preserve peace in England during that time ? Where and when did Canute die ; what family did he leave ?

On which of his sons had the succession been settled ? How came Harold to get possession of the C nf What did the two brothers do to prevent ac wl war ? What portion fell to Harold and what to Ha. I'leanute ? How came Harold in possession of the whole kingdom ? Did he long* enjoy the fruits of his cruelty and ambition ? How was Hardicanute received by the people on his return to England ? Was their joy of long continuance ? What act of savage barbarity did the young King commit ? How did he pay his Danish fleet and army ? When did he die, and by what was his death hasten*. What did the English do with respect to the vacant tnrone ? Who was the undoubted heir to the throne ? By whom was Edward prevailed on to suffer himself to be crowned ? By what annual festival was the restoration of the Saxon line celebrated ?

When did Edward marry, and how did he begin his reign ? What was the tax called Danegelt ? What gave great offence to the English nobles ? What became of Earl Godwin ? How was the Queen treated ? Did Godwin return from banishment ? What did the King do then ? What took place soon after ? Whom had Godwin married ? Of what was his eldest son Harold most ambitious ? What did the King do to defeat his ambitious designs ? Did Edward the Exile leave any offspring ? What strengthened the hopes of Harold, and when was he crowned King ? What pretence did William Duke of Normandy make to the crown ? Who invaded England at this time ? Was Harold successful against them ' When was the battle of Hastings, and what effect had it on the fate of England ? What race of Princes ascended the throne after the death of Harold ?

Write out a TabJ~ of the Saxon Kings. From whom are the English chiefly descended ? How many years elapsed from Alfred to the Norman Conquest ? Did the Saxons, during this period, make much progress in any peaceful arts ? How cl.ri ,]-,£,. express numbers, and what notion had they of Arin. - tic ? What was the religion of Canute before he became King of England ? On what did the Saxons sit at their feasts, and what was the punishment of any one who took a higher station at table than he was entitled to ? What is supposed to have been one great cause of the Duke of Normandy's easy conquest of England ? Describe the dress of the Saxon gentlemen ? How did the Saxon ladies dress ; and were they accustomed to frequent change of fashion ? How did Canute rebuke his Courtiers for their flattery ? What is the tale told about Earl Godwin's death ?

What lesson might ambitious men learn from him ? What are the Goodwin sands supposed to be ? Who is King Arthur, so famous in English song, supposed to have been ?

Chapter VIII

Describe the person and character of William of Normandy ? What took place after the battle of Hastings ? By whom was the vacant Throne offered to the Duke of Normandy ? When was he crowned ? What accidental cause of confusion took place during the ceremony, and what was its effect afterwards ? How did William begin his reign ? What first gave cause of offence ? What happened during many succeeding years ? How were the English Bishops treated, and who amongst the foreign ecclesiastics proved himself the best friend the English had ? What became of Edgar Atheling during this time ? Whom did Malcolm King of Scotland marry ; and what attempt did he make in Edgar's favour ? What did William do in order to place an impenetrable barrier between England and Scotland ? Was any fresh attempt made in favour of Edgar ?

How did it end ? By what conspiracy were William's throne and life endangered ? How was it discovered, and what punishment followed ? What vexations next awaited William ? What is said to have been the cause of the quarrel between the King's two eldest sons, Robert and William ? To what length did Robert proceed at last ? What were his feelings when he found he had unconsciously been on the point of killing his own father ? Was the King prevailed on to pardon him ? Was William anxious for repose after this ? How was his death occasioned, and when did it take place ? How old was he, and how long had he reigned in England ? What children had he ? How long is it since the death of the Conqueror ? What memorials are there yet remaining of his reign and character ? Who were the Anglo-Saxons, and who the Anglo-Normans ?

From what class are chiefly derived the English Gentry and Yeomanry ? What was the condition of the lower ranks ? Who were the domestic slaves ? What language did William endeavour to introduce into England ? Was he successful ? What is the basis of the language now spoken ? What is the crier's " O yes " a corruption of? From whom were the Normans descended ?

Chapter IX

Who was William the Second, and what was his character ? What steps did he take in order to secure his inheritance ? Who were very sorry to have him for their king ? With whom did Rufus make friends ? Did he fulfil his promises to the Anglo-Saxons ? How did he treat his brother Robert ? On what occasion did William and Robert agree ? Was Henry successful in defending himself against his brothers ? How came William to be involved in continual quarrels and wars with the King of France ? What induced Heli de la Fleche to attack William's French territories ? How was the King engaged when news of this event was brought to him ? Where did he immediately go ? Did he regain possession of Mans ? State the circumstances of his death. Relate the story that is told of William and Sir Walter Tyrrel. Did William leave behind him any memorial worthy of admiration ?

When and by whom was the last attempt made on England by any of the Northern nations ? When was it that the sea overflowed the estates of the Earl of Godwin, and thus formed the Goodwin sands ? c is one of the great drawbacks to the pleasure of reading history ? What was the origin of the Crusades, and how long did the rage for them continue ? Were any advantages derived from the Crusades ?

Chapter X

Where was Robert when Rufus was killed ? What did Henry do in order to obtain the crown ? What was his character ? By what great performance did he obtain the surname of Beauclerc ? How did he commence his reign ? When did Henry find the benefit of his conciliatory conduct towards the English ? What treaty was concluded between the two princes ? Did Henry fulfil his engagements ? What circumstance led to Henry's preparing the way for obtaining Normandy for himself? Whom did he take prisoners in a battle fought in 1106? What became of Edgar ? How was Robert treated, and when did he die ? Was Henry happy in the success of his ambitious wishes? Whose claim to the crown kept him in continual dread ? What course did he put sue in consequence ? What became of the prince ? Who engaged to assist him ?

What did Henry do to prevent the intended match ? Did Henry succeed in enticing his nephew to his court ? What took place in 1118? In what circumstances did Henry now find himself ? What battle took place, and which army was victorious ? Relate the particulars of the death of Henry's only son in the White Ship. How many persons perished on board, and who only escaped ? How did the king receive the melancholy tidings ? What did William do after the death of his cousin the prince of England ? Where did Henry spend the latter part of his life, and of what did he die ? Where was he buried ? To whom had he been married, and what children had he ? Relate the particulars of the death of Robert of Normandy. What compromise was agreed on between the King and Pope Pascal II? What law was passed through the influence of Anselm with regard to the married clergy ?

Did he interfere in other matters ? What was the armour usually worn till the conquest 1 When was plate-armour introduced ? Describe the weapons used for fighting. How did the barons live, and what were their attendants called? Which is the oldest Norman building ? What is the peculiar style of Norman architecture ?

Chapter XI

Who ascended the throne after the death of Henry ? To what cause did Stephen owe the success of his attempt on the crown ? Who was the first person that took up arms against him ? How did Stephen contrive to win him over ? Whose part did the Earl of Gloucester take ? What circumstance encouraged Maude and the Earl of Gloucester to come to England ? Where were they received, and what did England suffer for many years after ? Describe the state of the country at this period. What noted battle was fought in February, 1141, and what became of Stephen ? When was Maude acknowledged as Queen ? How did she conduct herself afterwards ? What led to the liberation of Stephen ? Mention the particulars of Maude's escape from Oxford, What loss did the Empress sustain in the year 1147 ? To whom did she then resign her claims ?

How did she spend her time afterwards ? c memorial did she leave of herself in England ? What occasioned the flames of civil war to blaze up again ? Did any engagement take place ? What agreement was now made between Stephen and Henry the Son of Maude? How was the news of this treaty received ? What prevented the war from bursting forth again ? When did Stephen die ? Whom did he marry, and what family did he leave ? Describe an ancient baronial castle. Who" were J;he~knights-errant ? How were the ladies occupied in these troublesome times ? Who were the common soldiers ? What was meant by the feudal system ? Relate Stowe's account of the stone bridge built by Maude. Write out the Norman line of Kings. From whom was Henry the Second descended ?

Chapter XII

How came Henry by the surname of Plantagenet ? What particular advantage of education had Henry received ? Of what estate was he in possession when Stephen died ? What were his personal appearance and character ? On what account were the people of England prepared to receive him with the utmost joyfulness ? What were his first acts on coming to the crown, and what was said of him by one of our best historians ? With whom was he engaged in war, and with what success ? How was Ireland divided at this time ? When was it first brought into notice by our historians ? Did Dermot prevail on any of the English nobility to join him ? After he had recovered his kingdom, what did Dermot next think about? Was Strongbow willing to assist him ? When the King refused to give his consent, how did Strongbow act ?

How came he to be King of great part of Ireland 'J Relate the particulars of the conquest of Ireland. Who was Thomas a Becket ? For what was he early remarkable ? To what elevation did he arrive ? How did he conduct himself? What does Fitz Stephen mention as an instance of his extreme delicacy ? How did Becket employ nis leisure ? Did he engage in military affairs ? Mention an instance of the familiarity with which the King treated him. What influence did the Church possess at this time ? What was one great cause of this evil ? What had Henry long meditated ? To what dignity did he promote Becket ? What did the King hope to obtain by so doing ? Did Becket alter his mode of living after he was established in his new dignity ? How did he conduct himself towards the King? By whom was he encouraged in the course that he pursued ?

What effect had Becket's conduct on the King ? What did the King do in a moment of great irritation ? What consequence followed this exclamation of the King ? How did the King conduct himself when he found he had been accessary to the prelate's death ? At what period did the King appear to have arrived at the utmost height of glory snd dominion ? What event gave him much vexation at this time ? What did the King do when he found his son was less dutiful than usual ? What happened afterwards ? When did Henry act with the greatest vigour and wisdom ? How were ail the schemes of his enemies frustrated ? What was much to be admired in Henry at this time ? Upon what condition did he liberate the King of Scotland ? How did Henry behave towards his own son ? Did the young Prince in return behave with affection and gratitude ?