The Norman Conquest, 1065—1087
Edward the Confessor:
Background: Edward was the son of Æthelred the Unready and Emma of Normandy. He spent much of his youth in exile in Normandy.
Reign: Edward’s reign was marked by relative peace and stability, though it faced challenges including claims to the throne.
Death: Died on January 5, 1066. His death was followed by a rush to secure the throne due to his lack of a direct heir.
Harold Godwinson:
Early Life: Son of Godwin, Earl of Wessex, and one of the most powerful men in England. Married Edith, the daughter of Ælfgar, Earl of Mercia.
Claim to the Throne: Claimed Edward promised him the throne on his deathbed. His claim was bolstered by his power and the support of the Witan (council of nobles).
Battle of Hastings: Fought bravely but was killed, traditionally depicted by the Bayeux Tapestry as being struck in the eye.
William of Normandy:
Background: Born William the Bastard, he was the illegitimate son of Duke Robert I of Normandy.
Claim: Claimed that Edward had promised him the throne and that Harold had sworn an oath of allegiance to him in 1064 (though this claim is contested).
Invasion: Led a well-organized invasion force with a strong naval component and landed at Pevensey in September 1066.
Harald Hardrada:
Background: King of Norway known for his Viking raids and conquests.
Claim: Claimed the English throne based on an agreement between his predecessor Magnus and Harthacnut of England.
Invasion: Invaded England with Tostig Godwinson and was defeated at Stamford Bridge, ending the Viking era in England.
Edgar the Ætheling:
Background: The son of Edward the Exile, who was the son of King Edmund Ironside, making Edgar a direct descendant of King Cnut.
Proclaimed King: Briefly declared king after Harold’s death but lacked the resources and support to hold the throne against William.
Death of Edward the Confessor (January 1066):
Succession Crisis: Edward’s death led to a power struggle. Harold was hastily crowned king, but his claim was contested by both William of Normandy and Harald Hardrada.
The Battle of Stamford Bridge (September 25, 1066):
Forces: Harold’s army, which had been quickly mobilized from the south, faced Harald Hardrada’s Norwegian army and Tostig Godwinson’s forces.
Outcome: Harold’s army achieved a decisive victory, killing both Harald Hardrada and Tostig. This battle marked the end of significant Viking incursions into England.
The Battle of Hastings (October 14, 1066):
Strategic Advantage: William’s forces included archers, infantry, and cavalry. Harold’s forces were mainly infantry and shield wall defenders.
Tactics: William used feigned retreats to lure Harold’s troops into vulnerable positions. The battle was intense and lasted all day.
Outcome: Harold was killed, and William’s victory paved the way for Norman control of England.
The Coronation of William the Conqueror (December 25, 1066):
Process: William’s coronation in Westminster Abbey marked the formal establishment of Norman rule.
Resistance: Initial resistance was met with violence, including the harrying of the North, a brutal campaign to suppress uprisings and secure Norman control.
Feudal System:
Land Redistribution: William distributed land to his supporters, displacing many Anglo-Saxon nobles. The system was hierarchical, with the king at the top, followed by barons, knights, and serfs.
Loyalty: The system ensured that landowners owed military service and allegiance to the king, strengthening centralized control.
Changes in Governance:
Administrative Changes: The introduction of Norman law and the replacement of English laws with those of the Normans.
Sheriffs: Appointed to oversee regions, collect taxes, and enforce the king’s will.
The Great Council: Comprised of Norman barons and church leaders, it played a crucial role in advising the king and making decisions.
Military Changes:
Castles: Thousands of motte-and-bailey castles were built to assert control and deter rebellion. The most notable examples include the Tower of London and Windsor Castle.
Military Tactics: The Normans introduced cavalry as a decisive force in battles. Their tactics, including the use of archers and mounted knights, were more advanced than those of the Anglo-Saxons.
Cultural Changes:
Language: Norman French became the language of the court and administration, influencing the development of Middle English.
Architecture: Romanesque architecture became prominent, seen in the construction of large churches and castles.
Social Structures: The Normans brought changes to the social hierarchy, with a more pronounced division between the aristocracy and common people.
Feudal System:
Hierarchy: King → Barons → Knights → Serfs.
Obligations: Land was granted in exchange for military service and other duties. Landowners had responsibilities to their lords and the king.
Domesday Book:
Purpose: Created to assess landholdings and resources for taxation and administrative purposes.
Content: Detailed records of land ownership, resources, and populations, providing a snapshot of England in 1086.
Significance: It was one of the most comprehensive surveys of its time and remains a crucial historical document.
Motte and Bailey Castle:
Motte: A raised earthwork or mound on which a wooden or stone keep was built.
Bailey: An enclosed courtyard surrounding the motte, often containing additional buildings and defenses.
Construction: These castles were quick to build and provided a strong defensive position, crucial for controlling newly acquired territories.
Important Dates:
1065: Edward the Confessor’s death and the subsequent power struggle.
January 6, 1066: Harold Godwinson crowned King of England.
September 25, 1066: Battle of Stamford Bridge.
October 14, 1066: Battle of Hastings.
December 25, 1066: William the Conqueror crowned King of England.
1085: Commissioning of the Domesday Book.
1086: Completion and survey of the Domesday Book.
Transformation: Emphasizes the significant changes in English governance, culture, and society brought about by the Conquest.
Violence and Suppression: Highlights the harshness of Norman rule, including the brutal suppression of rebellions and displacement of the Anglo-Saxon elite.
Advancements: Focuses on the administrative efficiency, architectural innovations, and the integration of Norman and Anglo-Saxon cultures.
Edward the Confessor:
Background: Edward was the son of Æthelred the Unready and Emma of Normandy. He spent much of his youth in exile in Normandy.
Reign: Edward’s reign was marked by relative peace and stability, though it faced challenges including claims to the throne.
Death: Died on January 5, 1066. His death was followed by a rush to secure the throne due to his lack of a direct heir.
Harold Godwinson:
Early Life: Son of Godwin, Earl of Wessex, and one of the most powerful men in England. Married Edith, the daughter of Ælfgar, Earl of Mercia.
Claim to the Throne: Claimed Edward promised him the throne on his deathbed. His claim was bolstered by his power and the support of the Witan (council of nobles).
Battle of Hastings: Fought bravely but was killed, traditionally depicted by the Bayeux Tapestry as being struck in the eye.
William of Normandy:
Background: Born William the Bastard, he was the illegitimate son of Duke Robert I of Normandy.
Claim: Claimed that Edward had promised him the throne and that Harold had sworn an oath of allegiance to him in 1064 (though this claim is contested).
Invasion: Led a well-organized invasion force with a strong naval component and landed at Pevensey in September 1066.
Harald Hardrada:
Background: King of Norway known for his Viking raids and conquests.
Claim: Claimed the English throne based on an agreement between his predecessor Magnus and Harthacnut of England.
Invasion: Invaded England with Tostig Godwinson and was defeated at Stamford Bridge, ending the Viking era in England.
Edgar the Ætheling:
Background: The son of Edward the Exile, who was the son of King Edmund Ironside, making Edgar a direct descendant of King Cnut.
Proclaimed King: Briefly declared king after Harold’s death but lacked the resources and support to hold the throne against William.
Death of Edward the Confessor (January 1066):
Succession Crisis: Edward’s death led to a power struggle. Harold was hastily crowned king, but his claim was contested by both William of Normandy and Harald Hardrada.
The Battle of Stamford Bridge (September 25, 1066):
Forces: Harold’s army, which had been quickly mobilized from the south, faced Harald Hardrada’s Norwegian army and Tostig Godwinson’s forces.
Outcome: Harold’s army achieved a decisive victory, killing both Harald Hardrada and Tostig. This battle marked the end of significant Viking incursions into England.
The Battle of Hastings (October 14, 1066):
Strategic Advantage: William’s forces included archers, infantry, and cavalry. Harold’s forces were mainly infantry and shield wall defenders.
Tactics: William used feigned retreats to lure Harold’s troops into vulnerable positions. The battle was intense and lasted all day.
Outcome: Harold was killed, and William’s victory paved the way for Norman control of England.
The Coronation of William the Conqueror (December 25, 1066):
Process: William’s coronation in Westminster Abbey marked the formal establishment of Norman rule.
Resistance: Initial resistance was met with violence, including the harrying of the North, a brutal campaign to suppress uprisings and secure Norman control.
Feudal System:
Land Redistribution: William distributed land to his supporters, displacing many Anglo-Saxon nobles. The system was hierarchical, with the king at the top, followed by barons, knights, and serfs.
Loyalty: The system ensured that landowners owed military service and allegiance to the king, strengthening centralized control.
Changes in Governance:
Administrative Changes: The introduction of Norman law and the replacement of English laws with those of the Normans.
Sheriffs: Appointed to oversee regions, collect taxes, and enforce the king’s will.
The Great Council: Comprised of Norman barons and church leaders, it played a crucial role in advising the king and making decisions.
Military Changes:
Castles: Thousands of motte-and-bailey castles were built to assert control and deter rebellion. The most notable examples include the Tower of London and Windsor Castle.
Military Tactics: The Normans introduced cavalry as a decisive force in battles. Their tactics, including the use of archers and mounted knights, were more advanced than those of the Anglo-Saxons.
Cultural Changes:
Language: Norman French became the language of the court and administration, influencing the development of Middle English.
Architecture: Romanesque architecture became prominent, seen in the construction of large churches and castles.
Social Structures: The Normans brought changes to the social hierarchy, with a more pronounced division between the aristocracy and common people.
Feudal System:
Hierarchy: King → Barons → Knights → Serfs.
Obligations: Land was granted in exchange for military service and other duties. Landowners had responsibilities to their lords and the king.
Domesday Book:
Purpose: Created to assess landholdings and resources for taxation and administrative purposes.
Content: Detailed records of land ownership, resources, and populations, providing a snapshot of England in 1086.
Significance: It was one of the most comprehensive surveys of its time and remains a crucial historical document.
Motte and Bailey Castle:
Motte: A raised earthwork or mound on which a wooden or stone keep was built.
Bailey: An enclosed courtyard surrounding the motte, often containing additional buildings and defenses.
Construction: These castles were quick to build and provided a strong defensive position, crucial for controlling newly acquired territories.
Important Dates:
1065: Edward the Confessor’s death and the subsequent power struggle.
January 6, 1066: Harold Godwinson crowned King of England.
September 25, 1066: Battle of Stamford Bridge.
October 14, 1066: Battle of Hastings.
December 25, 1066: William the Conqueror crowned King of England.
1085: Commissioning of the Domesday Book.
1086: Completion and survey of the Domesday Book.
Transformation: Emphasizes the significant changes in English governance, culture, and society brought about by the Conquest.
Violence and Suppression: Highlights the harshness of Norman rule, including the brutal suppression of rebellions and displacement of the Anglo-Saxon elite.
Advancements: Focuses on the administrative efficiency, architectural innovations, and the integration of Norman and Anglo-Saxon cultures.