Key Figures:

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

Key Events:

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

Consequences of the Norman Conquest:

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

Key Terms:

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

Historical Interpretations:

• 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.