Anglo-Saxon England and the Norman Conquest, 1035–1107
Anglo-Saxon England (1035-1066)
- Edward the Confessor ruled England from 1042-1066, preceding the Norman Conquest.
- Edward's reign was marked by his favouring of Norman advisors and clergy, leading to resentment from the powerful Anglo-Saxon earls.
- The Witan, a council of nobleman, had substantial influence over matters of the kingdom - including succession.
- Harold Godwinson was one of the most powerful earls in England with a strong claim to the throne upon Edward's death.
Norman Invasions
- Upon Edward the Confessor's death in 1066, the Witan proclaimed Harold Godwinson the king, upsetting other claimants such as William of Normandy, Harold Hardrada and Edgar Atheling.
- William, convinced that the throne was promised to him, launched the Norman Invasion.
- The Battle of Hastings, fought in October 1066, saw William's forces defeat Harold Godwinson's army, leading to William's claim of the English throne.
- William consolidated his rule with the Harrying of the North (1069-1070), a violent campaign to subdue northern rebellion against his rule.
Norman England (1066-1107)
- Now known as William the Conqueror, he was crowned King of England in Westminster Abbey on Christmas Day 1066.
- The Normans build motte-and-bailey and stone castles across England to maintain control.
- Feudalism was introduced, restructuring English society into a well-organised hierarchy.
- The Domesday Book (1086) was commissioned, a document that recorded the wealth and resources of the nation.
- Under William’s successors, William II (1087-1100) and Henry I (1100-1135), Norman rule was further consolidated, with notable events such as the saga of the White Ship (1120) under Henry I.
The Church
- The Normans restructured the Church, replacing many Anglo-Saxon bishops with Norman ones.
- Lanfranc, the Archbishop of Canterbury, was a guiding force in the reformation of the English Church under Norman rule.
- Monasticism saw a revival under the Normans with the building of many large monasteries following the Romanesque style.
Social and Cultural The Repercussions
- The Norman Conquest had a profound effect on the English language, with it incorporating many Norman French words.
- A new style of Anglo-Norman literature emerged, blending elements of native Anglo-Saxon and Norman storytelling traditions.
- The architecture adopted the Norman Romanesque style known as Norman architecture, evident in numerous castles, cathedrals, and churches.
Note: In your revision, be sure to know key dates, names, and events. Also analyse the impacts and significances they had on Anglo-Saxon England and Norman England.