Norman Conquest: History and Facts

Norman Conquest: History and Facts

Norman Conquest: History and Facts

Who were the Normans?

The Normans were a group of Vikings who made their home on the French coast. The locals referred to them as the Norwegian Norsemen. In due course, they adopted the name Normans, and the region they inhabited was given the name Normandy. Normandy became a Duchy of France through a treaty with the King of France, and the Duke of Normandy was given leadership of the region.

The Three Kings

Edward the Confessor, the King of England, passed away in 1066. Regretfully, Edward never produced a successor, so there was no obvious choice for the throne. For various reasons, three individuals declared themselves to be the legitimate heirs to the throne.

• King Harald Hardrada of Norway – Before King Edward, England had been ruled by the Scandinavian King Cnut the Great. When Cnut died, he left England to Edward. Since Edward didn’t have any children, King Hardrada thought that England should once again belong to Norway and that he should be the rightful King of England.
• Earl Harold Godwinson of England – Earl Harold was King Edward’s brother-in-law. He was also one of the most powerful men in England. He felt that he should be crowned king.
• Duke William of Normandy – William of Normandy had a family relationship to King Edward. He also claimed that Edward had promised him the throne.

King Harold II

Earl Harold Godwinson was the first of the three men to take action. The English nobility swiftly anointed him King Harold II upon the passing of King Edward because he was their clear choice. But William of Normandy and King Hardrada were not about to concede Harold the throne without a battle.

Norway Invades: Battle of Stamford Bridge

In September of 1066, King Hardrada of Norway collected his armies and launched a northern invasion of England. On September 25, 1066, King Harold II of England assembled his own army and faced the Norwegians at Stamford Bridge. Over 5,000 men were lost on both sides in the intense battle. But King Harold II emerged triumphant. In the process of defeating the Norwegians, King Hardrada was slain.

The Normans Invade: Battle of Hastings

William of Normandy brought his army across the English Channel just a few days after the Battle of Stamford, so Harold and the English hardly had time to enjoy their triumph. He erected a wooden fortification and gathered his men in the city of Hastings.

To confront the Normans, King Harold marched his army southward. On October 14, 1066, the two troops collided on Senlac Hill. All day, there was fighting between the two sides. The number of soldiers on both sides was almost equal, but William had an advantage since he had more cavalry and archers. When King Harold was murdered by an arrow, William’s forces ultimately prevailed in the fight.

William Crowned King

William marched ahead in his direction of London. His rule was still being opposed by the English. They even chose Edgar, a different guy, to rule as king. But William would not be disregarded. He traveled to London in late December, having fought and triumphed in a few more fights along the route. On December 25, 1066, the English leaders ultimately conceded and crowned William King of England.

Legacy

In England, the Norman conquest left an enduring legacy. A large number of English nobility fled the nation, taking refuge in Scotland, Ireland, and the Scandinavian nations. In addition to imposing numerous new rules, the Normans introduced French culture.

William established the Domesday book, which recorded who was in possession of what territory. Everything written in the book was definitive. No appeals were filed. William taxed the populace by using the book.

William also constructed a large number of cathedrals and castles in England. These included the Rochester Cathedral, Colchester Castle, Windsor Castle, and the Tower of London.

Facts about the Norman Conquest

• William of Normandy is mostly known by his nickname William the Conqueror.
• The Battle of Stamford Bridge between the English and the Norwegians is considered by some historians to mark the end of the Viking Age.
• The elite English troops of King Harold II were called the housecarls.
• King Harold’s brother, Tostig Godwinson, sided against him and allied with the Norwegians. He was also killed at the Battle of Stamford Bridge.
• William the Conqueror had gathered significant support in France and had the support of the Pope.

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