The Norman Conquest
Why did the Norman Conquest happen?
In the year 1066, the King of England, Edward the Confessor, died without leaving an heir. This caused a big problem—who should be the next king?
Harold Godwinson (a powerful English nobleman) was chosen by the English nobles to be king.
But Duke William of Normandy (in modern-day France) claimed that Edward had promised him the throne years earlier.
Duke William of Normandy
Harald Hardrada of Norway also wanted to be king, believing he had a claim through old Viking agreements.
This meant that three men wanted to be king of England, leading to battles for the crown.
What actually happened next?
September 1066 – Harald Hardrada invaded England from the north. Harold Godwinson marched his army and defeated him at the Battle of Stamford Bridge.
Just days later, Duke William of Normandy invaded from the south. Harold’s army had to rush to meet him.
On 14 October 1066, the famous Battle of Hastings took place. Harold’s soldiers formed a shield wall, but William’s army used clever tactics, including pretending to run away and then attacking when the English broke formation.
Harold Godwinson was killed in battle (legend says an arrow struck his eye).
William won and was crowned King of England on Christmas Day 1066.
How Did William Win the Battle of Hastings?
1. The English Shield Wall
Harold’s army fought on top of a hill, which gave them a strong position.
His soldiers stood close together, forming a shield wall (shields locked side by side).
This was very hard to break through, so at first the Normans could not win.
2. William’s Mixed Army
William’s army was more varied than Harold’s.
He had archers, foot soldiers, and knights on horseback.
Harold mostly had foot soldiers and some housecarls (his trained fighters), but few cavalry.
This gave William more options during the battle.
3. The “Fake Retreat” Trick
At one point, part of William’s army pretended to run away.
The English thought they were winning and chased after them down the hill.
This broke the strong shield wall formation.
William’s knights then turned back and attacked the English soldiers who had left their position.
4. Archers and Cavalry Power
William’s archers fired arrows to weaken the English.
His cavalry (soldiers on horses) could move quickly and attack from different directions.
The combination of archers, foot soldiers, and cavalry slowly wore down Harold’s army.
5. Death of Harold
During the battle, Harold Godwinson was killed.
The famous story says he was hit in the eye by an arrow, though some sources say he was cut down by Norman knights.
Once Harold died, the English lost their leader and their army collapsed.
✅ Why William Won
He used clever tactics (like the fake retreat).
His army was better organised and more varied.
Harold’s army was tired after fighting Hardrada at Stamford Bridge and marching south.
The death of Harold meant the English had no one to rally around.
What were the results?
The Norman Conquest completely changed England, shaping its language, culture, and ruling system for centuries.
New King: William became known as William the Conqueror.
Castles: He built strong castles (like the Tower of London) to control the land and protect against rebellions.
Domesday Book: In 1086, he ordered a huge survey of who owned what in England. This helped him control taxes and land.
Norman culture: French words, new laws, and new styles of art and architecture (like Romanesque churches) came to England.
Feudal system: William gave land to his loyal Norman knights, changing how society was organised.
The Feudal System
When William became king, he needed a way to control England and make sure everyone stayed loyal. He introduced the Feudal System, which was like a pyramid of power.
How it worked:
👑 King (William)
Owned all the land in England.
Gave large areas of land to his most loyal supporters (called barons or lords) in return for loyalty and soldiers.
🏰 Barons (Lords/Nobles)
Controlled their land and built castles to protect it.
Promised to provide knights for the king’s army when needed.
In return, they could keep some taxes and rent from the people.
⚔️ Knights
Given land by the barons in return for military service.
Protected their lord’s land and fought in the king’s wars.
🌾 Peasants (Villeins/Serfs)
Worked the land for the knights and barons.
In return, they got protection and a small piece of land to grow food.
They had very few rights and were not free to leave without permission.
Timeline of the Norman Conquest
📅 January 1066
King Edward the Confessor dies without an heir.
Harold Godwinson is chosen and crowned King of England.
📅 September 1066
Harald Hardrada of Norway invades northern England with support from Harold’s own brother, Tostig.
25 September: Battle of Stamford Bridge – Harold Godwinson defeats Hardrada and Tostig. Both are killed.
📅 28 September 1066
William, Duke of Normandy, lands in southern England at Pevensey with his army.
📅 14 October 1066
Battle of Hastings: William’s Normans defeat Harold’s army.
Harold Godwinson is killed (legend says by an arrow to the eye).
📅 25 December 1066
William is crowned King of England at Westminster Abbey, now called William the Conqueror.
📅 1066–1071
William faces several rebellions, but builds castles (like the Tower of London) to secure control.
📅 1086
William orders the Domesday Book, a record of land, people, and wealth in England.