Norman England, c1066–c1100

Overview:
Following the Norman Conquest of England in 1066, William the Conqueror (Duke of Normandy) established a new Anglo-Norman regime that transformed English society, politics, and the economy. This period saw significant changes to the landscape of power in England, including the establishment of feudalism, the construction of castles, the Domesday Book, and the establishment of Norman rule over the Anglo-Saxon populace.

This page will provide revision resources and explanations on the key events and developments in Norman England, focusing on the consolidation of Norman rule, changes in the structure of society, and the integration of the Anglo-Saxon and Norman cultures.

1. The Norman Conquest and Battle of Hastings (1066)

Key Themes:

• The Causes of the Norman Conquest: William's claim to the English throne, the death of King Edward the Confessor, and the Battle of Stamford Bridge.

• The Battle of Hastings: The decisive battle in which William defeated King Harold II to become King of England.

• The Impact of the Battle: The end of Anglo-Saxon rule and the beginning of Norman dominance.

Key Figures:

• William the Conqueror: Duke of Normandy who became King of England after his victory at Hastings.

• Harold II: The last Anglo-Saxon king of England, killed at the Battle of Hastings.

• King Edgar Atheling: The Anglo-Saxon claimant to the throne, who was unable to prevent William’s conquest.

Key Events:

• The Battle of Hastings (1066): William’s forces defeated Harold’s army, leading to William’s coronation as King of England on Christmas Day, 1066.

• The Submission of the English Nobility: Following the battle, many Anglo-Saxon nobles swore allegiance to William, though pockets of resistance remained.

2. William’s Consolidation of Power (1066–1075)

Key Themes:

• Feudal System and the Redistribution of Land: William introduced the feudal system to England, granting land to Norman lords in exchange for military service.

• The Building of Castles: Castles were built across England to assert Norman control, protect key regions, and serve as symbols of authority.

• Suppression of Rebellions: William faced significant resistance from Anglo-Saxon rebels, most notably in the north.

Key Figures:

• William the Conqueror: His leadership was central to consolidating Norman rule, establishing a new feudal order.

• Rebel Leaders: Anglo-Saxon noblemen and local leaders who resisted Norman control, including in the Northern Rebellions.

Key Events:

• The Harrying of the North (1069–1070): A brutal campaign by William to quell resistance in northern England, including the burning of crops and killing of rebels.

• The Domesday Book (1086): A comprehensive survey of landholdings in England commissioned by William to assess taxes and property ownership.

3. Feudalism in Norman England

Key Themes:

• The Structure of Feudal Society: The new hierarchy that placed power in the hands of the king and his lords, with peasants at the bottom of the social ladder.

• The Role of the Church: The Church became an integral part of the Norman system, with William giving lands to bishops and abbeys to ensure their loyalty.

• The Oath of Loyalty: A system where vassals swore loyalty to their lords in exchange for land and protection.

Key Figures:

• Norman Barons and Bishops: Norman nobility who were given control over large estates, responsible for maintaining order and defending the realm.

• Archbishop Lanfranc: The Archbishop of Canterbury, who played a key role in Normanizing the English church.

Key Events:

• Land Redistribution: After the Conquest, land was redistributed to the Normans, removing much of the Anglo-Saxon nobility from positions of power.

• Normanization of the Church: The Church underwent a significant reform under Norman rule, with many Anglo-Saxon bishops replaced by Normans.

4. The Domesday Book (1086)

Key Themes:

• Purpose of the Domesday Book: Commissioned by William to assess the wealth and resources of England in order to organize taxation and control.

• The Scope of the Survey: The Domesday Book recorded landholdings, the number of peasants and workers, and resources available in each region.

• The Long-term Effects: The Domesday Book became a vital source of information for understanding medieval England’s economy and governance.

Key Figures:

• William the Conqueror: As the initiator of the Domesday Book, his authority was reinforced through the compilation of this survey.

• The Commissioners: A group of men tasked with surveying the country, gathering information about land, people, and resources.

Key Events:

• Domesday Survey Completion (1086): The completion of the Domesday Book, which cataloged the vast majority of England’s landholdings and population.

5. The Impact of Norman Rule on Anglo-Saxon England

Key Themes:

• Cultural Integration and Conflict: The blending of Anglo-Saxon and Norman cultures, particularly in art, architecture, and language.

• The Feudal System’s Effect on Peasants: The harsh reality of the feudal system for the common people, who were bound to the land and faced high taxes and labor demands.

• Law and Order: The establishment of Norman law, including the continuation of some Anglo-Saxon legal traditions, alongside the introduction of new systems of justice.

Key Figures:

• Norman Nobles: The new rulers who held power over lands and people in England.

• Anglo-Saxon Nobles: Those who resisted the Norman takeover, or who adapted to the new system by maintaining their positions.

Key Events:

• Changes to the English Language: The dominance of Old French in the courts and the gradual adoption of Norman French by the upper classes, while the Anglo-Saxon language persisted among the peasantry.

• The Introduction of Norman Law: The introduction of trial by combat and other Norman legal practices.

6. Key Concepts in Norman England

• Feudalism: A system where land was held in exchange for service, which defined the social and political structure of Norman England.

• Normanization: The process of introducing Norman customs, culture, language, and laws into English society.

• The Domesday Book: A key record that provided detailed information about land ownership, resources, and the structure of English society.

• Castle Building: The construction of castles throughout England to consolidate Norman power and control, especially in areas of rebellion.

7. Revision Resources

• Revision Notes: Concise summaries of key events, figures, and concepts from Norman England.

• Timelines: Visual timelines of the Norman Conquest, significant battles, and key events from the period.

• Flashcards: Key terms such as feudalism, Harrying of the North, Domesday Book, and Normanization.

• Video Resources: Explainers on major events like the Battle of Hastings, the Domesday Book, and the establishment of feudalism.

8. Exam Tips

• Essay Questions: Practice answering questions such as:

  • "How did William the Conqueror consolidate his power in England after the Battle of Hastings?"

  • "What were the long-term effects of the Domesday Book on Norman England?"

• Source Analysis: Tips on analyzing sources, including the Domesday Book and contemporary chronicles of the Norman Conquest.

• Exam Strategy: Approaching questions that require you to explain the social, economic, and political changes in England during this period.