The Norman conquest (1066)
I can recall that the Normans conquered England in 1066 and made a number of changes to English life, such as creating the feudal system and reforming the Church.
The Norman conquest (1066)
I can recall that the Normans conquered England in 1066 and made a number of changes to English life, such as creating the feudal system and reforming the Church.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- In 1066, the English King, Edward the Confessor, died without an heir, triggering a succession crisis.
- William of Normandy believed he was the rightful heir and that Edward had promised him the throne.
- William invaded England in 1066 and defeated Harold Godwinson at the Battle of Hastings.
- Almost all Anglo-Saxons lost land which was transferred to the Normans in the creation of the feudal system.
- The Normans built a number of new buildings such as castles and monasteries and reformed the English Church.
Keywords
Normans - the people who settled in Normandy in the 10th century
Succession - the right or sequence of inheriting a title or position
Monasteries - a building housing a community of monks
Feudal system - the social system introduced to England by the Normans, which greatly increased the power of the king
Common misconception
England had not been invaded before the Norman Conquest.
Britain had been invaded many times before the Norman Conquest: by the Romans, the tribes known as Angles and Saxons and by the Vikings.
Content guidance
- Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
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