Anglo-Norman England (1066-1154)
The Battle of Hastings and William the Conqueror (1066)
Battle of Hastings (1066):
Two contenders for the English throne: Duke William of
Normandy and Harold, Earl of Wessex.
Witan chose Harold II, the last crowned Anglo-Saxon king
before the Norman conquest.
William, later known as the Conqueror, refused to abandon his
claim.
Battle of Hastings (14 October 1066) led to Harold's death, and
William became the king of England.
Coronation on Christmas Day, 1066, marked the end of the
Anglo-Saxon period.
William's Rule:
William's conquest was facilitated by his well-organized forces.
The Doomsday Book, a survey of England's assets, wealth, and
population, provided detailed knowledge of the 11th century.
William replaced the old nobility with Norman supporters,
restructuring English society.
Feudal System
Feudal System:
All land owned by the king, distributed to vassals in exchange
for services and goods.
Introduced greater interdependence between societal levels,
fostering national cohesion.
Legacy of William the Conqueror:
Separation of secular and church courts.
Construction of the Tower of London in the 1070s, serving
various purposes over the centuries.
William's reign marked by significant changes in governance
and society.
Successors to William I
1. William II (1087-1100):
Known as Rufus due to his red hair.
Effective ruler, defended and strengthened royal power.
Died in a hunting accident, continued his father's policies.
2. Henry I (1100-1135):
Nicknamed Beauclerc (good at reading and writing).
Successful rule for 35 years, bringing stability and unification.
Reunited England and Normandy, maintained peace with
compromises.
Henry's reign marked by peace and discipline.
The Battle of Hastings and William the Conqueror (1066)
Battle of Hastings (1066):
Two contenders for the English throne: Duke William of
Normandy and Harold, Earl of Wessex.
Witan chose Harold II, the last crowned Anglo-Saxon king
before the Norman conquest.
William, later known as the Conqueror, refused to abandon his
claim.
Battle of Hastings (14 October 1066) led to Harold's death, and
William became the king of England.
Coronation on Christmas Day, 1066, marked the end of the
Anglo-Saxon period.
William's Rule:
William's conquest was facilitated by his well-organized forces.
The Doomsday Book, a survey of England's assets, wealth, and
population, provided detailed knowledge of the 11th century.
William replaced the old nobility with Norman supporters,
restructuring English society.
Feudal System
Feudal System:
All land owned by the king, distributed to vassals in exchange
for services and goods.
Introduced greater interdependence between societal levels,
fostering national cohesion.
Legacy of William the Conqueror:
Separation of secular and church courts.
Construction of the Tower of London in the 1070s, serving
various purposes over the centuries.
William's reign marked by significant changes in governance
and society.
Successors to William I
1. William II (1087-1100):
Known as Rufus due to his red hair.
Effective ruler, defended and strengthened royal power.
Died in a hunting accident, continued his father's policies.
2. Henry I (1100-1135):
Nicknamed Beauclerc (good at reading and writing).
Successful rule for 35 years, bringing stability and unification.
Reunited England and Normandy, maintained peace with
compromises.
Henry's reign marked by peace and discipline.
