Anglo-Saxon England and the Norman Conquest, 1035–1107

Anglo-Saxon England (1035-1066)

Edward the Confessor ruled England from 1042-1066, preceding the Norman Conquest.
Edward’s reign was marked by his favouring of Norman advisors and clergy, leading to resentment from the powerful Anglo-Saxon earls.
The Witan, a council of nobleman, had substantial influence over matters of the kingdom - including succession.
Harold Godwinson was one of the most powerful earls in England with a strong claim to the throne upon Edward’s death.

Norman Invasions

Upon Edward the Confessor’s death in 1066, the Witan proclaimed Harold Godwinson the king, upsetting other claimants such as William of Normandy, Harold Hardrada and Edgar Atheling.
William, convinced that the throne was promised to him, launched the Norman Invasion.
The Battle of Hastings, fought in October 1066, saw William’s forces defeat Harold Godwinson’s army, leading to William’s claim of the English throne.
William consolidated his rule with the Harrying of the North (1069-1070), a violent campaign to subdue northern rebellion against his rule.

Norman England (1066-1107)

Now known as William the Conqueror, he was crowned King of England in Westminster Abbey on Christmas Day 1066.
The Normans build motte-and-bailey and stone castles across England to maintain control.
Feudalism was introduced, restructuring English society into a well-organised hierarchy.
The Domesday Book (1086) was commissioned, a document that recorded the wealth and resources of the nation.
Under William’s successors, William II (1087-1100) and Henry I (1100-1135), Norman rule was further consolidated, with notable events such as the saga of the White Ship (1120) under Henry I.

The Church

The Normans restructured the Church, replacing many Anglo-Saxon bishops with Norman ones.
Lanfranc, the Archbishop of Canterbury, was a guiding force in the reformation of the English Church under Norman rule.
Monasticism saw a revival under the Normans with the building of many large monasteries following the Romanesque style.

Social and Cultural The Repercussions

The Norman Conquest had a profound effect on the English language, with it incorporating many Norman French words.
A new style of Anglo-Norman literature emerged, blending elements of native Anglo-Saxon and Norman storytelling traditions.
The architecture adopted the Norman Romanesque style known as Norman architecture, evident in numerous castles, cathedrals, and churches.

Note: In your revision, be sure to know key dates, names, and events. Also analyse the impacts and significances they had on Anglo-Saxon England and Norman England.