The Norman Conquest in 1066

Normans from Normandy in Northern France.

- Originally Vikings from Scandinavia
- Beginning 10th: century French King Charles the Simple gave land to Vikings
- Became French by learning language, culture, inter-marriage etc.

How it started

- Death of King Edward, no successor to the throne

- 3 men wanted to have crown

1. Harold Godwinson
- Brother-in-law of King Edward
- Seen as perfect fit for throne because of relaNon to king
- Was declared king on same day as King Edwards burial

2.
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William, Duke of Normandy
Sees himself as heir because of blood relaNon to Edward
Allegedly: Edward swore to support William as heir
- Harold had been given crown -> ‘violaNon of sacred oath’
- Gained support, also by pope, to invade England

3. Harald Hardrada, King of Norway

- His nephew Mangus made deal with Danish ruler of England, Harthacut
- Neither had male heirs and said the other will rule their kingdom if they die
- AWer both deaths: Harald claimed to be heir of Mangus to take crown

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What happened

- BaXles began with Harald coming to coast in northern England and heading towards York
- Harald teamed up with King Harolds brother
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- AWer seize of York -> King Harold heard of aXacks and quickly gathered his army
- September 25th outside of York they met them at Stamford Bridge
- Harald fell first, then brother of King Harold -> they fled to their ships
- Williams army landed near HasNngs
- King Harold heard about it and was on his way
- October 14th: BaXle of HasNngs
- William and the Normans set up aXack with archers at front
- BaXle lasted all day
- Normans gained upper hand and took out King Harold and his army
- William was crowned King on Christmas of 1066 in Westminster Abbey

Consequences

- Language experienced a change

- For 200 years aWer Norman Conquest, French was language of upper class
- AWer a while desNncNon between who spoke english and French was social
- Language of masses remained English
- Bayeaux Tapestry (shows Norman Conquest)

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