The Anglo-Norman Invasions England Ruled by the Romans 56BC – AD410 Called Britannia Two Germanic tribes invade in AD476 Angles Saxons French invade in 1066 William the Conqueror Battle of Hastings

Anglo-Saxon invasion Several Germanic tribes From Germany From Denmark From Norway This helped to change the culture of Britannia from Roman to Germanic, but England had never become quite as Roman as had France, so it was an easier process. The book Beowulf comes from this time, and is about Danish kings.

Christianity in England Had been semi-Christian under the Romans Lost Christianity when the Germans invaded Were re-converted in the 500s by Augustine of Canterbury Became leaders in monasticism Christian men and women who vow to separate themselves from the world for the sake of prayer, purity Venerable Bede (673-735) Monk Author of An Ecclesiastical History of the English People

Unity in England Semi-unified under Roman rule Not unified under Anglo-Saxon rule Each little region had its own ruler, its own culture Mostly unified under the first man to be able to call himself King of England Alfred the Great (r. 871-899) Was able to lead much of England against the Vikings Still didn’t control all of the island

Alfred the Great 849 – 26 October 899 In Old English, name means “elf counsel” King of Wessex (West Saxons) at first Defended Wessex against Vikings Led other regions to victory as well Became the most powerful king on the island First King of the West Saxons to style himself “King of the Anglo-Saxons” Only English monarch to be called “the Great” Devout Christian Learned and merciful man Encouraged education, improved legal system, military structure and quality of life

Norman conquest of England January 1066 childless Anglo-Saxon King Edward the Confessor died William of Normandy was related to him, and thought he was going to become king when he died Brother-in-law Harold Godwinson came to the throne September 1066 Norwegian King Harald Hardrada invaded Northern England September 25 Harold defeated and killed Harald Days later, William landed in Southern England Harold marched south, leaving over half his army in the north October 14 Battle of Hastings William defeated and killed Harold

Norman conquest of England William faced rebellions Not secure on his throne until after 1072 Lands of resisting English elite were confiscated Some fled into exile Gave lands to followers – new elite class Built castles commanding military strongpoints throughout the land Norman French became the language of the elites Enfeoffed lands to be held directly from the king Little alteration in the structure of government