William the Conqueror & the Battle of Hastings

Atlas Look at the Early Kingdoms of Medieval Europe Atlas Page 1 & 2. Where is the Anglo-Saxon kingdom located? Where did the Saxon’s come from?

Who were the Anglo-Saxons? Immigrated to England after the fall of the Roman Empire in the 5th century. Pushed out Celtics. Ruled in Britain from 450-1066. Created the English nation. Developed their own society, culture, laws and ways of ruling. Became Christian, but Pagan religions still present in their society.

Edward the Confessor King of England from 1042 – 1066. Childless. Hated Godwin (father of King Harold II). Godwin was the Earl of Wessex. Killed Edward’s brother, Edward married his daughter Edith & accused of trying to kill Edward (Godwin took the opposing side in an uprising in his region) Died 1066. Harold II comes into power.

Normandy Norsemen began raiding Northwestern France (now know as Normandy) in late 8th century. Permanent settlements occurred before 911, when Rollo (Viking Leader) & King Charles (the Simple) of France agreed on the surrendering of the Rouen county to Rollo.

King Harold II Son of Godwin. Became Earl of Wessex after the death of his father. Powerful and influential Earl. Came into power after the death of Edward the Confessor. Appointed by the kingdoms notables.

William the Conqueror Illegitimate son of Robert I, Duke of Normandy William became Duke of Normandy after his fathers death. Much fighting for position. William had opposition from throughout Normandy for the position. Cousin of Edward the Confessor.

Heirs Both Harold II & William claimed the throne. Confusion: 1065 Harold II was on sailing trip when he was shipwrecked. Stranded in Normandy. At this meeting William believed Harold swore fealty to William. William believed he was appointed heir by Robert, Archbishop of Canterbury with Edward’s blessing

Heirs William believed that Harold II broke oath win took position of King. Harold got support because he was shipwrecked when made oath. Lead to war between two.

Battle of Hastings Lead up to battle involved Harold, William and King Harold III of Norway (backed by Harold II’s brother Tostig). As Harold II prepared to battle William he had to defeat an invading Viking force (Harold III & Tostig) in the Battle of Stamford Bridge. Harold II & Tostig both killed.

Battle of Hastings While Harold II recovering from Battle of Stamford Bridge, William landed his forces in South England. Built wooden castle at Hastings, from which they raided the surrounding area. Both sides prepared their troops for battle. From landing September 28th to battle on October 14th. Battle began in the morning on October 14th and lasted until dusk. Harold II was killed by an arrow through the eye. Battle continued after but the English troops lacked unity and soon collapsed. William becomes King. Introduces Fuedalism.

Bayeux Tapestry 230 foot embroidered tapestry that depicts the lead up to the Norman conquest of England. Commissioned by Bishop Odo (William’s half- brother). Made in England not Bayeux. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LtGoBZ4D4_E

Just a little medieval game… England was ruled by the Normans until the Anglo-Saxons came and invaded in 1066 and the Battle of Hastings occurred. True or False?

FALSE! The Normans were the ones who invaded England and defeated the Anglo Saxons. They came from Normandy, an area of France.

Just a little medieval game… The battle happened because two men, William & Harold Godwinson, both thought that the dying King Edward had name them as his successor. True or False?

TRUE! In 1065 Edward the Confessor died and ‘appeared’ to name Harold as his successor, but Harold had sworn fealty to William, so he thought he should be king.

Just a little medieval game… At the Battle of Hastings Harold was severely injured but managed to get one of his knights to stab William in battle, ending the ten hour blood-bath. True or False?

FALSE! William and his Norman army won, as he was called William the Conqueror! He went on to rule England for 21 years.

Just a little medieval game… Once William the Conqueror and the Normans had won, they lived in peace for many years, loved by all in the country. True or False?

FALSE! King William’s and the Normans were very unpopular and William and his successors spent centuries trying to make sure everyone followed their rule.

Just a little medieval game… One way that William and the Normans made sure everyone followed orders was with their castles, like the Motte and Bailey castle. True or False?

TRUE! The Normans built hundred of Motte and Bailey castles across England and soon they were taking over the landscape.