The Birth of England
I. England in Early Middle Ages (approx. 1000 AD) Collection of small regions Sometimes ruled by a king, sometimes not Did not have feudalism Partially conquered by Vikings for about 200 years
II. William the Conqueror Came from Normandy in France (people he led were Normans) When English king died without a son, William decided to invade England & try to become king Some of English nobles chose an Anglo-Saxon noble named Harold to be next king
Cont. Result: William & Harold had to fight each other Battle of Hastings (*1066*): William and Normans invaded England to face Harold & English Story of battle is told on a piece of woven artwork know as the Bayeaux Tapestry
III. The Birth of England Harold England William Normandy France
The Battle of Hastings
Harold takes an arrow to the eye!
William becomes King William I of England
IV. King William I Introduced feudalism to England Brought almost all of England under his control why 1066 is considered the “Birth of England”
Cont. Punished men who fought for Harold (mostly English) Gave French positions in his gov’t Introduced French language to England (this is why approx. ¼ of English words have French roots.)
Cont. Made 1/5 of England his personal property King was now most powerful man in England Decided to take survey of all wealth of England people had to tell how much property they owned
Cont. Information written in Domesday Book: England’s total wealth = $100,000