The Norman Conquest of England William the Conqueror and the Battle of Hastings in 1066

William the Conqueror Viking descendant Dad was Duke of Normandy –Normandy- N. France given to Vikings Mother was a commoner Father never married his mom –Because of this- many nobles said he was illegitimate –They tried to prevent him from becoming Duke

William’s Rough Years Some of these nobles attempted to kill him and take his father’s lands Three of his guardians were killed by his enemies At 18 he claims his title and brutally puts down any rebellion

Claim to English Throne King of England Edward the Confessor dies without leaving an heir William and Edward are cousins William claims a right to the English throne But so did Harold II- Earl of Wessex

But…. There were multiple claims to the English crown Viking kings from Norway and Denmark had taken over The Anglo-Saxons were struggling to get their power back And Anglo-Saxon named Harold II- was crowned King of England immediately following Edward’s death So… William invades England- claiming to be the rightful king

The Road to Norman Victory Both sides had between 7,000-8,000 soldiers When the Norman’s landed, Harold’s forces just fought a successful war against the Norwegians in northern England They had to march 240 miles to Hastings

Battle of Hastings: 1066

Heads up Harold! The Norman also fought with knights on horseback- they were crucial to their victory The English fought on foot King Harold II is killed in the battle- can you guess how he died?

Willy is now the Conqueror William was crowned King of England Kings and Nobles now own land in both England and France See the back board and take down the key ideas

William as King of England Kept one-fifth of England as his personal property Took land and titles from Harold’s supporters Norman knights and lords become nobles in England –gave land to 200 Norman lords ***His nobles and successors had land in both England and France** Set up line of successionline of succession Domesday Book- –Property survey/census so taxes could be collected Built a number of castles/fortifications through England; the most famous is The Tower of London

Line of Succession Who gets the throne after the king croaks? In theory- 1 st Born son- is considered first for any royal/noble title –If no son; it goes to oldest daughter, or another male relative But many times in English history- this did not happen The king’s will, input of nobles, and multiple claims to the throne often make succession and bloody, messy and confusing issue The division of land and wealth often created conflict