A. Feudal Structure and Governance
- The Duchy of Normandy was ruled by a duke, originally Rollo and his descendants, who exercised semi-independent control under the French crown.
- The Normans adopted feudalism, organizing society into a hierarchy of lords, vassals, knights, and peasants.
- Castles and fortifications became symbols of Norman power and control.
B. Military Innovation and Tactics
- Normans were renowned for their cavalry, heavy armored knights, and disciplined military organization.
- Their combination of infantry, archers, and cavalry tactics allowed them to dominate battlefields.
- These skills proved crucial in their later conquests.
C. Language and Culture
- The Norman dialect of Old French became influential, especially after the conquest of England.
- Normans were patrons of architecture, commissioning Romanesque churches and abbeys.
- They contributed to legal and administrative reforms, blending Viking pragmatism with continental sophistication.
The Norman Conquest of England (1066)
A. Background and Claim to the English Throne
- Edward the Confessor’s death in 1066 without an heir triggered a succession crisis in England.
- William, Duke of Normandy and great-nephew of Edward, claimed the English crown based on a prior promise.
- Harold Godwinson was crowned king, but William contested this.
B. The Battle of Hastings
- On October 14, 1066, William’s forces faced Harold’s army near Hastings.
- The battle ended with Harold’s death and a decisive Norman victory.
- This battle marked the beginning of Norman rule over England.
C. William the Conqueror’s Reign
- William was crowned King of England on Christmas Day, 1066.
- He instituted sweeping changes: redistribution of land to Norman lords, building castles, and introducing Norman law.
- The Domesday Book (1086) recorded land ownership and resources, showcasing Norman administrative rigor. shutdown123