The Norman Conquest

By:Steve Dulny Andrea Zoey Ruy

• In 1066AD the middle ages had been going on for 600 years

• Many battles had been fought and rulers were replaced frequently

• Parts of Europe were settled into large kingdoms but other parts were still disorganized with no central government.

 

England was one of the Places that central Government was justBeginning to develop.Each section had its own dukeWhich meant that ifAttacked they had no Organized way to Defend themselves

• That is what exactly happened in 1066.

• It was a complicated story full of action, promises, and lies.

• William earned his crown as king of Normandy France at the age of seven.

• In the first few years William’s great uncle ruled his place.

• When William was 20 he was not only ruling his own, but also waging wars against his enemies.

Soon William was an experienced and ruthless military leader, because he had to defend himself from uprisings from his kingdom.

• In 1064, he was visited by an English duke, Harold of Wessex.

• Reports said that Harold was sent there as a messenger by the King of England.

• Other reports said that the visit was an accident. The question of what really happened during this visit will become important soon.

Harold

• In 1065, Edward the King of England died. So Harold returned to England to claim the throne for himself.

• William also claimed the throne, stating that it had been promised to him in a message by king Edward in 1064.

• A third claim to the throne was by a Norwegian ruler named Hardrada.

Edward the king of England

Hardrada

William

• They heard that King Edward’s dying words had been “Into Harold’s hands I commit my Kingdom” and they decided that Harold was the rightful heir to the throne.

• Both William and Hardrada did not agree• Both men planned an attack on king Herold• Tostig brother of king Herold join the fight on

Hararada side

Willam Hadrada Tostig

• Hardrada attacked first.• William built up an

army of archers and cavalry.

• William also built up his own fleet of ships.

• By August 1066, William was ready with 700 ships to hold his soldiers, weapons, and horses.

William Landed in England at Pevensey.Then he led his army to Hastings

where he built his fort.

Upon hearing Williams arrival Harold moved his estimated 8000 troops to meet

Williams 8000 troops. He set up his headquarters six miles from Williams.

On October 14, 1066 Williams troops attacked Harold's with approximately 1100 archers.Harold's men defended with their

shields but were no match for Williams infantry and cavalry, His troops were

quickly surrounded.

• William was victorious and king Herolds forces

had a heavy loss.

• William went across England conquering more land until he fought through London

• There on Christmas day he was crowned king of England

William became known as “William the Conqueror”, because he brought a new culture and many changes to England.He made England a unified kingdom.