The Norman Conquest of England in 1066 is one of the most significant events in world history. It wasn’t just a story of an army vs. another army. It was an opportunity for individuals who had power and wanted to take control of an entire nation. Furthermore, it had the potential to upset the existing power balance within England, warfare, political power, leadership, and the future of Europe. So why the Normans conquer England in 1066 gives us insight on how war and conflict came together in politics, political leadership and the future of Europe.
The Background to 1066
The events of the Norman Conquest actually begin before the invasion. England during the 11th century was wealthy and relatively organized. It had much fertile agricultural land, developed trade routes, and organized and centralized government. This was an appealing prize for the Normans, who lived across the Channel in Normandy.
At the same time, England was politically unstable. The death of King Edward the Confessor early in January 1066 created a power vacuum. Edward had no legitimate heir, which opened the door for rival claims to the throne of England. This was the principal reason why the Normans acted.
Who Are the Normans?
The Normans were originally descendants of Vikings, who had settled in northern France. By 1066, they represented a strong regime within Normandy. They were skilled warriors, competent builders, and aggressive political leaders. William, Duke of Normandy, was the leader of the Normans at this time, and he felt that he had a right to the English throne. With the strength of his forces, he decided to move towards conquering England.
Claims to the English throne
The marketing of who takes the place of King Edward the Confessor was part of the Norman Conquest. In 1066, a few men claimed the throne, each using different reasoning.
Harold Godwinson’s claim
Harold Godwinson, the most powerful noble in England, had been chosen by the English nobles and was crowned king immediately after Edward’s death. Harold was a longtime soldier and respected leader in England. His claim to the throne was selected by the Witan council of nobles.
William of Normandy’s claim
William argued that King Edward had promised him the throne in prior years. He claimed Harold swore an oath to protect his right to rule. To William, Harold was a traitor in being crowned king and justified invasion.
Harald Hardrada’s claim
A third claimed the throne, which was Harald Hardrada of Norway. He based his claim on previous agreements made by Viking rulers and believed England was his to take. His efforts to gain power contributed to the grave confusion of 1066. The confusion created by the clashing claims set up the perfect context for the Norman invasion.
Why England Was Worth Conquering
In 1066 England was one of the richest kingdoms in Europe. With fertile fields that yielded good harvests, trade connections to Scandinavia and France, growing towns, and a structured government, it had everything it needed to be a well-off kingdom.
For William, conquering England was not merely adding to his land; it was gaining untold wealth and also enhancing his power and influence within Europe. The prospect was simply too good to ignore.
The Role of Religion
Religion also contributed to why the Normans conquered England in 1066. William secured support from the Pope, who endorsed the invasion, turning the conquest into a holy expedition. This provided William with a moral legitimacy and convinced more knights to join him.
The Pope’s endorsement also enabled William to frame Harold as an oath-breaker. To break an oath sworn on holy relics was considered a serious sin. This provided William with another rationale for his invasion.
Preparing for the Invasion
William organized the Norman invasion of England meticulously. He constructed a fleet of ships to transport soldiers, horses, and supplies across the Channel. His army consisted of knights, archers, and foot soldiers.
The Normans had a reputation for fighting as well. They had fought in various parts of France and in Italy. Their combination of cavalry, archery, and disciplined infantry was a great advantage to them in battle against the English.
The Battle of Hastings
The culmination of the Norman Conquest was captured in the Battle of Hastings on 14 October 1066. Harold Godwinson had just fought and won against Harald Hardrada in the north at Stamford Bridge. When he marched south to face William, his army was fatigued.
The battle was protracted and bloody. Harold’s shield wall held for a lot of the day. But the Normans used a range of clever tactics, such as feigned retreats, to break the English lines. Harold was killed during the battle, and the army was lost.
The victory at Hastings gave William the crown of England. But the conquest of England was not finished with that one battle. Resistance persisted for years, but William was determined and became powerful to guarantee Norman control.
The Aftermath of 1066
The Norman conquest created a completely new England. A new upper class was established, new Norman castles and Norman cathedrals dotted the land, and the English language incorporated French words, leading to modern English.
William displaced Anglo-Saxon nobles with Norman lords, who were strict with ensuring William had their loyalty. William enacted the feudal system as a cornerstone of obtaining royal authority and also establishing England closely with mainland Europe, changing its political and cultural trajectories forever.
Why Did the Normans Succeed?
There are several reasons that can explain why the Normans conquered England in 1066:
- Stronger Leadership: William was a determined and capable leader, while Harold was weakened by subsequent battles and fighting and had not fully recuperated.
- Better Tactics: The Seattle and archers offered William and the Normans better fighting tactics and strategies, including the element of surprise, especially against infantries with horses and cavalry over people stuck in the foot-soldier stage.
- Papal Authority: The pope’s blessing gave William additional legitimacy.
- Good Fortune: Fate played its hand; Harold’s army was battered from fighting in the north, and William had the advantage of blooming at Hastings.
These factors positioned all the pieces of their puzzle in spatial proximity for the Normans to make the conquest happen.
Last Impact of the Conquest
Conquest is not all about conquest. It is the wider effects of conquest that mark a longer impact in the centuries that follow. England was now positioned with Europe rather than being deemed an insignificant state like Alaska. The laws of England, the cultures of England, and the language of England were changed forever. Norman castles and churches stand today, leaving a legacy and proper reminders of their trial and the consequential power that they conquered and established.
For historians, the Norman Conquest of 1066 illustrates how a singular event can change a nation’s historical trajectory. The Norman Conquest helps to explain the long-standing reasons why England’s past is tied to Viking and French traditions.
