Led by William, the Duke of Normandy, the Norman conquest of England began with the Battle of Hastings in 1066. Thereafter, the Duke of Normandy was known as William the Conqueror. It was a pivotal event in the history of England, replacing the native leaders with a French monarchy, clerical system, and aristocracy. It also made possible the Norman conquest of Wales and Ireland as well as near conquest of Scotland.
Recommended Resources
British Battles: Battle of Hastings
Chronicles the historic battle of Hastings, which was a key battle in the Norman conquest of England in 1066. Topics include the armies, their sizes, uniforms, arms, and equipment, as well as the generals.
http://www.britishbattles.com/norman-conquest/battle-hastings.htm
Explores the Norman Invasion, using a 360-degree battlefield panorama, 3-dimensional battle maps and clothing, and what the world would have sounded like during the Middle Ages.
http://www.essentialnormanconquest.com/
Numerous aspects of the Norman invasion of England and the Battle of Hastings in 1066 are addressed here, including the Bayeux Tapestry, King Edward's dispatch of Harold Godwinson, the pretender, and Harold swearing an oath to William.
http://www.eyewitnesstohistory.com/bayeux.htm
The Effect of the Norman Conquest on the English Language
Provides the perspective that the reason English is spoken in England today is a direct result of the Norman Conquest. It gives details about Old English, Norman French, and Middle English with examples of each.
http://geoffboxell.tripod.com/words.htm
Outlines the Norman Conquest, with details about the aftermath, including Hereward the Wake and Swein of Denmark. Also discusses the obligations of a knight in service of a lord.
http://history.wisc.edu/sommerville/123/123%209%20Norman%20Conquest.htm
