The Norman Invasion 1066

Andreas Kokk

10. B klass

Tallinna Prantsuse Lütseum

The Danish King Canute/Cnut/Knut

Pildi lisamiseks klõpsake ikooni

• At the beginning of the 11th century (in 1016) England was conquered by the Danish king.

• He became king of Denmark, Norway and England.

• Proved to be the most effective ruler. He divided England into territorial lordships.

Edward the Confessor

• After Canute’s death in 1035 the throne was passed to Edward the Confessor.

• He restored the Saxon line of kings.

• He became king in 1042.

• His reign was a period of demographic growth.

Edwards death

• After Edwards death in January 1066 three men claimed his throne.

• First was his brother-in-law Harold Godwinson, the Earl on Wessex.

• Second was Harald Hardrada, the King of Norway.

• The last but not least was William, the Duke of Normandy.

• In 1066 at the end of the summer, Harald Hardrada landed in north-eastern England. He was defeated at Stamford Bridge, near the city of York on 25 September.

• Harold Godwinson reigned from 6 January 1066 until his death at the Battle of Hastings on 14 October 1066.

• While Harold and his soldiers were resting after the battle, bad news arrived.

The battle of Hastings

• The English king returned to London, collected a new army and marched to Hastings. They stopped on a hill and the battle began.

• The Anglo Saxons fought on foot, but the Normans were on horses.

• The Normans pretended to run away, some of the Anglo-Saxons chased them down the hill but the Norman knights turned around and killed them.

• King Harold was mortally wounded by an arrow in his eye.

• Was the last successful invasion of Britain.

Westminster Abbey

• On Christmas day William was acclaimed king in Westminster Abbey. He is now called William the Conqueror.

• 1066 is the most famous date in England history. It was a turning point for English history and the English language.

Westminster Abbey

French became the language of aristocracy. English was now the language of the peasants.The most prominent surviving remains from Norman England are stone castles, such as the White Tower in London and stone cathedrals, such as Durham.

The White Tower Durham Cathedral

Thanks for your attention!Hope you learned a lot!