History
William the Conqueror: The Norman King Who Changed England
Discover William the Conqueror, the Duke of Normandy who invaded England in 1066, won the Battle of Hastings, and forever changed English society.
What is it?
William the Conqueror (c. 1028 - 1087), also known as William I, was the first Norman King of England. Originally the Duke of Normandy in France, he was a formidable warrior and leader. Born the illegitimate son of Duke Robert I of Normandy, he was often called "William the Bastard" by contemporaries. He believed he had a claim to the English throne, which was promised to him by his relative, King Edward the Confessor. Upon Edward's death in 1066, the English throne was given to Harold Godwinson. In response, William launched an invasion of England, culminating in the pivotal Battle of Hastings on October 14, 1066, where he defeated and killed Harold. He was crowned King of England on Christmas Day of that year.
Why is it trending?
William the Conqueror is a key figure in English history because his reign marked a profound turning point for the nation. The Norman Conquest of 1066 ended Anglo-Saxon rule and initiated a new era of Norman influence that reshaped the country's political, social, and cultural landscape. To solidify his rule, he suppressed rebellions, built numerous castles across the land (including the Tower of London), and replaced the English aristocracy with Norman loyalists. His reign also saw the creation of the Domesday Book in 1086, a comprehensive survey of all landholdings in England, which provided an unprecedented level of administrative control.
How does it affect people?
The Norman Conquest had lasting effects that are still evident today. William introduced a centralized feudal system, fundamentally restructuring land ownership and the class system. Norman French became the language of the court and government for almost 300 years, leading to the infusion of many French words into the English language, such as 'beef', 'pork', and 'noble'. He also reformed the Church, replacing Anglo-Saxon bishops with Normans. The widespread construction of castles changed the landscape and military strategy in England. Ultimately, William's conquest bound England more closely with continental Europe, altering its political and cultural trajectory for centuries to come.