Anglo-Norman facts for kids

The Anglo-Normans were a special group of people in England. They were mostly the children and grandchildren of the Normans who came from a place called Normandy in France. Most Normans arrived in England during a big event called the Norman Conquest in 1066. A few Normans had already settled in England before this conquest.

After the conquest, even though there weren't many Normans, they gained control over most of England. They often married English people. Their children then became known as Anglo-Normans because they had a mix of both Norman and English cultures.

Who Were the Anglo-Normans?

The Anglo-Normans were the descendants of the Normans who settled in England after 1066. They combined the traditions and language of Normandy with those of England. This mix created a unique culture that shaped England's history for centuries.

The Norman Conquest

The most important event that led to the Anglo-Normans was the Norman Conquest in 1066. This is when William the Conqueror, also known as William I, led an army from Normandy to England. He defeated the English king and became the new King of England. This was a huge change for England.

William the Conqueror's Rule

William the Conqueror was the first ruler to control both England and Normandy at the same time. This meant that England became closely linked with parts of France. The Normans brought their own language, which was a type of French, and their own customs. They built many castles and cathedrals across England.

A New Identity

Over time, the Normans in England started to blend with the English people. They married each other, and their children grew up speaking both Norman French and Old English. This blending of cultures and languages led to the creation of the Anglo-Norman identity.

When the Term Was First Used

The term "Anglo-Norman" was first used during the time of Henry I of England. This was mentioned in an old book called the Hyde Chronicle. This shows that people started to see these descendants of Normans as a distinct group, different from those still living in Normandy. The idea of an "Anglo-Norman kingdom" was first used to describe the period when William the Conqueror ruled both England and Normandy.

Images for kids

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  Norman possessions in the 12th century.

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  Scotland from the Matthew Paris map, c. 1250.