Norman conquest of England facts for kids
The Norman conquest of England was a big military invasion of England in 1066. It was led by William the Conqueror. He was a powerful Duke from Normandy, which is a region in modern-day France.
William believed he should be the next King of England. This was after King Edward the Confessor died. However, Harold Godwinson was crowned King Harold II instead. This led to a major conflict.
King Harold, with his Saxon army, faced Duke William's forces. They fought at the famous Battle of Hastings on October 14 1066. King Harold was killed during this battle. His army then left the battlefield. On December 25 1066, William was crowned the new King of England.
The Norman conquest changed England forever. It connected England much more closely with Continental Europe. It also made the influence of Scandinavia less important. The conquest created one of the strongest monarchies in Europe. It also greatly changed the English language and culture. This event also set the stage for a long rivalry with France. This rivalry continued for many centuries.
England has not been successfully invaded since the Norman invasion. That was almost 1000 years ago.
Images for kids
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13th-century depiction of Rollo (top) and his descendants William I Longsword and Richard I of Normandy
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Arrival in England scene from the Bayeux Tapestry, depicting ships grounding and horses landing
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The remains of Baile Hill, the second motte-and-bailey castle built by William the Conqueror in York, on the west bank of the River Ouse
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Coin of Sweyn II of Denmark
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The White Tower of the Tower of London, originally built by William the Conqueror to control London.
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Depiction of the Varangian Guard, which had many English recruits, from the 12th-century Madrid Skylitzes, in the Biblioteca Nacional de España in Madrid.
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English counties in 1086
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Page from the Warwickshire Domesday survey
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Modern-day reconstruction of an Anglo-Saxon village at West Stow Anglo-Saxon Village in Suffolk
See also
In Spanish: Conquista normanda de Inglaterra para niños
