How Much Did the Normans Change England?

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infoWhy this? The Norman Conquest provides a powerful case study of how invasion can transform government, landholding, the Church, language, and architecture while leaving aspects of everyday life intact. Comparing England before and after 1066 develops our understanding of causation, continuity, and change.

scheduleWhy now? As the opening Year 7 enquiry, this unit establishes a chronological and institutional foundation for later British history. Knowledge of Anglo-Saxon and Norman government, society, and religion prepares us to examine how power developed across the medieval period.

Anglo-Saxon England before 1066 was ruled by King Edward the Confessor, with a system of earldoms and local government based on shires and hundreds.
The economy of pre-Norman England was largely agricultural, with villages, manors, and some towns; trade existed both within England and with Europe.
The Church in Anglo-Saxon England was Catholic, with monasteries playing a key role in education, culture, and local governance.
The succession crisis after Edward the Confessor's death in 1066 led to claims to the throne by Harold Godwinson, William of Normandy, and Harald Hardrada.
The Normans invaded England in 1066, defeating Harold Godwinson at the Battle of Hastings.
William the Conqueror used a combination of military force, such as building castles and the Harrying of the North, political alliances, and legal reforms to control England.
William reorganised and intensified existing forms of lordship: land was held ultimately from the king, tenants-in-chief received estates in return for loyalty and service, and Norman landholders replaced most English elites.
The Domesday Book was a comprehensive survey of land and property in England, commissioned by William in 1085–86.
Norman rule led to changes in the English language, architecture such as Romanesque churches and stone castles, and aristocracy, with the replacement of Anglo-Saxon nobles by Normans.
The Church was reformed under the Normans: Norman bishops and abbots were appointed, church courts were established, and new cathedrals were built.
Some aspects of society, such as village life and agricultural practices, remained largely unchanged for most people after the Norman Conquest.
William retained important Anglo-Saxon institutions, including shires, hundreds, writs, geld taxation, and much existing law, while replacing many officeholders and strengthening royal control through sheriffs.

rocket_launchYou must be able to

Describe the structure of Anglo-Saxon society and government before 1066, including the roles of the king, earls, thegns, and peasants.
Explain the events leading up to and including the Battle of Hastings, using key evidence such as the Bayeux Tapestry.
Analyse the methods William I used to consolidate his power, including castle-building, the reorganisation of landholding and lordship, and the Domesday Book.
Compare and contrast Anglo-Saxon and Norman society, identifying areas of continuity and change.
Evaluate the impact of the Norman Conquest on the English Church, using specific examples of reforms and changes in leadership.

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