The British History Podcast
397 – William: The Devil Inside
Aug 8, 2022
William, associated with crowning England's new King in 1066, discusses aggressive behavior and destructive tendencies. The podcast talks about the chaos after his coronation, the knights setting London on fire, William's severe taxes, distribution of titles, and the quiet resentment of the English people.
35:08
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Quick takeaways
- The burning of London by Norman knights on Christmas Day of 1066 marked the violent beginning of Norman rule in England.
- William the Conqueror's weak and unprepared leadership, characterized by violence and avarice among his knights, led to chaos and looting in London, showcasing his lack of understanding of the people and the situation.
Deep dives
Burning of London on Christmas Day
On Christmas Day of 1066, shortly after William the Conqueror was crowned the new king of England, Norman knights set London on fire. The traditional explanation that they did so to save William from supposed attackers in Westminster Abbey is deemed highly implausible. It is more likely that the knights burned the city as a result of panic and confusion caused by the spread of fires they had started. This act of burning and looting marked the violent beginning of Norman rule in England.
