Explore the chaos after the Battle of Hastings and the brutal tactics William the Conqueror used to solidify his reign. Uncover the contrasting fates of Norman and Anglo-Saxon soldiers while investigating King Harold's mysterious burial. Discover how power struggles led to William’s eventual coronation and the rise of Norman lords. Delve into the creation of the Doomsday Book, marking a significant shift in governance. Finally, examine the lasting trauma experienced by the English and the complex legacy of this pivotal conquest.
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Harold's Death and Aftermath
Edward A. Freeman, a historian, believed Harold Godwinson was crucial to England's defense.
After the Battle of Hastings, various accounts detail how William the Conqueror handled Harold's body, including one where his lover identified him.
insights INSIGHT
William's Strategic Moves
Despite Harold's death, the war wasn't over; England had ample resources and manpower.
William needed the Witan's recognition as king and used intimidation tactics to achieve it.
insights INSIGHT
Edgar Atheling's Brief Reign
Edgar Atheling, Edward's great-nephew, was elected king but lacked resources to confront William.
William's continued ravaging and Edgar's subsequent surrender underscored the lack of effective English leadership.
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Edward Augustus Freeman's magnum opus, 'The History of the Norman Conquest of England', is a six-volume work published between 1867 and 1879. It is distinguished by its exhaustive research, critical analysis, and historical accuracy, providing a detailed narrative of the Norman Conquest and its impact on English history. Freeman's work is notable for its political focus, reflecting his belief that 'history is past politics and politics are present history'.
The last english king
Julian Rathbone
Doomsday Book
Connie Willis
The Doomsday Book, commissioned by William the Conqueror in 1086, was a comprehensive survey of England's landholdings and population. It provided valuable data for taxation and governance, offering a detailed snapshot of medieval English society. The survey's meticulous record-keeping established a baseline for understanding land ownership, demographics, and economic resources. Its impact extended far beyond its immediate purpose, shaping future administrative practices and providing historians with an invaluable source of information. The Doomsday Book remains a significant historical artifact, illustrating the importance of accurate data collection for effective governance.
What happened in the aftermath of the Battle of Hastings? What horrors did William the Conqueror have to inflict upon his Anglo Saxon subjects in order to consolidate his new realm? And, what role did castles, the Harrowing of the North, and the Doomsday Book play in the creation of a new England?
Join Tom and Dominic as they discuss William the Conquerer's new reign in the wake of the Battle of Hastings, and the true nature of the Norman Conquest.
The Rest Is History 
