History Extra podcast 1066: the battle for England | 4. the long and violent Norman Conquest
Oct 16, 2024
Medieval historian Marc Morris shares his expertise on the prolonged and tumultuous Norman Conquest of England. He delves into William's challenging ascent to the throne after the Battle of Hastings and the chaos that ensued. The conversation reveals the fierce resistance from figures like the Godwin family, alongside the broader European reactions to the conquest. Morris also touches on the transformative impacts, including the establishment of feudalism and the introduction of the French language, reshaping English society forever.
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Troubled Coronation In Westminster
- William was crowned on Christmas at Westminster Abbey amid violence and panic during the ceremony.
- William of Poitiers records the coronation as chaotic, with William trembling as the crown was placed on his head.
Land Sales To Secure Loyalty
- William sold lands back to Englishmen as a grace for having supported Harold, using legalist Norman logic to justify dispossession.
- This created immediate tension between dispossessed English and newly rewarded Norman followers.
The Perilous Years 1067–1069
- Multiple uprisings from Godwin remnants and Scandinavian allies threatened Norman control between 1067–1069.
- 1069 was especially perilous as rebellions coincided with a Danish invasion and widespread unrest in the north.