History Extra podcast
1066: the battle for England | 1. Vikings, Normans and rebellious Anglo-Saxons
Sep 25, 2024
David Musgrove, an expert on the Norman Conquest, and Marc Morris, a historian of medieval England, delve into the roots of the pivotal year 1066. They discuss the turbulent early 11th century, marked by Danish invasions and the struggles of rulers like Æthelred the Unready. The dynamics of royal succession, treachery among the English nobility, and the polarizing legacy of figures like Erle Godwin are explored. Their engaging conversation sheds light on how these events shaped England's political landscape leading to the Norman invasion.
54:30
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Quick takeaways
- The Danish invasion of England in 1016 by Cnut laid the groundwork for the centuries of political turmoil leading to 1066.
- The Godwin family's rise to power exemplifies the intricate politics and shifting loyalties that characterized 11th-century England before the Norman Conquest.
Deep dives
The Prelude to the Norman Conquest
The year 1066 marks a pivotal moment in English history, encapsulated by the defeat of Harold II by William of Normandy. However, to truly understand this event, one must explore the background leading up to it, beginning with earlier conquests, such as King Knut's Danish invasion in 1016. The Danish rule significantly influenced England, marked by political maneuvering and the assimilation of Viking elements into English culture. The podcast emphasizes that this historical narrative is not merely defined by the single battle of Hastings, but by decades of complex political changes and cultural transformations that shaped the landscape of medieval England.
