William of Normandy’s invasion of England in 1066 was an audacious land grab. It only succeeded by chance. Harold Godwinson’s victory at Stamford Bridge fatally weakened his army and handed William a significant advantage at the Battle of Hastings. His death in combat marked the end of Anglo-Saxon England. This was a disaster on an epic scale.
One of the most sophisticated and developed of Europe’s kingdoms had fallen into the hands of a ruthless group of robber barons. William the Bastard had little understanding of, or regard for, the customs and traditions of the kingdom he had won in battle and succeeded in establishing his rule only through the use of brute force and terror. William demonstrated this as soon as he landed, burning the Bosham estates that belonged to Harold in order to provoke him to battle. This disregard for human life would continue to be a feature of Norman rule.
Your organisation does not have access to this article.
Sign up today to give your students the edge they need to achieve their best grades with subject expertise
Subscribe
