1.13.1

Pre-1066

Test yourself

Norman Society in 1065

It is important to understand what Normandy was like before William the Conqueror invaded England.

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What was Normandy like in 1065?

  • Normandy was a region in the north of what is now France.
    • The islands of Jersey and Guernsey were nearby in the English Channel.
    • Most of France was ruled by the 'King of the Franks'.
  • William the Conqueror ruled Normandy.
  • At that time, France was divided into different tribes and local regions, similar to Germany.
Illustrative background for The feudal system in NormandyIllustrative background for The feudal system in Normandy ?? "content

The feudal system in Normandy

  • The feudal system was used in Normandy before the Normans came to England.
    • In Normandy, counties were called 'fiefs' or 'shires'.
  • The nobles who ruled these lands were called 'vassals'.
    • These vassals answered to the King of the Franks, just as the tenants-in-chief in England were loyal to the King of England.
  • In France, each vassal had a private army.
  • In England, most nobles, or Earls, had only a few knights.
    • When more soldiers were needed, nobles raised a militia.
Illustrative background for The Fief of Normandy Illustrative background for The Fief of Normandy  ?? "content

The Fief of Normandy

  • Normandy was one of the fiefs in France.
  • William the Conqueror ruled Normandy as the Duke of Normandy.
  • The first Viking leader of Normandy had been a man named Rollo the Walker.
  • William’s family rose to power, and William became the Duke of Normandy around 1060.
    • William’s rise to power was not easy, and some people challenged William’s right to be Duke.
Illustrative background for William's disputed succession in NormandyIllustrative background for William's disputed succession in Normandy ?? "content

William's disputed succession in Normandy

  • William of Normandy’s succession was disputed, just like Harold Godwinson’s in England.
  • William was a bastard child, which meant William’s parents had not been married when he was born.
  • William’s father was Robert, the Duke of Normandy.
    • Because of this, William claimed the title of Duke of Normandy.

Jump to other topics

1Empires East & West: 1000 AD

1.1The Rise & Fall of Ancient China’s Empire

1.2The Medieval Greatness of the Byzantine Empire

1.3The Golden Age of the Islamic Empire

1.4The Politics & Power of the Holy Roman Empire

1.5Medieval Religion

1.6The Influence of the Church in Medieval Times

1.7How Religion Tested the Power of Kings

1.8Dynastic Challenges to Medieval Monarchs

1.9Challenges to Medieval Monarchs

1.10Revolts, Rebellions & Rights

1.11Medieval England & Her Neighbours

1.12European Renaissance

1.13Norman Conquest & Control

1.14Historical Skills

2The Medieval World: 450-1450 AD

2.1Anglo-Saxon England

2.2The Contest for the English Throne

2.3Conquering the Holy Land, 10-96-1396 AD

2.4King John

2.5The Magna Carta & Parliament

2.6The Black Death

3Worldviews

4The Empire of Mali: 1076-1670 AD

5The Renaissance & Reformations: 1500-1598 AD

6The British Empire: 1583-1960 AD

7The Peasants' Revolt: 1381 AD

8Religion in the Middle Ages

9Slavery: 1619-1833 AD

10The English Civil War: 1642-1660 AD

11The Industrial Revolution: 1750-1840 AD

12US Independence: 1775-1783 AD

13The French Revolution: 1789-1815 AD

14The British Empire: 1857–1930 AD

15Suffrage: 1840-1928 AD

16World War 1: 1914-1918 AD

17The Inter-War Years: 1919-1939 AD

18World War 2: 1939-1945 AD

19The Cold War: 1947-1962 AD

20Civil Rights in the USA: 1954-1975 AD

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