The Norman Conquest

UNIT I: The Beginnings of the English Civilization

The Norman Conquest

Cultura y Civilización de los Pueblos de Habla Inglesa I FL - UNC

The Norman Conquest

In this virtual class, we invite you to explore the main characteristics of a new culture that, from the the eleventh century on, established its domination over what is England today: THE NORMANS.

As you explore these people, make notes to summarize the most important traits.

Bibliography

Read

The Norman Conquest

Who were the Normans?

Watch this video on the Normans. Based on the information you get from the video and on what you have read, briefly explain:

1. Who were the Normans?
2. Where did they originally come from?
3. What ethnic group did they belong to?
4. Where did they settle? Why?

Read

Edward "The Confessor"

Harold II Earl of Wessex

William "The Conqueror"

The Norman Conquest

Watch this video on the Norman Conquest of England and answer the questions Then, click to do an activity to check your knowledge.

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The Norman Conquest

On the basis of the images below, characterize the Normans. The pictures here will give you an idea of the different aspects of the Norman culture. Click on each one to find out what field of this culture the image is referring to.

Read

How was the Anglo-Saxon society affected by the arrival of the Normans?

Consequences of the Norman Conquest

Read Berrone's essay The English Social Classes before and after the Industrial Revolution (pp. 1-3) and analyze the image below. Based on the information read and analyzed, answer the questions given.

Now that you have a general picture of the Normans and their culture, we are going to analyze how the Norman conquest affected the Anglo-Saxons' lifestyle. The arrival of the Normans in England meant deep and big changes for the Anglo-Saxons in different fields of life; significant transformations took place in the economic, social, political, religious, and other cultural aspects of the country and its people.

GREATER TENANTS-IN-CHIEF

THE KING

MESNE TENANTS

(BARONS)

VILLEINS

(KNIGHTS)

Land

Land

Military services

Military services

Field services

Field services

Field services

THE FEUDAL SYSTEM

The Feudal System

Feudalism can be defined as a system of land tenure according to which land was held in return for services rendered (Adapted from Cooke, 2012, p. 15). But in fact, Feudalism meant much more than an economic system, it was also a political and social system prevailing in Western Europe during the Early Middle Ages. In short, Feudalism implied a way of life.

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IMPACT OF THE NORMAN CONQUEST ON OTHER ASPECTS OF THE ANGLO-SAXON CULTURE

The arrival of the Normans meant the influence of their culture upon the Anglo-Saxon society. William's victory cut off England's links with Scandinavia, bringing the country instead into close contact with the Continent, especially France. Thus, with the Norman conquest, England's bonds with Europe and the Latin civilization were reestablished and strengthened.

POLITICAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INSTITUTIONS - THE LAW

LANGUAGE

1. What language did the Normans speak? 2. How many languages were spoken in England in Norman times? Who spoke them? Why? For what purpose? 3. How did the Norman Conquest influence and affect the English language?

Did the Normans do away with the Anglo-Saxon's political and administrative institutions and legal system?

ARCHITECTURE

Why did William build many castles and strongholds?

RACIAL STOCK

Did the Normans' arrival in the country bring about any changes in the Anglo-Saxon racial stock? Why/Why not?

CHRISTIAN ANGLO-SAXON CHURCH

1. How did William change the character and structure of the Anglo-Saxon Christian Church?
2. What measures did he take regarding the English Church?

SIGNIFICANCE OF THE OF NORMAN CONQUEST IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE ENGLISH CULTURE

based on what you have read and analyzed, answer:

How significant was the Norman Conquest for the development of the English Culture?

Remember that the contents of this presentation will be discussed in the synchronous session. See you then!

• BBC Select. (2022, Nov. 24). The Normans - The Birth of Normandy [video]. YouTube. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YJKn-ANlosU
• Berrone, M.L. (1974). The English Social Classes before and after the Industrial Revolution. Facultad de Lenguas.
• Cooke, E. (2012). Land Law. Oxford University Press.
• HistoryPod. (2018, Sept. 27). 28th September 1066: William of Normandy lands in England [video]. YouTube. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8g067MU9qos
• Oliva, C. (1989).The Relationship between the Monarchy and the Church in England. From the Norman Conquest to the Reformation. Facultad de Lenguas.
• The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica. (2024, Jan. 4). Norman. Encyclopedia Britannica. Retrieved from https://www.britannica.com/topic/Norman-people
• What is the Bayeux Tapestry about - the story of the tapestry. (2019, Nov. 29). Bayeux Museum. Retrieved from https://www.bayeuxmuseum.com/en/the-bayeux-tapestry/discover-the-bayeux-tapestry/what-is-the-bayeux-tapestry-about/
• William I 'The Conqueror'. (n.d.) The Royal Household. Retrieved from https://www.royal.uk/william-the-conqueror