History week 8.

The Conquest of England refers to the Norman Conquest of 1066, led by William the Conqueror. This pivotal event in British history began with the Battle of Hastings on October 14, 1066, where William’s forces defeated the Anglo-Saxon king Harold II. The childless Anglo-Saxon king who had no direct heir. He was believed to have promised the throne to William. After Edward’s death, Harold Godwinson was crowned king, but William claimed the throne based on his alleged promise from Edward. The Anglo-Saxon elite lost power, and William redistributed land to his Norman followers. A comprehensive survey of England completed in 1086 to assess and record land holdings. Harald Hardrada and Tostig Godwinson, Harold’s exiled brother, defeated the English earls Edwin and Morcar near York. King Harold Godwinson marched north and decisively defeated Hardrada and Tostig, ending their challenge. However, this victory came at a cost, as Harold’s forces were exhausted. Taking advantage of Harold’s weakened state, William landed at Pevensey on September 28, 1066. In 1086, William commissioned the Domesday Book, a comprehensive survey of his kingdom’s lands and resources. This helped establish effective taxation and control over the realm. William faced numerous uprisings over the next few years. He responded with brutal campaigns, including the Harrying of the North, which devastated large areas of northern England. William’s use of feigned retreats and archers proved effective. Harold was killed, possibly by an arrow to the eye, and his forces were routed.