Although William won the Battle of Hastings in 1066, his conquest of England was not immediately secure.

Many English people refused to accept Norman rule. Across England, rebellions broke out against William and his supporters.

Some resistance came from powerful Anglo-Saxon nobles. Other rebellions were led by ordinary people who were angry about Norman control, heavy punishments and the loss of land.

William responded harshly. He built castles, replaced English nobles with Normans and used brutal military force to crush resistance.

In this lesson, you will learn:

• Why many English people resisted Norman rule
• Who Edgar Aetheling was
• Why rebellions broke out across England
• How Hereward the Wake became famous
• What happened during the Harrying of the North
• How William defeated resistance and secured control of England