Course Content
England before 1066
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Overview
Quiz: How much do you already know about England before1066?
England in January 1066
Quiz: England in January 1066
Why Harold Expected an Invasion
Quiz: Why Harold Expected in Invasion
The Four Claimants to the Throne
Quiz: Who were the claimants?
The Events of 1066
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Overview
Key Terms
The Battle of Fulford (20 Sep 1066)
Quiz: The Battle of Fulford
The Battle of Stamford Bridge (25 Sep 1066)
Quiz: The Battle of Stamford Bridge
William Lands in England
The Armies of 1066
The Battle of Hastings (14 Oct 1066)
Why William Won the Battle of Hastings
Quiz: The Battle of Hastings
William’s March to London
William Crowned King
End-of-topic Quiz
English Resistance to the Normans
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Overview
Key Terms
Why Was There Resistance?
Edgar Aetheling
Early Rebellions Against William
The Northern Rebellions
The Harrying of the North
Hereward the Wake
Norman Methods of Control
Why Resistance Failed
The End of Major Resistance
Quick Summary
Norman Castles
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Overview
Key Terms
Why Did William Build Castles?
What Was a Motte and Bailey Castle?
Why Were Motte and Bailey Castles Effective?
Where Did the Normans Build Castles?
Norman Castle Builders
Life Inside a Norman Castle
Weaknesses of Motte and Bailey Castles
Famous Norman Castles
Why Castles Helped William Control England
Quick Summary
Feudal System
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Overview
Key Terms
What Was the Feudal System?
Why Did William Use the Feudal System?
The Feudal Hierarchy
How the Feudal System Controlled England
The Oath of Loyalty
Strengths of the Feudal System
Weaknesses of the Feudal System
The Impact of the Feudal System
Quick Summary
Domesday Book
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Overview
Key Terms
What Was the Domesday Book?
Why Did William Order the Survey?
How Was the Survey Carried Out?
What Information Was Recorded?
What Did the Domesday Book Reveal?
How Did the Domesday Book Help William?
The Two Domesday Books
Limitations of the Domesday Book
Why Is the Domesday Book Important Today?
Quick Summary
How Did the Norman Conquest Change England?
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Overview
Key Terms
A New Ruling Class
The Feudal System
Castles Across England
Changes to Government
Changes to the Church
Changes to Language
Changes to Law and Justice
England and Europe
The Impact on Ordinary People
Was the Norman Conquest a Success?
Quick Summary
Private: The Norman Conquest, 1066

Stronger Royal Power

The Norman kings exercised more control over England than most Anglo-Saxon kings.

William expected loyalty from all landowners.

He also used:

  • Sheriffs
  • Royal officials
  • Castles
  • The feudal system

to govern the country.

The Domesday Book

In 1085–1086, William ordered the Domesday Book.

This survey recorded:

  • Land ownership
  • Wealth
  • Resources
  • Population

The Domesday Book helped William collect taxes and strengthen royal authority.

It became one of the most important government records in English history.

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