Norman Kingdom

• Edward became king in 1942 after Cnut's son, his half brother, died. He had strong Norman links. He had no children so when he died in 1066, a rush for the crown occured.
• William of Normandy claimed Edward & Harold Godwinson said he should have the throne.
• Harold Godwinson - the most powerful man in England - the Witan [council] supported his claim to the throne.
• Harald Hardrada was the Viking ruler of Denmark who believed he had rights to the throne due to the Vikings ruling England for many years prior.
• On 6th January 1066, Harold Godwinson was elected king and was crowned immediately.
• 25th September 1066 : Harald Hardrada was defeated at the Battle of Stamford Bridge by Godwinson.
• 14th October 1066; Harold Godwinson was defeated by William of Normandy
• 25th December 1066: William of Normandy was crowned king.
• William gave Normans land in return for loyalty.
• Each Norman baron and lord under William had his own knights and soldiers to keep the peace.
• William gave his supporters top jobs in the Church to maintain control.
• William also encouraged Norman barons to build castles in order to control the whole of England.
• Under the Normans, French customs were introduced to Britain, French became the language of those in power and the Normans built hundreds of churches, cathedrals and monasteries.
• Norman lords owned large estates called manors which they rented out to peasants who worked on the land as tenants.
• William of Normandy died in 1087.
• Henry I of England succeeded William.
• When Henry I died, he wanted his daughter, Matilda to rule. However, when Henry died, Stephen seized the throne instead.
• For 19 years, a series of battles took place between Matilda and Stephen, the tyrant.
• In 1153, it was agreed that when Stephen died, Matilda's son Henry would become king.
• In October 1154, Matilda's son became Henry II of England.